HOCR Prep Camp FAQ

Learn more details about our Head of the Charles Prep Camp below!

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When and where is the camp?

September 17–20, 2026

Choose from:

Thursday–Friday
Saturday–Sunday
Both sessions for the full four-day experience

The camp is based out of the Boston University DeWolfe Boathouse at 619 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139.

Important logistics note: Due to limited rigging and parking space at DeWolfe, we will coordinate boat drop off, parking, and then rigging the morning of your arrival. More detailed arrival and parking instructions will be provided before camp.

Parking will be at Magazine Beach.

Is this only for single scullers?

No! We welcome both 1x and 2x crews.

We can also accommodate coxed boats on a case-by-case basis. If you’re interested in bringing a 4+, reach out to us! We also have a 4+ available for rental.

What is the style of this camp?

This camp is specifically designed to help you prepare for the Head of the Charles Regatta. We expect participants to be actively working toward racing the Charles and to be comfortable spending significant time on the water.

You should be prepared to row the full course twice per day during most sessions. The second row may be shortened when appropriate. These are not race-pace rows — we’ll use the course to work on drills, steering, technical skills, race strategy, and occasional race-pace efforts.

A significant portion of the camp will focus on course strategy and navigation, including how to approach turns, choose effective lines, maintain momentum, and make smart decisions throughout the race. We’ll also dedicate plenty of time to stroke technique, individualized coaching, and race-performance strategies.

Each two-day session includes one individual video review per athlete, with additional review possible as time allows.

What is the athlete-to-coach ratio?

We will have 2 coaches for a maximum of 8 athletes, allowing us to provide a high level of individualized technical and race-strategy feedback throughout the camp.

What is the itinerary?

The itinerary below is a rough draft and is subject to change based on weather, river conditions, traffic, and other logistical considerations.

THURSDAY

7:30–8:30 AM — Participants bringing their own boats arrive, rig, and launch from Riverside/Magazine Beach; row to DeWolfe Boathouse

8:30–9:00 AM — Introductions & camp overview

9:00–10:00 AM — Guided course tour by launch

10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Warm-up, launch & coached course row

12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch & technical overview, including navigating turns

1:00–2:00 PM — Shorter row focused on flowing through the course

FRIDAY

8:30–9:00 AM — Introduction & technical demonstrations

9:00–11:00 AM — Warm-up, launch & coached course row, including pace work

11:00 AM–12:30 PM — Lunch, individual video review & final course review

12:30–1:30 PM — Shorter row focused on flowing through the course with race-pace bursts

1:30–2:30 PM — Wrap-up, row back to Riverside/Magazine Beach & derig for participants attending Thursday–Friday only

SATURDAY

12:00–1:00 PM — Participants bringing their own boats arrive, rig, and launch from Riverside/Magazine Beach; row to DeWolfe Boathouse

1:00–1:30 PM — Introductions & camp overview

1:30–3:30 PM — Warm-up, launch & coached course row

3:30–4:30 PM — Snack break & guided course tour by launch

4:30–5:30 PM — Shorter row focused on flowing through the course

SUNDAY

7:30–8:00 AM — Introduction & technical demonstrations

8:00–10:00 AM — Warm-up, launch & coached course row, including pace work

10:00–11:30 AM — Brunch, individual video review & final course review

11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Shorter row focused on flowing through the course with race-pace bursts

12:30–1:30 PM — Wrap-up, row back to Riverside/Magazine Beach & derig for participants attending Saturday–Sunday only

Do I need my own boat?

While we encourage you to bring the boat you plan to race at the regatta, we will have a limited number of boats available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis:

3 singles (1x)
2 doubles (2x)
1 coxed four (4+)

Boat rentals are available for an additional fee. Reach out to us as soon as possible if you are interested in renting, as availability is limited.

Will there be evening activities?

Since the primary goal of this camp is focused preparation for the Head of the Charles, we do not have any official evening activities planned. That said, we’ll have an informal list of local restaurants, activities, and things to do for anyone who wants to explore Boston and connect with other campers outside of training.

What is the registration cost, and what does it include?

2-Day Session: $595

4-Day Experience: $950

Your registration includes:

All on-water coaching
Individual video review
Technical seminars and course strategy sessions
Guided launch tours of the HOCR course
Use of the DeWolfe Boathouse
Limited snacks and lunches
Course maps and other race-preparation resources

Lodging, transportation, evening activities, and main meals are not included.

Are there any age, gender, or skill restrictions?

Our camps are open to adults 18+ of all genders. Participants should be comfortable rowing in a head race environment and should have an entry or a plan to race in the Head of the Charles Regatta.

This is a race-specific preparation camp, so participants should be comfortable rowing their boat independently and spending significant time on the water.

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