16 Jul 2021
Tokyo’s Olympic Rowing Regatta venue – what to expect
In just over one week, rowing will descend on the Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo, Japan for the start of the Olympic Games. The venue, although recently constructed, has been thoroughly tested through the 2019 World Rowing Junior Championships and the 2021 Asia and Oceania Continental Qualification Regatta. Here is what you can expect from the venue.
History
The Sea Forest Waterway was one of eight venues explored during the search for the Olympic and Paralympic Games venue. Others included the 1964 Olympic venue site Toda, which was excluded for only having six lanes and limited land space surrounding the course. Several courses located hundreds of kilometers away from Tokyo were also considered, but eventually abandoned.
Ultimately, the city decided to invest in the Sea Forest Waterway and the surrounding structures to provide locals with a sport, nature and event facility. This will continue the legacy of the venue.
Construction began in 2016 and included important features such as the wave attenuation system, finish tower and athlete facilities. It was completed before the 2019 World Rowing Junior Championships, which served as a test event for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The venue can typically hold 2000 spectators, which would have been scaled to 16,000 spectators if the circumstances had allowed. However, due to the coronavirus restrictions, spectators will not be allowed at the event.
Location
The Sea Forest Waterway is located between two reclaimed pieces of land in Tokyo Bay. The canal is separated from the bay by dams on either end of the course. However, the link with the sea means that the course has salt water.
On the north side of the course is the Sea Forest Park, which was built to provide nature to the local community. It will also serve as the equestrian venue at the Olympic Games.
The course is surrounded by bridges, including the impressive Tokyo Gate Bridge, which is more than 87 meters high. Spanning the width of the course is the Umi no mori Ohashi Bridge, which will certainly provide for iconic images of the Sea Forest Waterway.
Weather
Japan is moving into the summer season, which means weather is expected to be hot and humid. Typical high temperatures for this time of year in Tokyo are about 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is expected to be over, but there is also a chance of rain during the event.
More information
For more information about Sea Forest Waterway, visit the following links:
https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/news/sea-forest-waterway-completed