Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) hosted a high-performance training camp between November 27–30 at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Centre in California. The camp brought together the centralized Senior National Team athletes and emerging athletes from the pathway system.

With support from the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), more than 40 athletes, 20 senior athletes and 27 pathway athletes had access to world-class training conditions and facilities for four days of intense, collaborative on- water work.

A core objective of the camp was to align the senior and pathway programs as RCA ramps up toward the 2028 and 2032 Olympic cycles. Mixed-boat opportunities allowed pathway athletes to train side-by-side with senior internationals, offering invaluable insight into what is expected at the top level.

Classroom-style sessions complemented the on-water training, providing clarity on national team culture, performance behaviours, selection timelines, and the long-term vision for Canadian rowing.

Senior athletes emphasized the value of training alongside exciting up-and- coming talent in a highly competitive environment early in the quadrennial. Pathway athletes described the experience as motivating and eye-opening, noting how rowing with established National Team members showed them the intensity, speed and consistency required to progress.

Coaches highlighted the competitive spirit and quality of work from both groups, noting that the boat speeds and improvements demonstrated over the four days point to a strong foundation moving forward.

Beyond physical performance, the camp provided meaningful opportunities for culture-building and alignment across the program. Shared meetings emphasized values, accountability, and collective goals as RCA begins to shape the group that will carry momentum toward Los Angeles 2028.

What’s Next & Acknowledgements

The Chula Vista camp marks another forward step in RCA’s long-term preparation for the upcoming Olympic cycles, aligned with the National Training Centre Strategy. Pathway athletes now return to their university programs to continue winter training, with checkpoints to support their individual 2026 high-performance pathways plan.

The strong performances and shared experience in Chula Vista provide an encouraging foundation as Canada builds depth, speed, and cohesion across its national team programs.

RCA extends sincere thanks to the Canadian Olympic Committee for its support in securing access and funding for the camp, as well as to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Centre staff for providing exceptional facilities and hospitality. The collective effort of RCA staff, coaches, and IST members made this camp possible and impactful.