Camps

Last updated 4/25/2010

The number one question I receive each spring from high school coxswains and their parents is: "What camp would you recommend?" That question was difficult to answer since none of the camps offered that information on their website. For your benefit I decided to get the answers and make your choice easier. What you will find below is a list of rowing camps that I culled from Row2k and Rowing News magazine. I emailed the contact for each camp and asked them to answer some questions that I felt were pertinent to for the experience of a cox. The camps and their answers are listed in alphabetical order below. You will note that there are a number of camps that have not responded as of yet, but I make no judgement about that... the coaches running the camps are extremely busy with their college squads in the spring. It may or may not influence your decision one way or another about a particular camp, as may the answers received. Your time, money, and what you hope to get out of this experience are valuable, so your choice is important. If you attend one of the camps listed below, please send me your feedback so we can share your experience with others. info@thecoxguide.com You will also be able to find reviews as they become available in the "Discussion" area of our Facebook Page.

Bulldog Rowing Camp at Yale

No response yet received

Cal Crew Camps

Contact Name and email?

For rowing specifics, me, Sara Nevin Assistant Coach, Cal Women @ sjnevin@berkeley.edu For registration specifics, Cal Athletic Camps calcamps@berkeley.edu

Location?

Cal - Berkeley campus and T. Gary Rogers Rowing Center

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

Sessions #1 & #2 are technique, Session #3 is racing. Four days/Three nights. On the water twice a day. Land activities at least once a day.

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

Twice a day.

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

First two are a technique camp, third is a racing camp.

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

Maximum of 6 coxswains, 30 rowers.

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

As head coach of the camps, I am in charge of them and of course coach them.

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

Sarah Whipple Puddicombe, 2x NCAA Championship cox and Assistant Cal Coach will be coaching at the camps.

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

Not always, depends on the coxswain and what skills they need worked on.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

Absolutely!

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

No video, but discussion and observation.

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

Yes, even on the technique camps there is some racing.

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

Depends on the camp and the coxswains. We customize it to fit the needs.

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

Always.

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

Coxswains are an extremely important member of the team, and although their role is different from the rowers they still need coaching, praise, and opportunities to learn.

Cavalier Rowing Camp at UVA

No response yet received

Charles River Rowing Camps at Harvard

Contact Name and email?

charlesriverrowingcamps@gmail.com; website: www.row2k.com/camps/crrc

Location?

Cambridge, MA, (The CRRC rents facilities from Harvard University, but is neither sponsored nor controlled by Harvard University)

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

Mon-Fri, 2 sessions a day

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

1-2, usually 2 (we like to have one or two spare coxswains join us for camp--this allows the coxswains to have a lot of water time, but also the opportunity to watch from a launch and see what the coach is seeing

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

skills

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

per session--depends on number of rowers who register; if we are at capacity we'll take 8-9 coxswains

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

the same coaches who are coaching the athletes (personnel changes from year to year, but this year the core group of coaches will be Liz O'Leary, Cory Bosworth, Heather Cartwright, Wendy Wilbur, and Carrie Morelock)

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

no--though in past years the camp counselors, who are Harvard College students, have included coxswains

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

No.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

It isn't customary.

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

definitely--coxswains have the opportunity to row the often challenging Charles and receive all sorts of feedback; though we typically do not video the landing or launching

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

depends upon the rowers who register and the acceleration of their learning curves throughout the camp; it is primarily a skills development camp, though. The coaches definitely offer tools by which the coxswains can improve their boats, in a steady state workout or in a competitive setting.

