Required Waivers |
Boat Categories |
Event Rules
Course |
Schedule |
Parking |
Race History
Event Rules
All racers must wear PFDs (life jackets) and helmets. All boats must have flotation; no exceptions. Bring water. Refills available after the race, no single use bottles. This is a 7.5 mile whitewater race. It is not suitable for novice paddlers.
Course
Check the water level at Potomac.Surf or USGS Little Falls.
If the Little Falls Gauge is 5.0 feet or less, the start location will be:
C& O Canal National Historical Park
11710 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
If the Little Falls gauge reads higher than 5.0 feet, the start location will be:
Angler's / C&O Canal
10790 MacArthur Blvd
Potomac, MD 20854
If the Little Falls Gauge is above 6.0 feet, the race will be postponed to the following Saturday.
Red flags with white arrows mark the left turn 1/2 mile above the finish line. DO NOT MISS THE TURN, Brookmont Dam is just downstream!
Potomac_Downriver_Race_Course_Map.pdf
Potomac_Downriver_Race_Put-in_Map.pdf
Final Turn Race Flags
Schedule
8:30 - 9:30 Check-in at the C&O Canal National Historical Park picnic area adjacent to the concession building to receive your race bib and instructions.
9:30 AM Mandatory pre-race meeting.
11:00 AM (sharp) Mass start.
1:00 PM (est.) Finish at Sycamore Island.
1:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch for racers and race volunteers.
2:00 PM Awards Ceremony.
2:00 - 3:00 PM Clean-up.
3:00 PM All activities should be completed.
Parking
Space will be extremely limited at the take out. Leave your car at the put-in! Volunteers will drive you back to get your car.
Boat Categories
01. Wildwater Kayak (WWK)
02. Wildwater Canoe (WWC)
03. Long Kayak (K1-L) over 11 feet
04. Short Kayak (K1-S) under 11 feet
05. Closed/Decked Canoe Solo (C1)
06. Open Canoe Solo (OC1)
07. Kayak Tandem (K2) Bow (Front)
08. Kayak Tandem (K2) Stern (Back)
09. Canoe Tandem (OC2) Bow (Front)
10. Canoe Tandem (OC2) Stern (Back)
11. Parent & Child under 18
12. Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP)
13. Inflatables, Rafts, Other
Required Waivers
After registering, please complete these waivers. They must be submitted in advance of the race.
(1) American Canoe Association Waiver
[2025 link coming soon]
Both ACA Members and non-members must complete and submit the waiver online.
(2) Sycamore Island Waiver
Adult Downriver Race Waiver (pdf)
Required for competitors, volunteers and sponsors displaying on Sycamore Island
Minor Downriver Race Waiver (pdf)
Required for minor competitors and volunteers, to be signed by a parent or guardian.
The CCA Waiver is part of the registration process.
Race History
See photos of the First Downriver Race, held by the CCA in 1956.
Past Race Results:
2024 Downriver Race Results
2023 Downriver Race Results
2022 Downriver Race Results
2021 Downriver Race Results
2020 Downriver Race Results
2020 Race Report
2019 Downriver Race Results
2018 Downriver Race Results
2017 Downriver Race Results
2016 Downriver Race Results