"Canley” is one the fastest regattas in the world for age group based rowing and provides an exceptional experience in racing. The race course in St. Catharines (Port Dalhousie), ON, has hosted the World Championships in 1970 and 1999 and is slated to do the same in 2024. Athletes prep on Henley Island with hundreds of teams from the around the world. With their races finishing in front of a fully covered grandstand. There are very few racing opportunities like this in North America. Our close proximity to the course makes this an outstanding destination and opportunity for racing.
We believe well educated athletes can become faster athletes. Below are some of the areas, we focus on as part of our off water camp curriculum to support athlete development. Athletes will leave camp with a comprehensive google doc of resources they can use post camp connected to these core items.
Athletes will train in a competitive race preparation environment. The training plan and technical focuses will be provided by our Executive Director, Kit Bennett who is US Rowing Level 3 High Performance Certified as well as former u19 National Team Coach, University of Michigan Assistant and u23 National Team Development Site Executive Director and Coach. Kit will be working directly with all squads at the camp. Each squad (divided by gender) will have 3 to 4 coaches assigned to them for the duration of camp, to provide a varied set of perspectives, as well as some consistency for selection purposes.
Your preparation prior to camp is critical to ensure a successful camp experience. Selection looks at a number of items: boat moving capacity during practice, seat racing, attitude, work ethic and your 2k erg score (we usually test the second day of camp). We will be sending you a training plan, which we expect to be completed, so you arrive ready to compete for seats. With how the regatta requires entries, we have to complete all selection by the end of week 2.
We offer exceptional coaching ratios of 9 : 1. Our staff has a wealth of experience from high school all the way through to Division 1 Collegiate and National Teams.
The Washtenaw Rowing Center unites competitive athletes across U17, U19, and U23 squads, along with a select number of coxswain seats in each group. Designed to develop both sweep and sculling skills, the camp provides a structured, race-focused environment that emphasizes technical mastery, fitness, and teamwork. Eligibility is based on age, experience, and erg standards, with clear expectations for preparation before camp and benchmarks for sculling participation and coxswain placement. Each squad trains with a team of experienced coaches who emphasize technical development, racing readiness, and team culture—helping every athlete gain confidence, speed, and skill on the water.
If you turn 16 during the year of competition (or younger).
If you turn 18 during the year of competition (or younger).
If you turn 19, 20, 21 or 22 during the year of competition, you are a U23
U23 – 7:25 or quicker
U19 – 7:45 or quicker
U17 – 8:00 or quicker
U23 – 6:30 or quicker
U19 – 6:45 or quicker
U17 – 7:00 or quicker
Results at major races and coach recommendations are key for applications, if you are not at or below the standard.
IF IN DOUBT, APPLY.
Coxswains will be working on the following areas (but, not limited too) throughout camp:
If your goal is to scull at Canadian Henley, you must have at least two seasons worth of sculling experience and be able to single scull. This includes the ability to take the boat down to the water on your own and complete a flip test.
TRAINING: Monday July 6th– July 31st
RACING/TRAVEL: Sunday August 2nd – Sunday August 9th
ALL ATHLETES ARE EXPECTED TO TRAVEL TOGETHER TO THE REGATTA SITE THIS DAY, NO EXCEPTIONS
$3,150 / athlete.
Includes:
Hotel accommodation at Henley, bus travel to Henley, coaching and training fees, race entry fees, and racing gear. Athletes are expected to cover the cost of food during the week of Henley (all athletes will be taken to the supermarket at the beginning of the week). Families, going over basic recipes and easy to cook meals would be ideal prior us leaving for Henley.
If given a minimum of two month’s notice, WRC can assist (but not guarantee) with finding accommodation with a local family. To be considered for a host family, the athlete must live at least 75 minutes away from Ann Arbor and must be a u17/u19 athlete.
We cannot provide hosting for u23s.
For context, housing of this nature, if provided by a university campus/equivalent , including 3 meals a day runs around $3000/athlete for the duration of the camp.
If a local host family is found, please offer them $500 for the duration of the camp. If the family declines, that is fine, but host families will be told ahead of time to expect the $500 stipend.
We are unique, nationally in how we handle housing. Not only does it make the camp more accessible, it also allows athletes to row at high level and still pursue other items in the afternoons during the summer.
We feel this balance is important.
Athlete applications will be evaluated on major regatta results: Regional/Conference Championships (collegiate/high school), SRAAs, Canadian Nationals, Youth Nationals, ACRA, IRA and NCAAs, erg score times, coach recommendations and video (if required).
Ultimately, we want athletes who want to work hard and have integrity, so even if you think you are on the fringe, reach out and we can discuss your application. An erg score, does simply paint the entire picture of you as an athlete.
We strongly recommend you complete your submission by early FEBRUARY. We had over 100 applications last year.
We start rolling acceptances March 15th, with confirmations no later than June 1st.
Please do not read this as you can apply as late as May 31st, each year we have significantly more applications than we can accept, if you are interested in attending, please apply early.
This camp is not for everyone, if your application is declined, you will be given recommendations on where to improve and how to approach those improvements, so you can re-apply the following year.
Once an application is accepted, you will be notified via email and sent a payment link.
1. Please submit the Canadian Henley U23/U19/U17 Camp application form.
2. Register with US Rowing as a WRC participant by following the steps on our US Rowing Registration page.
3. Please also ensure your rower has a valid passport for travel to Canada.
4. Refunds – Due to the nature of this camp involving costly accommodation bookings, refunds will only be accepted if they are submitted ONE MONTH before the camp starts and will be subject to a $100 processing fee.
Please e-mail audio of you coxing to kit.d.bennett@gmail.com as well as a cell contact for one of your coaches.
We are capped at the following:
2 x u23 coxswains
2 x u19 coxswains
3 x u17 coxswains
