USRowing Announces the International Rowing Challenge

• Elite youth rowers from multiple nations compete at the new regatta 

• Innovative race and team formats at the forefront of talent development

• Experience designed to prime talented athletes for future international competition

USRowing is proud to announce the International Rowing Challenge, an event dedicated to the rising junior rowing talent from around the world. Promising rowers from multiple nations will compete in this international youth regatta, set to take place during USRowing’s RowFest National Championships on July 15-16 in Ypsilanti, near Ann Arbor, Michigan. All rowers and coxswains who attend Selection Development Camp will have the opportunity to compete at this event. 

“The International Rowing Challenge is a unique opportunity for young rowers to gain international racing experience while competing against the best of their peers,” said Chris Furlow, Director of Learning and Development. “We are thrilled to host such young talent from around the world. Our goal for this event is to help foster long-term talent development across rowing.”

The International Rowing Challenge will feature innovative team and racing formats:

• Each team will have four male rowers, four female rowers, and a coxswain. 
• The nine athletes will compete in a mix of events - single sculls, double sculls, pair, four with coxswain, quadruple sculls, and a mixed eight. 
• All races will be 1500 meters. 
• Rowers will compete in sculling and sweeping boats

The International Rowing Challenge embodies the aims of USRowing’s Pathways Program and the four-year plan for the U.S. national team. Developing talented junior athletes in small boats, both sweep and sculling, will continue to strengthen each branch of the national team and help accomplish our long-term goals of turning USRowing into a force in sculling at the international level. 

This event will replace CanAmMex and be open to countries seeking to develop long-term talent and provide racing opportunities to their elite youth athletes. The competition aims to celebrate the athleticism and dedication of young rowers on the path to competing for their country's national team. 

The 2025 Selection Development Camp is set to begin on June 23, 2025, and applications are currently open. Rowers are encouraged to apply through the membership portal or visit our website for additional information regarding the International Rowing Challenge and registration details.