Summer International Rowing With Norcal 2024
Norcal Executive Director Beth Anderson has run international summer rowing programs since 2006. She says they are a life-changing experience for the athletes, building lifelong friendships, personal confidence, and strengthening their love of the sport. During the summer of 2024, Norcal will offer trips to Germany and Spain.
In Germany, athletes will join other high school students from the Ratsgymnasium in Osnabruck. They will row 30 to 60 kilometers in Berlin per day. This is a once in a lifetime oppotunity to row through the canals of Berlin and learn about the city in depth. Here is a link to the tentative German itinerary and plan.
Spain
Prepare for a one-of-a-kind adventure as we set sail for Malaga, Spain, from July 6th to 21st, for a truly immersive coastal rowing experience. Led by the esteemed NorCal Rowing Director Beth Anderson and in collaboration with St. Ignatius Head Coach Jennifer Hayden, this exclusive opportunity is designed to unleash your coastal rowing potential against the stunning backdrop of Malaga’s coastal beauty.
Our participants will benefit from the exceptional guidance of renowned coaches Sergio Peréz and Tom Taylor. Sergio, a former Spanish national team rower turned coach, has a stellar record of training Beach Sprint and Coastal world champions. With USRowing and Federación Española de Remo qualifications, Tom brings expertise and insight, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.
Athletes can dive into the intricacies of coastal rowing, from navigating buoyed courses to mastering 180-degree turns and reading the waves—learning, and training with long-distance coastal rows from three to six kilometers. Beach sprints will be our focus, learning to turn around buoys, run down the beach, and jump into the boat. The race is less than 600 meters, providing heart-pounding excitement. All athletes, regardless of their skill, are welcome to experience this new rowing event that will take place in the 2028 Olympics.
Our days will be a perfect balance of invigorating workouts at the boathouse, where you’ll have access to top-notch equipment like weights, ergs, and Filippi boats. Afternoons are yours to enjoy – take a siesta or explore the charming town. Evenings are perfect for sampling the local cuisine and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Malaga. Plus, you’ll stay in a hotel conveniently located within walking distance of both the boathouse and the town center.
But it’s not just about rowing! We’ll also venture into the heart of Malaga’s scenic beauty and rich history, whether hiking the breathtaking Caminito Del Rey, taking a trip to Cordoba, or exploring the iconic Picasso Museum—each day promises exciting new experiences.
And, of course, the highlight of our journey is the thrilling regatta experience at the prestigious Malaga Open on July 20th. Compete against fellow rowers, soak up the electric atmosphere, and celebrate the culmination of an unforgettable coastal rowing expedition.
Our comprehensive package ensures you have everything you need for an unforgettable experience. We’ve got you covered, from accommodation and training to excursions and the thrilling regatta experience. Take advantage of this opportunity to spend a couple of weeks of summer filled with sun, sea, and sport as we embark on a coastal rowing adventure in the captivating shores of Malaga, Spain.
Here is a link to the tentative Spanish itinerary and plan.
Athletes who have participated in the summer exchange program over the years have gone on to attend elite universities including: Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and others. So athletes should not fear that taking a few weeks out of the summer to broaden their perspectives and enhance their love of rowing will hinder their college prospects.
