Camps

Selection Camp

The 2026 U19 Selection Camp will be composed of athletes identified and invited to race at the World Rowing U19 Championships.

In partnership with the USOPC, the USRowing Pathways Program is a multi-phased, age-based approach to developing athletes in the safest, most productive way possible. USRowing identifies talented athletes with the potential to grow within the greater National Team system. We provide these athletes with challenging, yet developmentally appropriate opportunities.

General Information

2026 U19 Summer Selection Camp Details

Athlete Application Period: January 1-February 20th
Dates: June 22 - August 9, 2026
- Camp: June 22-July 31
- World Rowing Championships: August 1-9
Location: Chula Vista, Calif.
Cost: $7295
- This includes a $1500 deposit due upon acceptance. Scholarship information can be found below.
- This DOES NOT include the fee for the 2026 World Rowing U19 Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Should athletes qualify to compete at this event, the additional fee of attendance is $5595 per athlete.

Target Audience

Prior rowing experience
Born 2007 - 2011
2K scores Sub 6:20 (M) Sub 7:15 (W)

Focus

Skill acquisition through small boat training.
Athlete identification for future U19, U23, and Senior/Olympic National Team
Selecting crews to compete at the 2026 World Rowing U19 Championships.

Application Process

Applications for 2026 are open NOW and will close February 20th

To Apply: Log in to your USRowing member portal HERE

Once logged into your account select "Camps" from the lefthand menu
Click "Apply" to U19 Selection Camp
Update all Athlete Metrics
Click "Submit"
Answer/update additional question
Click "Submit"
All athletes will be notified no later than March 20, 2026 of their application status. Athletes will be notified they are:
- Invited
  - Athletes will have one week to confirm their acceptance and pay the $1500 camp deposit.
- Waitlisted
  - Athletes will be kept updated on their status through the spring
- Declined
  - Athletes should consider applications to other USRowing camps such as Selection Development and Pathways Development

Coxswains: All coxswains should read through the published Coxswain Selection Procedures. Upon reading the procedures, qualified coxswains may submit their additional materials (race recording, etc.) by completing this FORM. This is in addition to submitting their application through the USRowing Member Portal as instructed above. Additionally, please instruct your current Head Coach to submit your recommendation from by completing this FORM.

Coxswain Deadlines
- Application through Membership Portal (same as rowers): February 20, 2026
- Supplemental materials including recordings and Coach Nomination Form: April 15, 2026

Scholarship: USRowing has limited funds available for U19 Selection Camp through the United We Row Scholarship Program. To apply please fill out this FORM. This application is separate from the HP Winter Camp application located in the member portal.

Purpose:
Select the top-performing U19 athletes to represent the U.S. at the World Rowing Championships and International Racing Challenge.

Key Features:

Invitation-only based on HP Winter Camp performance, CST data, and coach recommendations
Focused on small boat performance and race readiness
Staffed by national team-level coaches
Culminates in final team selection for international competition

Athlete Profile:
Top national performers—athletes already demonstrating speed and technical proficiency consistent with international standards.

Target Athlete Metrics:

Men: 5:55–6:20
Women: 6:50–7:15
Note: These are high-performance targets, not automatic qualifiers. Final invitations are based on combined evaluation of erg metrics, water performance, and coach assessment.

FAQs

When can I expect an invite?

Accepted athletes will be notified of their application status no later than March 20, 2026. Athletes will be notified if they've been accepted, declined, or waitlisted for camp.

What do I do if I have not heard anything yet?

Depending on when you submit your information and when you attended an ID Camp, you may be waiting to hear from us. You can always view your application status in the member portal by following these steps:

Once logged into your account select "Camps" from the lefthand menu
If your application is still under review, it will appear under the 'Application Pending' tab.
If your application has been accepted and is awaiting payment and confirmation, it will appear under the 'Invitations to Review' tab.
If your application has been accepted and a deposit has been made, it will appear under the 'Enrollment Complete' tab.

I paid my deposit, now what?

You will receive directions from your camp director regarding the remaining balance payment and any additional requirements. Payment is due in full by May 15th.

If you qualify for Worlds through U19 Trials, your camp deposit will be transferred to your Worlds fee and any difference will be reimbursed.

Why has the cost of camp increased?

The cost of Selection Camp has increased for 2026 due to a smaller pool of invited athletes and increased per athlete costs at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. With fewer participants, the overall expenses are distributed among a smaller group, leading to a higher per-person cost.

Is there a packing list for camp?

Plan on rowing A LOT! There are laundry facilities, but a general rule of thumb is to pack a week’s worth of clothing.

Essentials

Spending money for incidentals. While not necessary, it can be helpful to have some money to spend on things like extra snacks or movies.
Sunscreen
Bath Towels
Running Shoes
Rowing Clothes (anticipate 11-12 sessions per week)
Clothes for the dorm
1-2 sets of nice casual clothes
Rain Gear
Nalgene or other types of water bottles (more than one is a good idea)
Day pack or small duffle
Alarm Clock
Necessary Medication
Hygiene products
Athletic training items (foam rollers, bands, recovery items.)
Heart Rate Monitor with chest strap
Speed Coaches
Coxswains – Cox Box (if you don’t have your own, please try and borrow one from your program. Let us know if you are unable to bring one as we should be able to provide one.)

Permitted (but not required)

Laptop Computers/Tablets (wireless internet is available)
Speaker System
Video Game System
Movies

Prohibited (not exhaustive, use your judgment)

Hot Plates
Candles
Fireworks
Knives
Weapons
Drugs, alcohol, tobacco
Electronic cigarettes

What happens if athletes need medical attention while at camp?

Each camp location will have a list of the nearest urgent care facilities and hospitals should an emergency or serious injury arise. Coaches and staff will rely on local medical and emergency professionals in any situation that exceeds minor first-aid treatment. Additionally, Selection Camp employee a physical therapist that will see athletes as needed throughout the camp.

Are there scholarship opportunities available?

We strive to make our camps accessible and affordable to families and athletes in need through our United We Row scholarships. If you require a scholarship, please fill out the application using this FORM. The more information you are able to include, the better!

How do coxswains apply for camp?

Please submit your application through the USRowing Member Portal in addition to submitting the materials outline in the Coxswain Selection Procedures document.

Updated Coxswain Requirements for 2026: Coxswain identification and selection for a U19 Selection Camp will be based on a multi-faceted evaluation process, with a primary focus on time spent in 8+’s going World Class Speed (see chart below).