Para Rowing Foundation Camp – Call for Athletes

With the Paris Paralympics a fond memory, pararowers around the world will be turning their sights to Los Angeles 2028! And one of the biggest boosts a pararower can get in their international career is the annual Para Rowing Foundation (PRF) training camp in Portugal. I caught up with PRF Chairperson Steven Dowd who shared the details of this distinctive opportunity…

• What is the PRF training camp?
  We call it a PRF Intensive Training because it is exactly that. It’s a small-cohort residential training about a weeklong that operates akin to a national training camp model where international athletes and coaches work on specific goals.Hand-selected for each camp are experienced international coaches – often Paralympic – who train athletes on the 31km of flat water, a personal trainer to work with athletes in the gym overlooking the reservoir, a virtual sports psychologist to bolster the performance mindset, and a masseuse for keeping on top of lactic acid and easing tension.Aside from the staff, the food is exceptional as great fuel is essential to great performance. Aside from the gains in technique and speed, one of the takeaways athletes get most excited about is the camaraderie and community that lasts long after the Intensive finishes. Most remain in touch with each other as firm friends.
• How do para-athletes apply?
  Athletes can apply by visiting pararowingfoundation.org or, if you’re on Instagram, through the link in bio on our page @pararowingfoundation. Give PRF a follow whilst there to stay on top of news and future events! Applications are open right now until 23:59 EST on 6th December, so don’t delay and apply today!
• What do para-athletes have to pay for?
  PRF understand that being an athlete with an impairment often comes with many additional barriers that get in the way of focussing on training. As a guiding principle, we aim to remove these barriers wherever possible. PRF Intensive Trainings are grant-funded by us which covers the cost all professional coaching, equipment, accommodation, food, snacks and drinks (excluding alcohol), flights and group transfers to/from Lisbon.
• Does a para-athletes need to be FISA classified?
  Due to the intense nature of training, this residential is for high-potential and elite rowers who will likely already have a PR1/2/3 classification.
• What is a typical day at the camp?
  This is our 5th Intensive Training (4th at the prestigious Avizaqcua Team Centre) so we’ve honed a great structure that works. Typically, a day consists of 2 on water sessions with 1:1 coaching and 2 land-based small-group training sessions with an attentive PT in the gym. Back at the hotel, there’s a masseuse on hand for short flush treatments after working hard. There are also Sports Psychology sessions prerecorded for you to enjoy in your own time to connect mind and body on and off the water. Rest time is in-built too and given equal importance. Every athlete’s needs are different so the coaching and training staff liaise before and throughout the Intensive Training to ensure athletes are safe, supported and reaching their goals.
• What sort of para-athletes is PRF most interested in?
  High-potential and elite rowers from any nation in the PR1/2/3 classifications.
  Highly coachable, competitive athletes keen to advance their technique and speed.