Camps

U19 High Performance Winter Camp

Mission Statement

The USRowing U19 High-Performance (HP) Winter Camps aim to accelerate the development of the top U19-eligible athletes in the country by immersing them in a high-performance training environment. These camps will serve as a critical identification point for athletes ready to compete on the international stage and represent the United States at either the 2026 U19 World Rowing Championships or the 2026 International Rowing Challenge.

Purpose & Goals

Develop Future National Team Athletes: Provide advanced technical and physiological training to prepare athletes for elite competition.
Identify Top Talent: Evaluate athletes’ readiness for international competition through small boat speed orders and physiological testing.
Strengthen Pathways Alignment: Ensure clear connection from the HP Winter Camps into the U19 Selection Camp (SC) and Selection Development Camp (SDC).
Elevate Standards: Expose athletes to national team methodology, expectations, and performance culture early in their development.

Target Audience

Rowers: U19-eligible athletes demonstrating top national-level performance and potential to compete internationally.
Coxswains: U19-eligible coxswains showing advanced leadership, technical, and communication skills appropriate for national team consideration.

Camp Dates:

Camp 1: January 16–19, 2026
Camp 2: January 23–26, 2026

Camp Location:

Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, CA

Camp Price:

Cost: $725 per athlete

Financial Note: The goal of this camp is to operate as revenue neutral—covering costs without generating surplus revenue.

Included: Room and board, local transport, equipment, coaching, testing, etc.
Not Included: Travel to and from Chula Vista, CA

Application Timeline:

Applications are Open via the USRowing Member Portal
Application deadline is Monday, November 24, 2025
Selected athletes will be notified by December 19, 2025

To Apply:

Once logged into your account select "Camps" from the lefthand menu
Click "Apply" to U19 Winter ID Camp
Update all Athlete Metrics
Click "Submit"
Answer/update additional question
Click "Submit"

Scholarship: For those facing a financial hardship, USRowing has a limited amount of scholarship funds through the United We Row Scholarship Program. Apply for a scholarship by completing this FORM.This form is separate from the camp application in the Member Portal.

Camp Details

Training Center Information

The 2026 U19 HP Winter Camps will be held at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, California.

Athletes flying in should book travel into San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Transportation will be provided between SAN and the training center on the arrival and departure days.
Athletes within driving distance will be provided with a drop-off time and location within the training center.
The camp fee includes three meals per day in the training center dining hall.
Bedding and towels are provided by the training center.
On-site housing, training, and dining create a fully immersive high-performance environment.

Run of Show (Sample Schedule)

Day 1: Arrival, boat rigging, technical review, light row, welcome meeting
Day 2: Lactate step test (groups throughout day), small boat training (AM/PM), evening athlete education session
Day 3: Lactate step test (groups throughout day), small boat training (AM/PM), evening athlete education session
Day 4: Small boat time trials (Winter Speed Order), departure

Testing & Evaluation Protocols

Physiological: Lactate step test
Technical: Small boat training sessions and racing
Data Collection: Results compiled and connected to each athlete’s USRowing profile for use in SC and SDC selection

Educational Programming

National Team Culture & Expectations
USRowing Technical Model & Boat Class Progression
Performance Lifestyle Skills (recovery, nutrition, mental performance)
Pathways Overview: Clear next steps for Selection Camp and Selection Development Camp