Saratoga Summer Camps FAQ

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When are the Saratoga Summer Camps in 2026?

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August 6-9, 2026 & August 13-16, 2026

• Thursday-Saturday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Sunday: 7:00 AM-12:00 PM​

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Interested in attending the weekend only? Contact us about potential options!

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Describe the style of this camp…

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While we are very intentional in our programming, coaching, and overall experience, this camp is not a “high performance” camp. Our goal is to create an environment where athletes of many backgrounds can learn, experiment, laugh off the bad strokes, and enjoy the process of rowing and growing together.
 

We ask all participants—regardless of experience level—to show up with a beginner’s mindset ready to learn alongside new teammates, roll with the punches, try new things, and grow in whatever seat or boat they’re placed in. Our focus is on good vibes, lifting each other up, having open dialogues, sharing insights, and creating positive energy over “chasing speed” (though you’ll absolutely leave with skills that can make that happen!)

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If you’re excited to dive into learning, connect with other masters rowers, and create some great memories on and off the water, this camp will be a great fit.

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Will I get individual coaching?

Absolutely—but here’s what that looks like.
 

Our coaching is built around group themes that we introduce before practice and then reinforce through carefully designed practice plans and drills. Throughout the session, we give group cues to help everyone work on the same element of the stroke, and we also look for moments to give individuals more specific feedback.
 

We regularly incorporate video review as well, discussing both the overall themes and individual observations. And of course, we’re always happy to spend extra time answering questions or digging deeper with athletes who request it.
 

That said, these camps are not private lessons. Participants are expected to take an active role in their own learning—listening for the group cues, working within the system, and asking questions or requesting clarification when they want more detail. 

We’re not mind readers! If you take initiative, you’ll leave with plenty of useful information and insights to bring back to your rowing at home

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What is the athlete-to-coach ratio?

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This varies depending on enrollment, with a maximum of 6 athletes per coach for sculling or mixed camps and 8 athletes per coach for sweeping-specific camps

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What does a typical day at camp look like?

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• 7:00 - 9:00 AM – Morning water session

• 9:30 - 10:30 AM – Breakfast & video review

• 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM – Technique-focused water session

• 12:30 - 2:00 PM – Lunch break with Educational Seminar (2 days during lunch, 2 days after lunch (interactive)

• Optional evening activities

• Subject to change
   

What are some examples of educational seminar topics?

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Seminar topics are tailored to participants’ interests and may include:
✅ Nutrition for health & performance
✅ Training plan methodologies
✅ Race mentality coaching
✅ Rigging demonstrations
✅ Mobility & physical therapy for masters rowers
✅ Strength training for rowers
✅ Fitness through aging & menopause
…and more!

 

What are some examples of evening activities?

Optional afternoon & evening activities may include:
🏇 Exploring downtown Saratoga
🐎 Visiting a thoroughbred racehorse breeding farm
🍷 Touring local wineries & breweries
⛰️ Hiking in the Adirondacks & Saratoga State Park
💦 Visiting the Roosevelt Baths
🌅 Sunset water cruises
🏁 Attending races at the world-famous Saratoga Race Track
🏛️ Touring Saratoga Battlefield
🍻 Happy hour with ARION elite team members
 

💡 A final itinerary, restaurant recommendations, and more details will be sent before camp begins!

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What is my registration cost and what does it cover?

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Camp Price BEFORE May 1st: $895

Camp Price AFTER May 1st: $945

Your registration fee covers:
✔️ All coaching & instruction
✔️ Access to boats of all sizes
✔️ Use of land equipment & full gym access
✔️ Video footage of your rowing
✔️ Select camp merchandise

💡 Attendees are responsible for lodging, food, transportation, and optional evening activities.

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What are the lodging/accommodation options?

 

🏡 PLEASE BOOK YOUR LODGING ASAP! Saratoga’s track season is extremely popular, and accommodations fill quickly. Check out our more in-depth LODGING GUIDE HERE for inside tips. 

If you would like additional guidance, or are interested in setting up a potential home stay, please reach out—we’re happy to help!

 

Are there any age, gender, or skill restrictions?

 

Our camps are open to all adults (18+). You must be comfortable sculling in a double at a steady pace. No experience with singles, sweeping, or racing is required—we accommodate all skill levels up to elite!

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Will I be rowing with people of the same skill level?

 

Yes! We group rowers based on skill and goals. You’ll row in both small and large groups, ensuring a mix of learning, mentoring, and competition. Our approach follows the “plus, minus, equals” principle:
➕ Learn from more skilled rowers
➖ Mentor those with less experience
= Train alongside peers at your level

This structure maximizes growth, challenge, and fun!

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What size groups and boat types will be used?

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You’ll experience both small group and larger technical and fitness sessions. Boat types include:
🚣‍♂️ 1x (recreational OR racing)
🚣‍♂️ 2x
🚣‍♂️ 4x
🚣‍♂️ Sweep boats

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💡 Never rowed a 1x or sweep? No worries—we’ll teach you!

 

Is lifting experience required?

 

No! We specialize in helping rowers feel confident in the weight room. Whether you’re new to strength training or experienced, we’ll meet you at your level and provide expert guidance.

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What types of shells and equipment will we use?

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This can vary, but you can expect safe and maintained club-level equipment. While it may not include all the newest bells and whistles, it’s reliable and perfectly suited for the kind of technical work we’ll be doing (we like to say it’s about the horses, not the chariot!).
 

We’ll do our best to accommodate different weight classes within the equipment available at each location. If you feel you fall outside the typical lightweight/midweight/heavyweight range, or have other circumstances we should be aware of, please reach out ahead of time so we can do our best to plan accordingly.

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Do I need my own boat?

 

No! We provide all necessary equipment. However, if you prefer, you’re welcome to bring your own boat, speed coach, oars, or other gear—just check with us once accepted.

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Can I bring a non-rowing guest?

 

Absolutely! Saratoga is a fantastic vacation destination. Non-rowing guests can explore independently or join select activities like:
✔️ Riding in the coach launch (space permitting)
✔️ Attending educational seminars
✔️ Participating in yoga & evening adventures

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Are there any additional features I should know about?
 

🔹 Depending on ARION’s racing schedule, you may get the chance to row in doubles or quads with current or former elite athletes.
🔹 For more details on the ARION program, click here.

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Still have questions?

 

📩 Contact us directly by filling out the form below!​​

 

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Ready to sign up?