Skip to main content

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. 

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: 

Log in to your USRowing member portal HERE

  • 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 

Education

The Launch
Want to learn more about building a sustainable, safe, and welcoming boathouse? Checkout The Launch today!
Begin Learning

Safeguarding

Report a Rowing Safety Incident
Report incidents related to on-water rowing such as capsizing, injury, and collision.
Report

Discover

Find A Club
Whether you're looking to take your first strokes or just moved to a new area, our USRowing member clubs would love to meet you.
Search