Recognized Disciplines

WW Open Canoe Slalom

Whitewater open canoes used for slalom racing are derived from traditional open Canadian or Native American canoe designs, which feature bow and stern ends which are pointed and sit higher than the middle of the hull. Whitewater open canoes (WWOC) are also categorized by their symmetrical side-to-side profile, and they are propelled with single bladed paddles by a paddler that kneels for maximum stability and control. A slalom course is set for the competition using vertical poles for gates and the paddler attempts to negotiate the course in numerical order without touching any poles or missing any gates in the fastest time possible. There are time penalties for touching or missing gates. The course is usually 200 to 300 yards in length. Slalom racing encourages paddlers to learn to control their boat on tight and technical rivers.

There are two categories of canoes used in WWOC Slalom competitions: Recreational and Racing. The recreational classes are intended to include canoes sold for general recreational use. In general, ABS, polyethylene, aluminum, and wood/canvas canoes will qualify for inclusion in this category. Fiberglass/Kevlar/composite and wood-strip canoes will generally be included in the racing classes but the final determining factor is a weight per length ratio. Lighter boats can only be entered in Racing class. A recreational weight boat can be entered in either class but will be at a disadvantage against lighter race boats. Limited spray decks are allowed and floatation is required for both the boat and paddler.

Slalom is contested on class II-III whitewater with occasional class IV features and moves. See the WWOC Slalom competition rules for complete details and boat specifications.

ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals and North American Championships – 2026

Location: Wausau Whitewater Park – Wausau, Wisconsin

Date: June 27 – 29, 2026

Registration: Registration will be available by the end of January, 2026 at wausauwhitewater.org.

The slalom event will utilize approximately 300 yards of the Wausau Whitewater Course, with features predominantly presenting class II challenges. One set of features in the middle of the course, Big Drop and Little Drop, present a class II-III challenge, with a blind horizon line and significant water velocity. Adjustability of the dam gate at the top of the course allows wide latitude for controlling the character and challenge of the course. This adjustability is very beneficial in setting a course which is challenging for advanced paddlers, while allowing less experienced paddlers to participate effectively.

Site and Community Amenities: Free camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis on property adjacent to the course. Additionally, numerous camping and opportunities and lodging choices exist within reasonable distances. The City of Wausau also offers many choices for dining, and all the shopping and grocery options expected of a mid-sized community.

Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom Committee

The purpose of the Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom Committee is to encourage, sanction, and sponsor amateur competition in whitewater open canoe at local, regional, national, and international levels. The WWOC Slalom Committee is governed by the Operating Procedures set forth by the Competition Council of the ACA.

The WWOC Slalom Committee promotes and regulates Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom Racing by producing quality competitions to increase skills and awareness of both paddlers and spectators, encourages new competitors and new canoeists in general, and provides safe and fair racing conditions and quality recreational experiences for all involved.

The annual ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships are sanctioned by the WWOC Slalom Committee of the American Canoe Association.

Visit the WWOC Slalom website for details of the WWOC Slalom rules for competition, age classes for solo and tandem competitors, results of past competitions, and announcements of upcoming events.