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

While there is not coxswain specific time, the class time is certainly pertinent to coxswains--during the day we offer different sessions ranging from nutrition and off the water training and rehabilitation to mental training to recruitment processes

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

Coaches always welcome conversation and -- as long as we have a spare coxswain for the camp -- coxswains are sure to have a couple of opportunities to ride along with a coach and really understand the coach's views

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

I think that our philosophy for coxswains is that they absolutely must be proactive in their observations, questions, and on the water applications of skills. While we are not a coxswain camp, we are ready to help and encourage any young lady who asks questions and wants to learn. When we receive queries from coxswains, this is the reply I usually give them (I think that it really expands on this philosophy): "The CRRC is a sweep rowing camp dedicated to helping both new and experienced rowers to improve their skills and become more competitive. We do not offer camp programs specifically geared towards coxswains. We do, however, recognize the important role that coxswains play in both the competitive and learning environment and so provide instruction that will allow the coxswains to operate within these realms. While the camp is not coxswain centered, coxswains who are proactive about bettering their skills can learn much at the CRRC. Coxswains at the CRRC can expect to be in a boat every day, receiving personal coaching along with the athletes and gaining valuable on the water experience. There is a video review each day where coxswains can see what form a coach desires and learn how specific technical changes can affect a boat. In addition, there are a number of special lectures that pertain to topics such as nutrition or how to be recruited for college rowing, that are enriching to any high school student involved with rowing. If you feel comfortable with the responsibilities of asking questions and being attentive to all the coaching happening around you, I think that you would have a very valuable coxing experience and we would be glad to have you at CRRC this summer."

Chesapeake Crew Camp for Girls

No response yet received

College Coaches' Camp

No response yet received

Cornell U. Big Red Competitive Camp

Contact Name and email?

www.athletics.cornell.edu/camps/rowing.html, 607.255.1200 by e-mail at: camps@cornell.edu

Location?

Cornell University, Collyer Boathouse, Ithaca, NY

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

August 1-5th (Sunday afternoon to Thursday Afternoon) just this one session. We have two practices on the water per day, and an additional off the water session.

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

At least once if not twice.

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

The group will be broken into groups by skill level and will do skills and competitive racing.

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

We will have 6 boats and most likely 7 coxswains to make sure we are covered if someone gets sick.

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

The coach in charge of each boat will be in charge of the coxswain, too. We will also have an addition coxswain coach (Jimmy Germano - Cornell 1V (2007/2008/2009) and US U-23 Coxswain). He will help individual coxswains. Our coaching staff is comprised of the Cornell Coaching staff that includes 3 Olympians and coaches whose crews have won National Championships and Eastern Sprints.

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

Yes, see above.

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

We are looking to recorded coxswains more this year to help them review what they say.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

Yes, we encourage that.

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

Video is not specific to landing, it is more for on the water technique of rowers and steering of coxswains.

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

We practice how to run drills and racing.

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

There is plenty of free time for the coxswains to meet with current Cornell coxswains to talk and ask questions.

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

Yes, that is why we like to have one extra coxswain so we can rotate the coxswains through the launch to learn to take video and get the coach's perspective on viewing rowers.

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

At Cornell Rowing we see coxswains as important individuals in the process that can help make a good crew better. We want them to understand how safety is their first priority, but it is just as important to steer straight and know how to make calls that help the rowers.

Maine Rowing Camps at Colby College

No response yet received

Navy Girls Rowing Camp

Contact Name and email?

Karin Hughes, navycamps@gmail.com, 410-914-7686, www.NavyCamps.com

Location?

US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

6 days/5 nights (Sat-Thur)

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

2 water sessions per day

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

Both - time is spent working with coxswains on how to run a practice, analyze and talk to rowers about technical issues, race strategy, race plan, race calling, etc.

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

9 coxswains are admitted in each session

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

Each coxswain works with one coach and one boat during the camp

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

Yes, typically we have coaches who were coxswains and usually at least one college coxswain working as a counselor

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

Yes, coxswains and rowers are taped and reviewed either after the practice or before the next practice.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

Yes, certainly! Our staff is on hand to help every camper improve!

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

Actually, we had never thought of that, but now that you mention it, we certainly will incorporate in our 2010 camp!

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

Our coaches are a competitive lot and can often be found "sparring" with another coach and his/her boat during a rowing session! And the camp ends with a round-robin of scrimmages between all boats.

