Race for Team USA

2027 U19 High-Performance Winter Camps  

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 2027 U19 World Rowing Championships or the 2027 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.
  • Target Athlete Metrics:
    • Men: Under 6:35 with goal of being in 5:55–6:25 range by spring 2027
    • Women: Under 7:30 with goal of being in 6:50–7:20 by spring 2027
    • Note: Ranges reflect typical profiles of HP-level athletes. No single erg score guarantees selection; overall athletic, technical, and performance indicators are evaluated.
• Coxswains: U19-eligible coxswains showing advanced leadership, technical, and communication skills appropriate for national team consideration. 

Athletes must apply to be considered and will be accepted by invitation only. Those targeting the 2027 U19 National Team are highly encouraged to apply. 

Expected Attendance 

• Location: Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, CA
• Dates:
• Camp 1: January 22–25, 2027
• Camp 2: February 5–8, 2027
• Size: 26–30 athletes per gender per camp (52–60 athletes per camp)
• Cost: $795 per athlete
• Financial Note: The goal of this camp is to operate as revenue neutral—covering costs without generating surplus revenue. 

Training Center Information 

The 2027 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 

Application and Acceptance Process

• Application OPEN NOW via the USRowing Member Portal
• Application deadline is Friday, December 4, 2026
• Selected athletes notified by December 23, 2026
• Pre-camp emails with travel, packing, and testing information
• Post-camp follow-up, including results, feedback, and next steps in the Pathways system 

Coxswains

• Prior to applying, all coxswains need to review the Coxswain Selection Procedures
• All coxswain must submit an application through the USRowing Member Portal HERE
• Additionally, all coxswains must submit a coxswain specific application HERE
• Lastly, all coxswains will need to have their coach fill out a Coxswain Nomination HERE

WINTER IDENTIFICATION CAMPS

Regional Land-Based One-Day ID Camps 

Purpose: 
Provide accessible, educational, and data-driven opportunities for athletes nationwide to engage with the Pathways system. 

Key Features: 

• Eight national sites: Marin, Mercer, Pocock, CRI, OARS, Chicago Rowing Federation, GPS and McCallie Rowing Center, and Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas.
• Combines erg testing, functional movement, and educational sessions
• Open to athletes, coxswains, and coaches
• Entry-level opportunity feeding into Water ID and HP Winter Camps 

Athlete Profile: 
All motivated U19 athletes, regardless of experience—especially those not yet connected to the national system. 

Target Athlete Metrics:

• Open to all athletes. No specific erg or testing standards required.
• Designed to be an educational and inclusive entry point.
• Note: No single erg score qualifies or disqualifies an athlete. Invitations to further Pathways opportunities are based on combined performance data, on-water results, and coach recommendations.

U19 Pathways Water ID Camp (One-Day) 

Purpose: 
 Offer mid-tier, on-water evaluation opportunities between the land-based and winter camps. 

Date: Sunday, March 15th

Location: Mercer Lake, West Windsor, NJ

Time: 10:00am-4:00pm

Key Features: 

• Water-based assessments in large boats (4+/8+ or 4x)
• Functional movement and technical evaluations
• Educational sessions on national team culture and athlete pathways
• Invite only—application through USRowing Member Portal
• Typically held in early spring (March) at accessible venues such as Mercer Lake 

Athlete Profile: 
 Athletes with promising erg and technical metrics seeking in-person feedback and exposure to USRowing staff. 

Target Athlete Metrics: 

• Men: 6:00–6:35
• Women: 6:55–7:30
• Note: These are target ranges, not qualification standards. All invitations are determined by erg data, on-water performance, and coach input. 

U19 High-Performance (HP) Winter Camp 

Purpose: 
Accelerate the development of top U19 athletes through exposure to high-performance training, testing, and education. 

Key Features: 

• Held at the Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, CA
• Two sessions: January 16–19 and January 23–26, 2026
• Focused on small boat training, lactate step testing, and time trials
• Directly informs summer Selection and SDC invitations
• Includes educational modules on nutrition, recovery, and technical model
• Invite only—application required via USRowing Member Portal 

Athlete Profile: 
 Top U19 athletes aiming for 2026 National Team selection. 

Target Athlete Metrics: 

• Men: 5:55–6:25
• Women: 6:50–7:20
• Note: Ranges reflect typical profiles of HP-level athletes. No single erg score guarantees selection; overall athletic, technical, and performance indicators are evaluated. 

U19 NATIONAL TEAM AND SUMMER DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

There are three USRowing camps for U19 athletes: selection camp, selection development camp, and pathways development camp. Learn more about each camp below. 

2026 Under 19 Selection Camp

Comprised of athletes identified and invited to compete to race at the World Rowing Under 19 Championships.

2026 Under 19 Selection Development Camp

The bridge from youth rowing to Under 19 Selection Camp. This level focuses on developing skills, processes, technique, and mindset to give athletes the tools they need to take their rowing to the next level.

2026 Pathways Development Camp

Athletes who are looking to fine tune their skills and become prospective high performance athletes.