USRowing Announces Fall Racing Opportunities for 2026–27 Pathways HP Winter Camps

USRowing has identified three fall regattas that will give U19- and U23-eligible athletes opportunities to earn automatic invitations to the 2026–27 High Performance Pathways Winter Camps by performing in the men’s and women’s single sculls (1x) and pairs (2-).

The initiative is part of USRowing’s continued effort to create clear entry points into the High Performance Pathways system while encouraging athletes to spend more time developing and racing in small boats. The designated racing opportunities span three regions:

• West: Head of the American: October 24; entry deadline October 6
• South/Central: Head of the Hooch: November 7–8; entry deadline October 4
• East: USRowing Small Boat Championships: November 14–15; entry deadline October 30

Automatic Invitation Opportunities

At each designated event, U19- and U23-eligible athletes competing in the 1x and 2- will have the opportunity to earn automatic invitations to the appropriate High Performance Pathways Winter Camp. For the 2026-27 season, U19-eligible athletes are those born in 2009 or later, and U23-eligible athletes are those born in 2005 or later. Qualifying race categories vary by regatta. At the Head of the American and Head of the Hooch, automatic invitations apply to the U19 and collegiate categories. At the USRowing Small Boat Championships, the opportunity applies to the open category. Athletes should enter the qualifying category at their designated regatta to be considered for an automatic invitation.

The minimum number of automatic invitations awarded in each event will be determined by the size of the field:

30 or more entries: Age-eligible athletes finishing within the top three overall will receive invitations.

20–29 entries: Age-eligible athletes finishing within the top two overall will receive invitations.

5–19 entries: The top-finishing age-eligible athlete or crew will receive an invitation.

Fewer than five entries: No automatic invitation will be awarded. Results will still be reviewed by Pathways coaches and may be considered as part of the broader athlete identification process.

These criteria establish the minimum number of automatic invitations that will be awarded. Additional invitations may be extended based on the depth and quality of the field and the overall Pathways talent pool.

In the 2-, athletes will be evaluated individually for age eligibility. If only one athlete in a qualifying pair meets the applicable U19 or U23 age requirements, the age-eligible athlete will still receive the automatic invitation.

High Performance Pathways Winter Camps

Athletes earning invitations through the designated fall events will be invited to the appropriate camp:

U23 High Performance Winter Camp
December 15–19, 2026, in Chula Vista, Calif.

U19 High Performance Winter Camp – Session I
January 22–25, 2027 in Chula Vista, Calif.

U19 High Performance Winter Camp – Session II
February 5–8, 2027 in Chula Vista, Calif.

The HP Winter Camps provide an early opportunity for Pathways coaches to work directly with athletes targeting future U19 and U23 National Teams and other international opportunities. The camps emphasize small-boat development, athlete evaluation, and exposure to the expectations of the USRowing High Performance system. 

Race Small Boats This Fall

The three designated regattas are not the only opportunities for athletes to be identified.

Pathways coaches will continue to review results from fall racing across the country to help identify talent for U19 and U23 camp opportunities. Performances at other regattas will not have a formal automatic-invitation component tied to their results, but strong performances will still be considered as part of the broader athlete identification process.

Small-boat development continues to be a priority across the U19, U23, and Senior National Team pathways. Racing the single and pair gives athletes opportunities to develop boat-moving skills, technical independence, race experience, and ownership of their performance while providing Pathways coaches with valuable information beyond ergometer results.

“Fall racing gives us an opportunity to see athletes compete in small boats before we begin our winter programming,” said Brett Gorman, USRowing Fred L. Emerson Jr. Head Coach, High Performance Pathways. “We want athletes racing the single and pair and taking advantage of the opportunities available to them in their region. These three events provide a direct route to an HP Winter Camp invitation, but they are not the only races we will be watching. The bigger goal is to encourage more athletes to spend meaningful time developing and competing in small boats.”

The designated fall regattas are one component of USRowing’s broader athlete identification process. Athletes who do not compete at one of these events, or who do not earn an automatic invitation, may still be considered for High Performance Pathways camps through the standard application and identification process.

Additional information regarding eligibility, applications, camp costs, and the High Performance Pathways calendar will be available on the USRowing website. For more information on the U19 camps, click here. For the U23 camp, click here.