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

Yes, we have a coxswain seminar for all coxswains and girls interested in becoming coxswains. Led by former and active coxswains and coaches, detailed information pertaining to racing, leadership, weight management, steering, launching/landing, practice management, etc is presented and then a Question and Answer session follows.

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

Yes - we consider this an integral part of the coxing curriculum in camp. The coach's view from the launch is so different from the coxswain seat that we feel a great deal of learning happens in riding the launch....and it is also a great opportunity for one-on-one time with the coach.

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

As a camp, we believe quite strongly that every camper deserves the necessary instruction and guidance to improve their technique and racing skills - rowers AND coxswains. We have developed a coxswain curriculum that goes hand-in-hand with our rowers curriculum, designed to address the many unique demands and challenges of the coxswain position. Every coach and counselor at our camp is available at all times to answer any questions, discuss any issue...anything that is needed and asked for by a coxswain. At the Naval Academy, we produce leaders...and so we thrive in the challenge of developing the leader of the crew - the coxswain!

North Country Rowing Camp at Dartmouth

No response yet received

Penn AC 2010 Gold Program

Contact Name and email?

Patrick H. Rufo, Program Director, patrick.h.rufo@gmail.com

Location?

Penn AC Boat Club, Philadelphia, PA

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

5 to 6 weeks/3 sessions a day, 2 weekends/15 -19 sessions per week*

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

1 to 3, coxswains rotate into every boat

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

Penn AC Gold is a competitive racing camp - Skills are also taught

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

1 coxswain per 8 athletes are accepted, 1st come 1st serve, competitive resume is considered

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

Head Coaches, this year we have a Coxswain Coach

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

This year, we have two.

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

Pieces are video taped, and reviewed.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

Yes

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

Yes

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

Penn AC Gold covers both

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

Yes

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

If the coxswain is not in a boat, then he/she is in the launch with a notepad and are free to ask questions. Coach are constantly educating during sessions.

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

My philosophy is that the coxswain is the 9th piece of the puzzle. Once the boat shoves off to race, the coach has no more control. The coxswain is the only person that can "coach" the boat, and keep the athletes focused on their task. Therefore, their role is very important. The coxswain also has the ability to manipulate the race and the athletes to get the best out of them. A fast boat can win without a good coxswain. As slow boat can win with a phenomenal coxswain. Therefore, we teach our coxswains to be phenomenal coxswains so that they become the leaders of their team. We want them to know that they are in control, and they can control the race. We also teach them how to recognize the stress levels of their crew, and teach them how to adjust their race plans to conserve energy during a race. Final we also give them insight on the personality types within the crews, and help them understand how to motivate.

Other information

This summer will be the second year the program has been in place. Penn AC Boat Club has always had a competitive Junior Program, however, in previous years it drew upon local athletes, was much like many of the summer programs that you see. What is new is that the athletes are provided with lodging, meals, and transportation so all they need to focus on is the rowing and coxing. We have daily lectures from past and present Penn AC athletes that have been successful on the national and World stage. We also have lectures regarding proper training and preparation for collegiate racing. We also include coxswain instruction. Below are the answers to your questions. Please feel free to contact me at any time!

PNRA- Resolute Racing Camp

No response yet received

Princeton High-Performance Rowing Camps

No response yet received

Providence Rowing Camps at Brown

No response yet received

Quaker Rowing Camp at UPenn

No response yet received

Raritan Valley Rowing Camp at Rutgers

Contact Name and email?

Max Borghard - mborghard@scarletknights.com

Location?

New Brunswick, NJ

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

Up to roughly 50 campers

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

Usually twice a day

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

More skills early on with some competitive pieces towards the end. Also a few different lectures involved.

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

As the coxes sign up.

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

Each coach is in charge. I also run a coxswain lecture.

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

No but I am very good working with the coxswains.

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

Not usually but if they bring tapes they can be reviewed.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

Yes.

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

No but it's covered in practice and the lecture.

