Volunteer FAQs

After you register, we will assign you to one or more shifts based on your information and then send you the schedule. We use a software that will automatically notify you if anything about your shifts changes.

• Setup for the 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships begins on July 11 and 12, 2026.
• From July 17, 2026, the first participating nations will arrive. Initial volunteer shifts will begin in areas such as accreditation, transport, and boat storage.
• From July 20, the athletes will be able to train, and volunteers will support areas such as the info desk or bag drop.
• The official opening ceremony takes place on July 22.
• The competitions will be held from July 23 to July 26, where volunteers assist, for example, with timekeeping or spectator entry control.
• Dismantling starts immediately after the last race on July 26 and continues on Monday (July 27).

All volunteers will perform their tasks at the Duisburg regatta course (Kruppstraße 30B, 47055 Duisburg). The venue is quite large; volunteers are needed, for example, in the grandstand area or at the southern end at the start area. The meeting point for your first shift is the accreditation area (unless otherwise communicated).

We try not to change shift times, but adjustments may still occur due to planning requirements or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., thunderstorms). You will be informed accordingly. If changes prevent you from attending your shifts, please contact us as soon as possible.

• We cannot provide accommodation or assist with visa applications. No costs will be covered or reimbursed, meaning we do not pay a volunteer allowance and do not reimburse travel expenses.
• The entire venue is a non-smoking area. Please only smoke outside the restricted area and where others are not disturbed.

Please wear your volunteer shirt and sturdy footwear. Depending on the weather, bring sun protection (e.g., sunglasses, cap) or rainwear. You can refill your water bottle at the water stations.

No, specific skills or knowledge are not required. Some roles benefit from rowing knowledge, but many do not. Since this is an international regatta, basic English skills are required for most (but not all) positions. At the beginning of your shift, you will receive a short introduction for your area of responsibility so that you will be well prepared.

We recommend arriving on foot, by bicycle, by public transport, or via carpooling. For getting there by bus, the stops MSV Arena, Regattabahn, and Sportpark Duisburg are recommended. If you come by car, please park at Schauinslandreisen-Arena (Margaretenstraße 5–7, 47055 Duisburg). Kruppstraße and nearby parking areas will be closed.
Please note that we do not reimburse travel expenses and that public transport tickets are not included in the accreditation.

Please arrive 10–15 minutes early. The meeting point is the accreditation area (unless otherwise communicated). There, you will receive your accreditation (your ID for the event) and be directed to volunteer management. You will receive some organizational information and your volunteer shirt, then proceed to your assigned area. For later shifts, check in briefly before starting your work. 

• Several drinking water stations will be available where you can refill your own bottle.
• With your accreditation, you can collect lunch between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm and dinner between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm on your assigned day. If you are scheduled for the entire meal period, either take turns with your shift colleagues or let one of us know so that someone can cover your post during that time.
• Breakfast, drinks such as coffee and tea, and snacks will also be available at various locations. 

Yes, with your accreditation you can access the standing area in front of the grandstand before or after your shifts. 

We will provide an online safety training covering everything you need to know. On site, DLRG and DRK will provide first aid. If you provide an emergency contact during training, we can notify them in case something happens to you. 

Please send an email to volunteers@regatta-duisburg.com to inform us of any changes so we can update our planning. 

Before and during the event, you can contact us at volunteers@regatta-duisburg.com. We will also create Signal groups where you can connect with other volunteers and receive updates. 

If you are between 13–18 years old, can swim (have a bronze swimming certificate), and have basic English skills, you can support as a starter assistant. Your task will be to hold the boats steady at the start so they are aligned.