Plans Proceed Apace for Wildwater Championships Here
By Risa Shimoda
We are excited and proud to be supporting the sport of wildwater paddling and dozens of awesome paddlers from across the country at the 2025 USA Wildwater National Championships on the Potomac.
The races will take place August 30-31 near Great Falls, MD, and Anglers Inn. This marks the first time the Nationals have been held at this iconic venue, a longtime dream for organizers and a milestone for the Wildwater racing community.
If you have attended one of our (70!) annual CCA Downriver Races, you've likely seen Wildwater racers take off like a flash from the Start and be among the first, if not the first, to cross the Finish Line. Their look is unique as they paddle those crazy-looking, long, narrow decked kayaks and canoes with distinctive wing-like protrusions on each side in the stern, designed to both go fast and be responsive in rapids.
The event will draw top athletes from across the country—including U.S. Canoe Slalom Olympian Devin McEwan, current and former USA Wildwater National Team members, and Wildwater National Champions—along with recreational racers from states up and down the East Coast, including New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia.
"We are looking forward to hosting this event, with the Canoe Cruisers Association (CCA), our local club in the greater D.C area. It has always been a dream of mine to get a Nationals on the Potomac and bring competitors to this area," shares Frederick native Bob Bofinger, USA Wildwater Chairman, National Team Member, and many-time USA National Champion.
The championships are an annual event that welcomes all Wildwater racers. It represents a partnership between the USA Wildwater Committee, whose competitive discipline is one of 16 organized under the American Canoe Association umbrella. Wildwater is one of six paddlesports disciplines held on whitewater rivers: the others are whitewater slalom, freestyle, canoe poling (Class II, but requires navigation and river-running skills), rafting, and the newcomer, kayak cross.
Planning the event has been a collaborative effort. Bob and fellow members of the National Wildwater Committee, Garet Strouse and Sandrine Deglin (past CCA Downriver Race overall winner), have designed the two-day schedule and identified logistical needs. Aaron Harchak will manage technical aspects of the race, such as timekeeping and ensuring competitors are properly equipped. CCA volunteers David (Cotton) Cottingham, Rolo Arrieta, Lynn Miller, Risa Shimoda, and others are helping as planners. They will also staff the race on the river and off, secure permits and bibs, check competitors in, provide on-water safety, and serve post-race refreshments. The American Canoe Association is processing registrations.
Would you like to try paddling a wildwater boat yourself? Wildwater Training Clinics were offered for no charge in July, and there is one more on Aug. 6—see Calleva's River Calendar to sign up. (Space is limited.) Thank you, Wildwater Committee members, and shout-outs also to Calleva's Ashley and Steve-O for administering the clinic registration website, boat loans, and introductory coaching support.
Race Registration
• Registration is on the ACA site
• Registration fee: ACA members $40/person; non-members $50/person (the extra amount is for insurance). Individuals can race in multiple classes for this one fee
• Registration will close at midnight on Thursday, Aug. 28
This year's championships will highlight two race formats:
Classic Race
Start Location: Great Falls, MD
Finish Location: Carderock
Spectator Locations: Billy Goat Trail Sections A & B, Anglers Access Point, and on the water from Great Falls, MD, Anglers, or Carderock
Sprint Race
Spectator Locations: Billy Goat Trail Section A and on the water at Maryland Chute, just upriver from Anglers Access
There is no fee for spectators, and the scenic trails along the Billy Goat Trail offer excellent viewing.
Parking
Anglers (Start/Finish Access): free
Carderock (Classic Finish): free
Great Falls MD (Classic Start): National Park fee required
International Status
This year's race will also serve as an ICF International Level 4 event, making it the first international Wildwater race held in the U.S. since 2019. This designation represents a major step toward bringing more international-caliber Wildwater racing to the U.S. and elevating the level of competition nationwide.
Race Classes
Sprint and Classic Junior, U23, Senior & Masters Wildwater: K1M, K1W, C1M, C2M, C1W, C2W
Non-Wildwater boats such as plastic longboats or open canoes are welcome to compete as long as they meet ICF Wildwater rules.
Tentative Schedule
8/30 Sprint:
• Check-In (Anglers Inn Lower Parking Lot) – 8:00 a.m.
• Boat Control/Measuring – 9:00 a.m.
• Race Meeting – 9:30 a.m.
• Wildwater Classes 1st Sprint Run – 10:30 a.m., 2nd Sprint Run – 11:30 a.m.
• Multiple Classes 1st Sprint Run – 1:00 p.m., 2nd Sprint Run: 2:00 p.m.
8/31 Classic, Rocky Cove to Carderock (approx. 4 miles)
• Check-in – 9:00 a.m. (Great Falls Park, MD
• Boat Control/Measuring – 9:30 a.m.
• Race Mass Start per class: 11:00 a.m.
• 2nd Class – 2:00 p.m. start
For more information:
Registration (see button) and event details (see link for "View this flyer ...")
Sign-up for free Wildwater clinic (one remaining, Aug. 6)
Race Director Bob Bofinger, canoabob58@aol.com, 301-676-0321
ACA Wildwater site
USA Wildwater on Facebook
USA Wildwater on Instagram