Athletes are set to compete in the Impossible race on Saturday (November 19), with paddlers racing from Point Impossible to Barwon Heads.

The area is south of Geelong - a 2026 Commonwealth Games hub - and confirmed as the destination for coastal rowing's beach sprints debut at the multi-sport event last month.

Sculler Alex Wilcox, who is expected to compete in the upcoming race with teammate Nicholas Andreau, is hopeful of the show coastal rowing can deliver in four years.

"I think Torquay with its protected point and Geelong is very well suited to this rowing," he told Surf Coast Times.

"You can go out in conditions that aren't suitable for flat water rowing, [because] you're in a boat that's reasonably sea-worthy and stable, but it’s also small enough to be able to go on top of your car and handle with one or two people, and you’re also able to cover good ground.

"I think it will open [the sport] to a new field of rowers. that sort of beach culture and that music and energy on the beach is going to be really exciting.

"I imagine it's going to be a great spectacle for the Commonwealth Games, to have this sunny beach, have people bashing in and out and having a great time."

World Rowing is keen to use Victoria 2026 as a launchpad to increase the popularity surrounding coastal rowing, which is a view shared by Surf Coast Shire Council.

"The Surf Coast is an ideal venue for international events, and the Council is pleased to welcome another one to our region when Torquay hosts coastal rowing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games," Chris Pike, the shire's placemaking and environment general manager said, according to Surf Coast Times.