Best Pole Vault Camps of 2024 A Complete Guide

The Best Pole Vault Camps for Overall Performance Improvement

Pole vaulting, a sport combining speed, agility, and strength, requires a lot of practice reps with expert coaching. Aspiring vaulters aiming for new heights in 2024 must select their training grounds with precision, considering factors such as coaching quality, facilities, and training techniques. You will probably have to travel to get there, but the rewards will be worthwhile. This article dives into the best pole vault camps across the United States, offering insights into their programs and the unique benefits they provide.

Top Camps Overview Ranked

1. River City Vault Club, Cape Girardeau, MO

Ranking at the top of our list is River City Vault Club, the premier pole vault facility of the Midwest. Mark & Tim Rademaker run this facility with over 60 years of combined vaulting and coaching experience. They offer private coaching, weekly training, day and overnight camps for both beginners and elite athletes. A complete camp schedule and information about private coaching can be found on their website.

2. Vault High Athletics, Ft. Wayne, IN

Known for its comprehensive approach and legendary coach Paul Babits, Vault High Athletics in Ft. Wayne stands out for its blend of technical instruction and practical application. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, vaulters at all levels can refine their skills and push their limits.

3. Rise Pole Vault, Joliet, IL

With a beautiful facility, a large selection of equipment, and coaching by Elite vaulters Jake & Luke Winder, Rise Pole Vault should be at the top of every aspiring pole vaulters list. The duo emphasizes personalized coaching, a critical factor for athletes aiming to surpass personal bests.

4. SPIRE Academy, Geneva, OH

SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, offers structured pole vault training led by olympic Gold Medalist, Tim Mack. Their programs include daily instruction that covers both performance and mental skills training, essential for comprehensive athlete development.

5. Pole Vault Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

Pole Vault Atlanta adopts the Petrov Model of vaulting, providing intensive four-hour daily sessions. This camp is ideal for vaulters at all levels who are serious about improving their technique through personalized coaching and multiple vaulting runways.

6. Cal Weekly Pole Vault Clinics, Berkeley, CA

Hosted at the historic Edwards Stadium, Cal Pole Vault Camp caters to a wide range of athletes, from 7th graders to college students. The camp offers comprehensive training sessions and provides all necessary equipment, making it accessible for newcomers and seasoned athletes alike.

7. Rick Attig’s Pole Vault Camps, Topeka, KS

Rick Attig’s camps take a scientific approach to pole vault training, integrating technical skills with psychological and physiological training. This methodical approach caters to vaulters of different skill levels and is held at various times throughout the year.

What to Expect at a Pole Vault Camp

Attending a pole vault camp is a whole experience, one that doesn’t just add a few techniques to your arsenal but throws you into the deep end of this sport. Camps are designed to push you, bring you into the world of elite athletes, and teach you things you can’t get from regular practice. So, if you’re curious about what actually goes down at a top-tier pole vault camp, here’s what to expect, straight from someone who’s been there, done that, and come back to tell you about it.

Immersive Training Sessions with Elite Coaches

Pole vault camps aren’t your typical practice sessions. This isn’t a “take a few jumps and call it a day” kind of deal. No, expect days packed with training where you’re constantly jumping, refining, and pushing yourself. The coaching you’ll get is next-level. Many camps bring in the kind of coaches you usually only hear about... Olympians, national champions, people who have been at the top and know what it takes to get there. These coaches don’t just give generic advice; they’ll analyze your every move, give you tailored feedback, and make real-time adjustments that can take your vaulting to a whole new place.

But here’s the catch: you’ll get out of camp exactly what you put into it. So show up prepared. I’m talking fresh, injury-free, and fueled. You can’t come in limping from shin splints or hobbling on sore knees. These camps are intense. You’re going to take hundreds of jumps over multiple days, and that takes some serious stamina. Hydrate, load up on fuel, and get your conditioning up to par because it’ll be a grind.

One pro tip: study the coaches ahead of time. Look them up, watch their YouTube videos, check out their athletes, and get familiar with their styles. Not only will this help you relate to their techniques, but it’ll also make for better conversations. Knowing a bit about their background shows you’re serious, and it makes you a more engaged student.

Top-Tier Facilities and Equipment

Pole vault camps are famous for their facilities. It’s like being dropped into a professional athlete’s training ground. You’ll be on multiple runways, training with high-tech pits, and testing out a variety of poles. Training with different equipment isn’t just cool; it’s a massive advantage if you’re thinking about moving up in competition. Getting comfortable with pro-level gear now will help you out when you’re at the big meets.

And don’t count on everything being provided. Sure, some camps will have it all, but if you’re smart, you’ll come ready. Bring your own poles, chalk, spikes, and anything else you know you’ll need. Pack the basics like food, drinks, pre-workout, supplements, and any recovery devices you rely on. Being prepared lets you focus on what you’re really there to do, vault, without having to worry about missing gear or running out of fuel.

Building More Than Just Physical Skills

Pole vault camps aren’t just about building physical skill. They’re about making you a better athlete, period. Expect workshops on everything from sports nutrition to injury prevention and, most importantly, mental toughness. Pole vaulting is as much a mental game as it is physical, and these camps don’t shy away from that.

My advice? Listen more than you talk. There’s no shortage of vaulters there who want to chat and make friends, and yeah, you’ll bond with a few people who really get you, but remember why you’re there. You’re there to improve, to hit those PRs. Keep your ears open to all the coaching feedback you get, and bring a notebook. You’re going to hear a lot, and having those tips and cues written down will save you when you’re back home training solo. And another thing: embrace the chance to get feedback from different coaches. Not everyone has the same philosophy or style, and that’s a good thing. There’s no single “best” pole vaulting method, so take the time to soak up diverse perspectives.

Connecting with the Vaulting Community

One of the best parts of a pole vault camp? The community. You’ll meet people who share your passion, people who understand the thrill and the struggle of the sport. And here’s the thing: pole vaulting is a small world. Camps give you a rare opportunity to connect with people who could end up being part of your journey for years. You’ll build friendships, and you might even gain a few mentors along the way.

Building relationships with the coaches can be just as valuable. They’re not just instructors; they’re people who know the industry, who might review your videos later, introduce you to other athletes, or even help you make connections down the line. Get to know them, show your dedication, and ask smart questions. Building these connections now can open doors later, like college recruitment or professional mentorship.

Wrapping It Up: Make This Experience Count

Pole vault camps are more than just a training session. They’re an investment in yourself and your future as an athlete. Go in prepared, stay open to all the new insights, and build real relationships. Camps are intense, demanding, and at times even a little overwhelming, but if you’re committed, the return is worth every ounce of effort.

Choosing the Right Camp

Selecting the right pole vault camp involves more than just evaluating the prestige of the program. Prospective campers must consider their current skill level, specific training needs, and geographic location. The expertise of the coaching staff plays a pivotal role in the development of an athlete, impacting not only their performance but also their understanding of the sport.

Facility quality also significantly affects the training effectiveness, as top-notch equipment and venues provide athletes with the necessary resources to train safely and effectively.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a proficient pole vaulter is complex and demanding. Choosing the right pole vault camp is crucial for personal growth and skill enhancement in this challenging sport. Aspiring vaulters should conduct thorough research based on their specific needs and goals, and reach out to camps to secure a spot in their desired program. With the right training, the sky's the limit for what they can achieve in the world of pole vaulting.