A Visit to All-American Rowing Camp

Few things are as enticing to a masters’ rower braving the chilly New Hampshire winter as an invitation to escape to sunny DeLand, Florida, for a week among rowing pals. Luckily for our founder, Victor, just such an opportunity came earlier this year, and he jumped at the chance to head down to the home of All-American Rowing Camp, owned and operated Jim Dietz and Mark Wilson. Rowing Pad supplies boat pads to the camp for participants to use while improving their sport, but this was Victor’s first in-person visit.

For those who are unacquainted with All-American Rowing Camp, it is truly a unique company. Dietz and Wilson founded the camp in 1999 as a way to bring high-quality coaching anywhere it was needed. They customize each camp and clinic for the group (be it a club or a school) and impart an enormous amount of skill and technical growth in a short amount of time. Hosting All-American Rowing Camp at your home base eliminates the need for travel and lets rowers learn in their own boats, on their own water.

For those who want a trip to a warm destination during the winter months, All-American Rowing Camp welcomes groups to its HQ in DeLand, Florida, for off-season training. The atmosphere is upbeat and supportive—groups often eat dinner together and have plenty of bonding time—but the rowing work is serious and effective, with 3 rows per day and video reviews. Though Victor was visiting as a guest and not an official camp attendee, he still experienced many of the elements that make rowing with Jim and Mark such a memorable time.

During his February visit, Victor captured some beautiful footage of Jim Dietz returning from a morning row. Quite the setting! We highly recommend All-American Rowing Camp for your club or school’s next training adventure.