2008 Competitive Small Boat Rowing Camp for High School Boys
June 18 - August 10, 2008
Union Boat Club - Boston MA
Thank you for your interest in the UBC Competitive Small Boat Camp. We are expanding on the competitive sculling camp that we did last summer. This year, athletes will train and race in doubles and quads as well as in pairs and fours. Technical rows will also be done in singles. This camp format will enable rowers to take their rowing to a significantly higher level through high level technical coaching, training and competition. Training in small boats enhances the skills of any rower, enabling them to move a boat more effectively. Although some High school rowers believe they need to row in eights to get exposure to college coaches, all of the college coaches that we talk with like to see recruits with proven small boat skills. Many of the rowers that participate in our camps and Junior programs have been recruited by D-1 and other top rowing schools. This is one of the only small boat camps available.
*Like other years, we expect this camp to fill. Camp slots will be limited to 16 rowers and 2 coxswains. Apply early.
Age and Experience
The camp is open to boys ages 15 - 18 with rowing experience. Rowers do not need sculling experience. 3 out of 4 rowers in our Bronze medal quad at the 2007 Nationals had little or no experience sculling. We will teach you how to row well. Athletes will need to have a 2K erg time of 6:55 or less and have a coach's recommendation. This recommendation can be a phone call or e-mail to Coach Bohrer. The camp will have a limit of 16 rowers and 2 coxswains so that a small coach to athlete ratio can be maintained.
Note: To be eligible to row as a Junior at Canadian Henley the rules state that a rower can compete as a Junior until December 31st of the year that they reach the age of 18. That means for 2008, an athlete born in 1990 or later can row Junior at Canadian Henley. At the US Nationals a rower can compete as a Junior up to age 19 if they have just completed their senior year. If a rower is eligible as a Junior for Nationals and not at Henley, there may be an opportunity to row as an intermediate for that race. You can discuss this with Coach Bohrer if you fall into this category.
Coaching
Head Coach - Tom Bohrer. Tom is a two-time Olympic Silver medallist and head coach at Union Boat Club and head boys coach at Wayland-Weston High School. Assistant Coach - Thom Collins, Thom is an assistant rowing coach at Wayland-Weston High School. Thom is also a former sculling coach at Narragansett Boat Club in Rhode Island. Assistant Coach - CB Sands-Bohrer. CB is a two time World Champion in sculling. CB coaches competitive sculling at Community Rowing (CRI). CB will be primarily be working with rowers in singles. We will also have a few guest college coaches during the summer .
Focus of the camp
The focus of the camp is on developing the technical skills and training level needed to race in pairs, doubles and quads and fours. A priority is placed on having our athletes develop a more complete understanding of the rowing stroke, boat movement through the water, proper blade work and efficient technique that will maximize speed. A focus will also be placed on strength and flexibility training, nutrition, and how to train on the rowing ergometer.Facilities and Equipment
Camp sessions will be held at the Union Boat Club, which is located on the Boston side of the Charles River between the Hatch Shell and Community Boating . It is a short walk from the Red Line - T MGH. State-of-the-art equipment such as Empacher, Fillipi and Vespoli rowing shells and Concept 2 oars and ergomenters. Video will be used daily to help rowers get a better understanding of what they are doing and to show improvement.
Camp Dates
Camp will start on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 with an informational meeting to go over camp logistics. It is not a problem if athletes are still in school when the camp starts, and can join us when school has ended. The camp will officially end on August 10, 2008 which will be the conclusion of the Canadian Henley Regatta.
Daily Schedule
The training schedule may change slightly week to week depending on races. A typical week of practice will be: Tuesday-Saturday mornings from 7-930AM and Monday and Thursday afternoons from 5-7PM. There will be no practice on Sunday and Monday mornings unless we are racing. This schedule should allow for athletes to plan something to do on weekends after the Saturday row, and for them to work during the day if needed. Changes in the weekly schedule will have advance warning so athletes can plan around work or school.
Major Regatta Dates
July 16-20 - US Rowing Club Nationals, Camden, NJ
August 5-10 - Royal Canadian Henley Regatta - St. Catherines, ON, Canada *Note - A passport is required to enter Canada.
Local Regattas
July 13 - Cromwell Cup, Boston, MA
July 26 - Sweeps and Sculls Regatta, Providence, RI (tentative)
Tuition
Tuition is $4,050 for rowers and $2,500 for coxswains and includes all coaching and most expenses associated with training and competition including racing uni-suit, t-shirt, travel to races, food stipend for away races, hotel, entry fees and equipment and facility usage. Housing in Boston is not included in the fee. We will try to facilitate boarding arrangements for out-of-town athletes with athletes living in the Boston area. We have done this in the past and it has worked out well. A $500.00 deposit is due with your application. Final balance is due May 15th, 2008 along with your Waiver, Swim Test Form, copy of your latest Physical and a copy of your passport. Make checks payable to Union Boat Club.
Click Here for:
Swim Test Card - All rowers are required to pass a swim test before attending camp. You may submit a recent swim test card for the program that you row for.
US Rowing Association - All camp rowers must be US Rowing Members. Camp rowers should sign up on-line if they are not members and sign the on-line waiver.
Physical Exam
All camp rowers need to submit a copy of a recent physical (past year) indicating clearance for all activities.
For more information
Please contact Tom or CB at camps@tbfit.com