About the Program

"There is no doubt in my mind that Craftsbury was the difference between winning and losing. This place is definitely magical to us." - Peter Graves, 2009-10 SBTC participant, bow, US Senior men's 2x 2009/2011, winner Champ 2x HOCR 2008-2011.

The Craftsbury Small Boat Training Center is a program designed to be a bridge from collegiate rowing to the US National Team, with a focus on smaller boats.

The program offers coaching, boats and some support for races such as: U23 World Trials, Senior Nationals, Senior Team World Trials, World Championships (U23 and Senior) and Canadian Henley. Participants may be able to offset the costs of room/board with part-time work at the Center. Participants will be expected to participate in one or more projects that contribute to Craftsbury's mission. Athletes will be accepted through an application process.

Our programming is still evolving, so if after reading the FAQs something remains unclear, don't hesitate to contact us.

SBTC FAQ

Expand All FAQ | Collapse All FAQ

Who will be the coach?

Dan Roock, most recently of Dartmouth, is the SBTC head coach, assisted by Troy Howell.

What types of rowing experiences must I have?

Athletes must have been part of a competitive school or club program and have the capacity to train multiple times a day consistently. A familiarity with and understanding of small boat rowing (1x, 2x, 2-) is important, but not a limiting factor.

What are the goals of the program?

To develop proficiencies in small boat rowing; improve rowing fitness, strength and power; and where appropriate, provide racing preparation and experience. One competitive manifestation of these goals is to prepare scullers or crews for U-23 World Trials.

What does the day to day schedule look like?

During summer programming, there will be 11-13 water workouts per week with supplemental land work for flexibility, strength and power development. There will be systematic evaluations and appraisals of the athlete's progress. There will be periodic videotaping and review. When appropriate, racing opportunities will be provided. You can see a schedule from a past summer here. Winter scheduling involves much more erg time, skiing, weights and gym work.

How late into the summer can SBTC participants train at Craftsbury?

After Canadian Henley we will assess performance and determine who will be staying on at Craftsbury. If a SBTC U23 candidate qualifies for U23 Worlds or finishes in the top two spots in the U23 events (1x, 2x, 2-) at Canadian Henley, the athlete will be invited to stay on until they must return to school. Other athletes can return to their clubs or university programs.

What is the end of summer take away for athletes?

A review of the athletes' pre camp goals will take place plus a final evaluation of the athlete's fitness and rowing proficiencies in the three small boats. There will be a race review for those athletes who do compete. Leaving Craftsbury, the athlete will have a clear understanding of where they are and what needs to be accomplished to move to the next level.

What is the cost of the program, and how much of it can be offset by work for the Center?

The exact cost of the program, and the portion that can be offset by work, will depend on the athlete's availability to work (depending on the volume of training and schedule of races), rower's skillset and his or her length of stay amongst other factors.

We would expect that an athlete whose schedule allows could offset a good chunk of the cost of the program with 12-14 hours of work per week. Time cards will be provided to account for your hours.

All room and board privileges are contingent on the upkeep and cleaning of your housing facility and completing all job assignments in a timely fashion.

If you would like more details, please contact smallboats@craftsbury.com and include info on your program interest, anticipated races, and estimated hours you would be willing to work.

What will the work opportunities be like?

Work may include any of the following:

• Various projects related to helping Craftsbury become more sustainable. These could include analysis of current heating/power systems, improved management of property, production of local food on property.
• Projects that support the Craftsbury sculling program in general: helping coach local juniors and masters, helping campers get on and off the water; maintaining the fleet, babysitting for children of rowing coaches and campers.
• Meeting needs of the Outdoor Center such as caretaking of facilities, improving trails to ensure early skiing, etc.
• Other Projects TBD. Participants will be encouraged to generate ideas for projects.

What kind of boats does the program have? Can I bring my own boat?

SBTC has a small fleet of pair/doubles, a quad, several singles and access to additional singles and other small boats when they are not in use for the Sculling Camp. You are also encouraged to bring the shell you have been training in prior to coming to Craftsbury.

Do I have to be in college? Is there a minimum age requirement?

The program is geared primarily toward U23 and Senior men and women, whether currently in college or not.

When are applications due?

We have an open and continuous rolling admissions policy, but we encourage all applicants for the summer program to have applications in by March 1, with the squad announced April 1. Download your application.

How many athletes can the program serve?

We plan on serving around 11-12 athletes during 2013.

How much regatta support will be provided? What expenses will I need to cover?

SBTC will provide coaching, boat transport, entry fees, competition uniforms and athlete transport to the extent that there is room in the van pulling the trailer. Athletes will be responsible for their own housing and meal costs while on the road.

Other than rowing gear, what should I bring to the SBTC?

The athlete must bring to SBTC:

• Heart Rate Monitor and belt - ideally a Suunto brand unit.
• Stroke or Speed Coach with harness, plastic holder and pick up magnet - impeller is optional
• Small tool bag containing an adjustable wrench, 7/16 wrench, regular and Phillips head screw and 5 meter metric tape.
• Running shoes, hat for rowing, workout gear
• Log book for recording workouts and personal performance data.
• A set of slings if you bring your own shell.
• Mountain bike if you do not have a vehicle.

Applicants are encouraged to note the questions regarding gear sizes and the like on their application as well.

What is the water like? What is Craftsbury like? Is there any social life?

What is the water like? What is Craftsbury like? Is there any social life? Rowing will take place on Big Hosmer Pond, which is a narrow, sheltered lake around 3000 meters long. Mornings are generally flat water; afternoons can offer more breezy conditions. The Craftsbury Outdoor Center is a very busy place in the summer, with Sculling camps running all summer long, with the exception of a few weekends. There are also a number of competitive Nordic skiers training at the Center, including the Green Racing Project, which is a parallel program to SBTC.

Still have questions? Drop us a line via smallboats@craftsbury.com.