Why Row for the Philadelphia Sculling Club?

Why PSC and not a Junior National Team camp?

PSC is supportive of the mission of the USRowing Junior National program; we just take a different approach to our summers. The program runs the full summer, including a trip to Canadian Henley for every athlete. PSC is also not a selection camp (i.e. no one gets cut), and the focus is on building the team as a whole. Furthmore, boats from the program may go to Junior National team trials; if you win trials with PSC you'll continue to train until time for Junior Worlds, knowing that you're already in an excellent environment for preparation for the world championships.

Why PSC and not a local club?

Because PSC is dedicated to providing the best possible summer experience for its athletes, we have numerous advantages over club programs. The equipment we use is not used by anyone else over the summer and we have approximately twice as many seats and oars available as we have athletes. That means you’ll have virtually unlimited access to top-level equipment. 

The Hines Rowing Center has modern locker rooms, boat bays, and weight lifting equipment, but most importantly it gives PSC athletes almost five miles of uninterrupted rowing, with very few other power or rowing boats on the water. Its location just outside the city is easily accesible for most local families.

At PSC, you won't be a a number on a board, or just another kid in one of many programs a coach is responsible for. We are totally focused on junior boys summer sculling and have the results to prove that focus is worth it.

Why PSC and not a similar sweep camp?

First, because sculling is an incredibly valuable skill to have as a junior athlete. It develops the body fully and symmetrically and adds immeasurably to your ability to “feel” a boat move. It also makes it much easier for you to row both sides in sweep – a very handy ability when coaches are looking to fill freshman eights in college. Finally, the PSC summer program gives you very close attention due to the high coach-to-athlete ratio that can’t be matched in a big sweep camp. The program competes in all boat sizes and athletes develop an unmatched bond with their teammates.

"Winning races was a small part in what I consider to be the most beneficial summer of my entire life."

PSC athlete '11

"The coaches truly brought out the best in me and made the sport extremely fun, and the serious attitude of the camp definitely provided an incentive to work hard be successful."

- PSC athlete '11, '12

How does PSC get me ready for college?

Rowing in an intense, competitive summer program shows college coaches that you are serious about a commitment to rowing and gives you exposure to a wide range of other rowers and members of the rowing community. You will also get the chance to meet college coaches, both local and from around the country, at practice and at races.

In addition, your summer coaches have experience in the college recruiting process and can speak to your dedication and performance in an intense, college-level setting. You can count on their support and guidance after the summer is over. Click here for a list of colleges from whom athletes who have rowed with Coach Bridges have gotten attention.

With PSC, you are the focus. We may not offer an historic boathouse or a long tradition, but we can offer you what we believe it takes to win:

- Dedicated coaching with a consistent record of success in junior sculling, for whom YOU are the only focus.

- The best training water in the region: almost five miles of uninterrupted, flat, protected, little-used river just outside Philadelphia.

- Virtually unlimited access to top-flight equipment: boats from top manufacturers including numerous new or almost new Hudsons, Filippis, Empachers, and other racing shells; Croker oars, and extensive electronic training tools from NK.

- Fast, dedicated teammates from around the region and around the country, who are all as dedicated and hard-working as you are.