This page is for junior rowers (ages 13–19) who want to continue rowing over the summer. Whether you're interested in intensive 2X daily training, a more relaxed rowing experience, or using rowing to explore college campuses, there are lots of opportunities out there.
An overview of the types of camps are outlined in the .pdf chart below. Additionally, the side panel navigation on the left (or in the top right if you are on mobile) will help you dive into more details about each of the camps.
Note: this is not an exhaustive list. These are just the camps we have personally participated in or researched online. The information is based on publicly available data as of 2/1/2025. Make sure you contact the individual programs to confirm dates, prices, requirements, etc.
Generally speaking, here are ways you can continue rowing over the summer:
Row at your local home club
Our club offers week-long sessions as well as a full summer session. If you have a travel schedule you are trying to work around, you can always reach out to the coaches and see if you can work something out. Maybe you can even get a job on the dock and make a little money while learning more about rowing.
Train hard at competitive summer nationals camp
There are a few camps that are known for their rigorous training programs, culminating in a major regatta at the end of the summer. These camps provide a challenging and rewarding experience for athletes looking to push their limits and gain exposure.
Admission to these programs typically requires an application process, which may include a questionnaire to assess your passion for rowing, video submissions of your rowing and erg technique, and your 2K erg score. You may also need coach recommendations, and coxswains are required to submit audio recordings. Some camps may also conduct personal interviews.
While many of these camps list minimum erg score requirements, exceptions are sometimes made for athletes who demonstrate strong potential, dedication, and a willingness to improve. These programs are highly competitive and can be expensive, but if you’re eager to participate, it's always worth applying or reaching out to the camp director with any questions. Additionally, while not officially part of the recruitment process, college coaches occasionally attend these camps to scout emerging talent.
The two big regattas for juniors in the summer are: RowFest (held in Ann Arbor, Michigan this year) and the Royal Canadian Henley, which is held in Ontario. Both are excellent races for competition experience, exposure to college coaches, and having fun. To give you an idea of who competes at these regattas, here is a link to Regatta Central with a list of all the clubs that competed at RowFest last summer in Oklahoma City. And here are all the clubs that competed at the Canadian Henley. You can also click through and look at results to see how the different teams performed.
If you aren’t quite ready for this level of training and commitment, Ready Set Row now offers a Foundations and a Development camp that could be a good option if this is the direction you want to go, but aren’t there yet.
Test the college rowing waters with a collegiate camp
These camps are typically 4 or 5 days long and are much less intense in terms of training. They are a great way to meet coaches, check out campuses, and see what college rowing might be like. Often you will stay at the dorms and get to meet some of the current rowing team members. Many of these camps are run by Sparks, which is a high quality camp organization that we recommend. Several others are run by Nike US Sports, and some camps are run by the colleges themselves.
Enjoy more time on the water while traveling
There are many rowing clubs nationwide and worldwide that offer coached rowing experiences without the pressure of competing. This is a great way to get coaching advice from a range of experienced coaches and have the chance to row on new bodies of water. It’s also a great way to make new rowing friends. Additionally, if you know you are traveling somewhere this summer, you can check the local clubs and see what they offer. Sparks also has several world-wide camps that include room and board and once-in-a-lifetime rowing experiences. Some of the Sparks camps are very competitive (and expensive).
Aim to be on the US National Team with US Rowing Pathways
US Rowing has a program that seeks to train and discover talent for the US National team. They have 3 different rowing camps in addition to various Selection Camps throughout the year. Their “Pathways” structure is fairly new, but it looks like this year their Selection Development Camp will be competing in a summer regatta. If you are competitive and see yourself taking rowing to the highest level, this path might interest you.