From October 17–19, the American Canoe Association (ACA) hosted the first-ever ACA PaddleFest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina—and we had an amazing time!
This milestone gathering combined several key ACA events into one exciting weekend, including the Swiftwater Rescue Conference, ACA Instructor and Instructor Trainer (IT) Updates, the USA Slalom & Kayak Cross National Championships, and the ACA’s 145th Anniversary Celebration, where we honored the 2025 ACA Annual Award recipients.
Adding even more depth to the weekend, the Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC) joined us for their 2025 PTC CoLab, featuring vendor displays, presentations, and discussions on how to grow and strengthen the paddlesports industry.
Strengthening Skills and Safety
Photo Credit: Gil Hidalgo
More than 120 participants signed up for instructor and IT updates or the swiftwater rescue conference—demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing paddling education, safety, and professional development. Updates were held across five disciplines:
- Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- River Canoe
- Coastal Kayak
- River Kayak
- Whitewater Rafting
From hands-on rescue scenarios to dynamic skills sessions and instructor networking, the weekend was filled with learning, connection, and collaboration across the paddlesports community.
Racing Highlights: USA Slalom & Kayak Cross Nationals
Photo Credit: Gil Hidalgo
Athletes competing in the Slalom and Kayak Cross National Championships delivered thrilling performances throughout the weekend. Slalom racers showcased incredible precision and speed as they navigated a challenging course, while Kayak Cross—fresh off its Olympic debut at Paris 2024—continued to captivate spectators with its head-to-head racing and high-energy action.
USA Slalom & Kayak Cross Podiums
MK1:
- 🥇 Tyler Westfall
- 🥈 Coleman Christie Williams
- 🥉 Ricky Powell
WK1:
- 🥇 Marcella Altman
- 🥈 Lucy Crino
- 🥉 Carden Oetting
MC1:
- 🥇 Zach “Bug” Lokken
- 🥈 Casey Eichfeld
- 🥉 Nathaniel Francis
WC1:
- 🥇 Carden Oetting
- 🥈 Marcella Altman
- 🥉 Isabella Altman
MX Individual:
- 🥇 Tyler Westfall
- 🥈 Nik Nijhawan
- 🥉 Ricky Powell
WX Individual:
- 🥇 Lucy Crino
- 🥈 Ivy Lenz
- 🥉 Carden Oetting
MX:
- 🥇 Ricky Powell
- 🥈 Tyler Westfall
- 🥉 Nathaniel Francis
WX:
- 🥇 Carden Oetting
- 🥈Marcella Altman
- 🥉Ivy Lenz
A Special Visit from the USA Sprint National Team
We also loved welcoming the Sprint National Team to PaddleFest while they were in Charlotte for athlete testing at the U.S. Performance Center. The athletes joined the fun by hopping into rafts and taking a run down the competition channel, paddling for their guide—none other than Rafal Smolen, Slalom National Team Coach. Their energy and teamwork on the water added an exciting and memorable highlight to the weekend!
Looking Ahead
ACA PaddleFest brought together instructors, athletes, industry leaders, and paddlers from around the world for a weekend of growth, celebration, and connection. The event reflected the strength and diversity of the ACA community—and set the stage for even greater collaboration in the years ahead.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this historic weekend and look forward to seeing even more of you at next year’s event!