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

Yes

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

No but it's covered in practice and the lecture.

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

When we have a few extra coxswains they can.

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

I assess what the coxes know. I work on safety, steering, drills, technique, motivation and handling of the crew.

River Hawks Rowing Camp at UMass- Lowell

No response yet received

Seattle Area Rowing Camps

No response yet received

Stanford Advanced Rowing Camps

Contact Name and email?

Pete Giese, Stanford Asst. Men's Coach/ pdgiese@stanford.edu

Location?

Stanford, CA.

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

4 days, 7 practice sessions

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

2 [one AM, one PM]

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

Primarily a skills camp with competitive racing at the end of practices to allow rowers and coxswains a chance to implement their skills in a race situation

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

We try to keep the number of coxswains from 10-12 per camp

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

Each practice is run by the Stanford Rowing Head Coaches and their collegiate coaching staffs. In addition, Yaz Farooq [an Olympic coxswain and the women¹s head coach], will hold several coxswain specific discussion sessions between practices.

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

As mentioned, Yaz Farooq.

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

More common on the women¹s side of practice.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

ot a part of our camp structure as of now, but if there were a significant demand for it we would consider adding it.

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

No.

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

At the end of every practice we incorporate race pieces so everyone can apply skills we are working on.

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

Yes.

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

Yes. We try to rotate every coxswain through a coaches¹ launch at least once per camp so they have the opportunity to interact with and observe the coaching.

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

Complex question to give a quick answer to. Since the goal of our camp is to provide a collegiate style coaching experience to all of our campers, I would say the short answer is yes. Each coach run the camp in largely the same manner they would run a practice for their collegiate team, so in that process we will impart many of our expectation for coxswains.

University of Texas Longhorns Rowing Camp

No response yet received

Vesper Summer Youth Racing Program

Contact Name and email?

www.vesperboatclub.org* / *Jim Trotter 610-453-3196 / trot1488@gmail.com

Location?

10 Boathouse Row, John B. Kelly Drive, Philadelphia PA

4. Duration of camp/ # of sessions?

June 22 through July 31, 2010

5. Number of opportunities to cox per day?

1- 2 to include time in the coaching launch as well

6a. Is this a skills camp or competitive racing camp?

Competitive Racing Camp - "There's no place like first place"

6b. How many coxswains are selected for the camp or per session?

Depends on registration - Ideally at full capacity, 4

7a. Who coaches or is in charge of the coxswains?

I will be in charge of the team and the coxswains, and I will coach the coxswains

7b. Related to a, above, are there any coxswains on staff?

NO - We do have a number of coxswains available up and down boathouse row

8a. Are the coxswains taped, and are their tapes reviewed?

They would be included with the team as a whole, but not individually unless specifically asked.

8b. Are coxswains allowed to bring tapes made outside the camp for review with a coach?

Certainly. We'd encourage that.

9. Is there any video analysis of launching and landing technique?

Not really, but rowing on the Schuylkill has many advantages and the launching and landing techniques there will certainly prepare any coxswain for the next level.

10. If this is not a competitive camp, are there any opportunity to practice race skills?

We are racing to win

11. Is there any class time, specifically for the coxswains?

Not specifically designed for coxswains only. We will incorporate them in with the whole program

12. Is there any opportunity for the coxswains to have launch time with the coach with the ability to observe and ask questions?

Absolutely. At a minimum of once a week

13. Do the coaches or camp have any particular philosophy when it comes to coxswains, or their roles?

After coaching for a dozen or more years, I've seen the value of a coxswain. I have won races solely attributed to my coxswain. They are the person in control of the entire situation. I work with them to understand race plans, how and when to switch up race plans on the fly,how to create a plan as determined by the crew rowing for them. How to position their boat in a lane for their crew's advantage (perceived or real). I especially value their input during team meetings, as they are the driver of the boat, and they see things that I could miss from a coaching launch.

Wisconsin Boys and Girls Rowing Camps

No response yet received

Find us on