GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS — ACA Paddlesports is pleased to announce that the Blackburn Challenge, the iconic 20-mile circumnavigation of Cape Ann, has been officially selected as the host of the 2026 USA Canoe Ocean Racing (COR) / Surfski National Championships.
Taking place on July 11, 2026 and set in Massachusetts’ historic seafaring city of Gloucester and widely regarded as the “Boston Marathon” of open water endurance racing, the Blackburn Challenge has attracted paddlesports athletes from across the United States and around the world for nearly four decades.
“We are excited to partner with the Cape Ann Rowing Club as the host of the 2026 USA COR/Surfski National Championships,” said Matt Drayer, Chairperson of the ACA Ocean Racing Committee. “The Blackburn Challenge is an outstanding event, and we’re confident that ACA
members will experience a competition worthy of the championship title.”
Building on the momentum of the ACA’s successful collaboration with the 2025 Gorge Downwind Championships, the 2026 National Championships will shift from high-velocity downwind racing to a demanding test of fitness, determination, and open water skill.
“The Blackburn is a full-value endeavor that pushes a surfski athlete’s physical, mental, emotional, and technical abilities,” noted Greg Barton, Olympic gold medalist and Vice Chairperson of the ACA Ocean Racing Committee. “This is a championship-caliber course that rewards preparation, judgment, and resilience – it’s an exceptional match for our ocean racing community’s ethos. We look forward to seeing outstanding performances from participating surfski paddlers.”
The Cape Ann Rowing Club, which organizes the Blackburn Challenge, also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to host the 2026 National Championships.
“The Blackburn Challenge has celebrated Cape Ann’s history of seamanship, persistence, and community for 40 years,” said Bob Blair, President of the Cape Ann Rowing Club. “We are honored to partner with the ACA Paddlesports to deliver the 2026 USA Canoe Ocean Racing / Surfski National Championships. The City of Gloucester takes immense pride in the event, and we look forward to offering surfski paddlers from across the country an unforgettable summer experience.”
As with the ACA’s 2025 collaboration with the Gorge Downwind Championships, surfski paddlers holding active annual ACA memberships will be automatically included in the Blackburn’s USA COR/Surfski National Championships category. Eligible athletes will compete for official national titles in Men’s and Women’s overall and age-group divisions. Further details regarding race-week programming and logistics will be published during the lead-up to the competition.
“ACA Paddlesports and the Cape Ann Rowing Club are committed to elevating our sport and inspiring the USA ocean racing community to prepare and perform,” added Drayer. “We are confident that participants will find the 2026 National Championships memorable on many levels. Registration is now open and can be found on the Cape Ann Rowing Club website!”
Paddlers gain much more than entry to the National Championships when they join the ACA; they become part of a countrywide initiative to elevate the status of competitive paddlesports in the United States. Membership benefits include participation in the annual USA COR/Surfski National Series, which connects paddlers across the country and provides perspective on each athlete’s developmental journey. Additionally, active ACA members are eligible to represent the USA at international competitions including Pan American Continental Championships and ICF World Championships. Members also enjoy access to exclusive networks, services, gear discounts, and support for race planning and preparation.
For media inquiries, sponsorship requests, or additional information, please contact:
Matt Drayer
Chairperson, ACA Ocean Racing Committee
Email: orc@americancanoe.net
