Sydney University rowing director Mark Prater described the river as 'fantastic' while praising the Manning River Rowing Club for their assistance.

A contingent of 36 rowers and three coaches will wind up a 10-day camp this week.

"We used to go to Jindabyne for the annual camp,'' Prater explained.

"But last year we decided to come up here for something a bit different.''

He said this was an inspired idea, with the Manning offering everything he wanted to conduct a camp.

Accommodation is organised near the rowing club and Prater has his charges on the river for early morning sessions before breakfast. There's another just before lunch while they usually have strength and conditioning training along or cycling and swimming in the afternoon for cross training.

All meals are at the rowing club.

"A couple of parents come up with us and they look after the cooking,'' Prater said.

He added the river is ideal for training. The fact that it is largely inclutered enhances the appeal,

"Put it this way, it's much better here than dodging ferries on Sydney Harbour,'' Prater added with a smile.

It would appear unlikely that the squad will be heading back to Jindabyne any time soon.

"We'll be coming back here next year,'' he said.

"And I think we'll be making it an annual trip.''

However, Sydney Uni won't be represented at this weekend's Summer Festival regatta to be held on the Manning and hosted by the Manning and Port Macquarie clubs.

This clashes with a commitment the university has in Sydney along with preparations for the upcoming State and National championships.

"We have a regatta there so we'll be heading home to prepare for that,'' Prater explained.

Balmain Rowing Club has conducted an annual pre-regatta camp in the area for more than five years. The club is once again boating out of the Dawson River Caravan Park with a squad of around 30 competitors training on both the Dawson and Manning Rivers.