Race for Team USA

2026 U19 High-Performance Winter Camps Proposal

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.

Athletes must apply to be considered and will be accepted by invitation only. Those targeting the 2026 U19 National Team are highly encouraged to apply.

Expected Attendance

Location: Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, CA
Dates:
Camp 1: January 16–19, 2026
Camp 2: January 23–26, 2026
Size: 50–55 athletes per gender per camp (100–110 athletes per camp)
Cost: $725 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 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

Communications & Outreach

Application opens no later than October 1, 2025 via the USRowing Member Portal
Application deadline is Monday, November 24, 2025
Selected athletes notified by December 19, 2025
Pre-camp emails with travel, packing, and testing information
Post-camp follow-up, including results, feedback, and next steps in the Pathways system

Application Process

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"

U19 Camps Webinar

United We Row Scholarship Program

The United We Row Scholarship provides financial assistance to athletes who are looking to pursue their passion for rowing by participating in USRowing camps and programs. Whether you’re an aspiring rower facing financial challenges, a leader promoting inclusivity, or a high-potential athlete, this scholarship is here to support your journey.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to rowers of all levels and encourages applications from those who:

Face financial barriers to rowing.
Demonstrate athletic potential and dedication.
Identify as part of an underrepresented group (e.g., race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, disability, or first-generation athletes).

Application Process

Our process evaluates four key areas:

Financial Need – Reviewing financial challenges and need for support.
Athletic Background – Assessing 2k score, achievements, and potential.
Representation and Diversity Efforts – Recognizing identity and contributions to DEI initiatives.
Impact on Rowing – Evaluating how the scholarship will help grow the sport and increase inclusivity.

Click HERE to apply now and take the next step in your rowing journey!

FAQs

What is the benefit of attending Pathways Development Camp (PDC)? What does PDC offer that other camps may not?

The goal of Pathways Development Camp is to set you up with the tools and skills to reach your rowing goals. This camp is led by an excellent group of Olympians and college coaches, so athletes will gain excellent insight into what it takes to succeed in the sport.

Does age get taken into account when USRowing is assessing applications?

Height, weight, and erg scores are taken into account when assessing applications. If you are significantly over the “target” ranges, we do not want to put you in an environment that is reaching too far beyond your current age or development.

What is the difference between Selection Development Camp and Pathways Development Camp?

The intention and execution of each camp is very similar, the biggest difference being the skill level of the athletes attending each camp. Both camps will spend the majority of the time in small boats with an emphasis on overall development.

What is the new international racing experience for SDC?

A team focused competition in a range of boat classes on July 14-16 at Chula Vista, Calif. Some of the other countries participating are Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, etc.

How many athletes will be invited to SDC? Will all athletes compete in the international race at the end of camp or will boats be selected?

72 athletes (32 rowers and 4 coxswains per gender) will be invited to Selection Development Camp. All Selection Development Camp Athletes will participate in the international regatta at the end of camp.

Will there be any movement between SDC and Selection Camp?

No, while the camps will both be at Chula Vista, they will run independently with no overlap of athletes between camps.

How many athletes will be invited to Selection Camp? Will all athletes make boats?

40 Athletes (18 rowers and 2 coxswains per gender) will be invited to Selection Camp. This is the number needed to field a four, quadruple sculls, eight, and two alternates per gender.

*it is possible that additional invitations will be issued if boats fail to qualify through trails (double, pair)

Why is the four with coxswain no longer at Selection Camp?

We fully anticipate the four with coxswain being eliminated from the World Rowing Program. This change will be formally announced in March. There are no plans for the event to be at any subsequent World Championships starting in 2025.

What if you’re selected to a boat that does not meet the 95% CST?

These athletes will not be named to the 2025 U19 National team

Note: 95% is an achievable standard that ensures we’re sending boats to Worlds that will be competitive (perform in the top half of the field).

How do I apply as a coxswain?

Log in to your USRowing member portal HERE to complete the general application.Tp submit your additional materials (2 minute race recordings, experience, etc. through this FORM.

Please instruct your current Head Coach to submit your recommendation by completing this FORM.

Questions about coxswain standards?

We are requiring that coxswains must be practicing and racing in eights that are going World Class Speed (see chat below) in order to be considered for U19 Selection Camp.