The 2025 USA Wildwater National Championships will take place on the Potomac River near Great Falls, Maryland, on August 30–31, 2025. This marks the first time the Nationals have been held at this iconic venue, a longtime dream for organizers and a historic milestone for the Wildwater racing community.
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 really 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,” shared Bob Bofinger, USA Wildwater Chairman, National Team Member, and many-time USA National Champion.
Venue Highlights
The Potomac River near Great Falls is renowned in the whitewater world and has produced numerous elite paddlers across all whitewater canoeing disciplines. This year’s Wildwater Nationals will highlight two race formats:
- Classic Race
Spectator Locations: Billy Goat Trail Sections A & B, Anglers Access Point, and on the water from Great Falls MD, Anglers or Carderock.
Start Location: Great Falls MD
Finish Location: Carderock - Sprint Race
Spectator Locations: Billy Goat Trail Section A and on the water at Maryland Chute, just upriver from Anglers Access Point.
There is no fee to spectate, and the scenic trails along the Billy Goat Trail offer excellent viewing access for fans and supporters.
Parking Information
- 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.
Whether you’re a longtime paddling fan or new to the sport, join us on the Potomac River this August to witness some of the fastest athletes in Wildwater racing navigate one of the most scenic and challenging stretches of river in the country.
For updates, event details, and volunteer information, visit https://americancanoe.org/event/2025-usa-wildwater-national-championships/