Race for Team USA

2026 U23 High-Performance Winter Camp Details

The USRowing U23 High-Performance (HP) Winter Camp aims to accelerate the development of the top U23-eligible athletes in the country by immersing them in a high-performance training environment. This camp serves as a critical identification point for athletes preparing to compete on the international stage and represent the United States at either the 2026 U23 World Rowing Championships in Duisburg, Germany or the 2026 World University Championships in Ontario, Canada.

Purpose & Goals

Develop Future National Team Athletes: Provide advanced technical and physiological training aligned with senior national team standards.
Identify Top Talent: Evaluate athletes’ readiness for international competition through small-boat speed orders and physiological testing.
Reunite Returning Athletes: Bring together members of the 2025 U23 National Team to continue their development and provide an early opportunity to build chemistry for 2026 crew selection.
Strengthen Pathways Alignment: Ensure a clear connection from HP Winter Camp into the U23 Selection Camp and World University Championships identification.
Elevate Standards: Expose athletes to national team methodology, expectations, and performance culture at the next level of the pathway.

Target Audience

Rowers: U23-eligible athletes demonstrating top national-level performance and potential to compete internationally.

Coxswains: U23-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 U23 National Team or 2026 WUC are highly encouraged to apply.

Expected Attendance

Location: Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, CA
Dates: December 18–22, 2025
Size: ~40–45 athletes per gender (80–90 athletes total)
Cost: $695 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 camp will be hosted at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, California.
Travel: Athletes flying in should book flights into San Diego International Airport (SAN). Transportation will be provided between SAN and the training center on arrival and departure days.
Meals: Three meals per day are included in the training center dining hall.
Housing: On-site housing is included. Bedding and towels are provided by the training center.
Environment: On-site housing, training, and dining create a fully immersive high-performance environment.

6. Staff Roles & Responsibilities

HP Winter Camp Head Coach: Oversees technical program, athlete selection, and camp execution.
Assistant Coaches: Support small-boat coaching, testing, and data collection.
Performance Staff: Administer physiological testing (lactate step tests) and movement assessments.
Support Staff: Manage logistics, housing, meals, transportation, and administrative support.

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)
Day 5: Final meetings, debrief, 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 U23 Selection Camp and WUC identification

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 U23 Selection Camp and World University Championships

Communications & Outreach

Application Opens: September 24, 2025 (via USRowing Member Portal)
Application Deadline: Monday, November 14, 2025
Notifications: Athletes notified by November 21, 2025
Pre-camp: Emails with travel, packing, and testing information
Post-camp: Follow-up with results, feedback, and next steps in the U23 and WUC Pathways

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 U23 Winter ID Camp
Update all Athlete Metrics
Click "Submit"
Answer/update additional question
Click "Submit"

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!