Sockeye Racing Camp is a six week program based out of College Club Seattle. It will prepare up to 16 U19 and U23 athletes to race at the 2026 Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catharines, Ontario in the 1x, 2x, 2-, 4x, and 4-. Athletes who will find success in our program are self motivated, community minded, and eager to learn.
Camp Schedule
Training Dates in Seattle:
June 22nd - August 1st, 2026
Racing Dates in St. Catharines:
August 3rd - August 10th, 2026
Applications
Applications are due by April 1, 2026.
To apply and join our waitlist check out our page on iCrew
Applicants should be within reach of the following erg scores:
U19 Women: 7:30
U23 Women: 7:15
U19 Men: 6:30
U23 Men: 6:25
Training Schedule
Mornings: Monday - Saturday: 7:30-10:00am
Morning sessions will consist of on the water training focused on developing technical and racing skills. This includes specific feedback for individuals via video, mental skills training, and developing a European style race plan.
Afternoons: Monday - Thursday: 2-4pm
Afternoon sessions will consist of lifting, conditioning/cross training, educational seminars on nutrition, weightlifting, injury prevention, and the technical principles of rowing.
Guest Coaches
Weightlifting - Laura Su, CSCS
Nutrition - Julia Schaefer, CPT
Injury prevention - Karen Calara, MSPT
Program Fees
Sockeye Racing Camp aims to make high performance rowing financially accessible to athletes. Our six week camp and regatta participation costs $3500 per athlete.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due by May 1, 2026. The remainder of the program fees are due by June 15th, 2026.
Camp fees include:
Coaching
Equipment and facility access
Weightlifting, nutrition, and injury prevention seminars
Racing kit
Regatta entry fees and boat rental
Regatta hotel and rental car
Two team meals and regatta site nutrition
Flights to St. Catharines and most meals at Canadian Henley are not included in our program fees.
Athletes who need financial aid or a payment plan can reach out to Coach James (james.nelson@collegeclubseattle.com) for more information
Head Coach
James Nelson
Sockeye Racing Camp is lead by head coach James Nelson. James started rowing in 2006 at Texas Rowing Center in Austin. Over his 20 years of involvement with rowing, he saw success as a two time US National Team member, is multi-time Canadian Henley medalist, and is a Level 3 certified coach.
James is currently the U17 lead coach with Pocock Youth Rowing and is the elite master's coach at College Club. As a coach he centers long term athlete development as the core of his coaching philosophy. James incorporates biomechanical principles learned from his time as an athlete and assistant at a physical therapy practice.
In addition to his success as a masters coach; James has also coached junior athletes to multiple medals in the Junior 2x at the Head of the Charles and A-Finals of USRowing Youth Nationals and Junior Trials. He is excited to take his skills to the international stage with Sockeye Racing Camp at Canadian Henley.