Racing started with a time trial of 900m + turn (out, round a buoy, and back) to allocate crews to heats.

[1] Six qualification events were held to determine the representation for the 2018 Youth Olympics, the 2017 World Junior Championships and five continental qualifiers.

Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) can enter a maximum of 2 boats, 1 per each gender.

As Argentina qualified two boats the host quota was reallocated to the American Qualification Regatta.

[2] To be eligible to participate at the Youth Olympics athletes must have been born between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2001.