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Events - Event View
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Potomac Downriver Race
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM
Celebrate the Nation’s longest consecutively-run paddling race in the nation! Since 1956 we have raced the 7.5 mile whitewater stretch from just below Great Falls to Sycamore Island and would love to have you join us this year for another unforgettable event.
All registrants - racers and volunteers - will receive a race t-shirt and lunch.
THIS YEAR'S SPONSORS:
Gold - River & Trail Outfitters, Great Falls Foundation, Immersion Research
Silver - Calleva River School
Bronze - River Riders, Team River Runner, Washington Canoe Club, RVA Paddlesports, Potomac Conservancy
RAFFLE
Immersion Research has donated a dry top, and a base layer, to be raffled off at the Downriver Race. If you win, you get to choose the size and style. You do not need to be present to win.
Purchase Raffle Tickets on our Storefront
BEFORE RACE DAY:
If you are not a CCA member, this is a great time to Join CCA and support your local kayak and canoe club. Membership for your whole family is only $20 per year. Sign up here: Join CCA
Register (online only) by Friday, May 10th at 5 PM. (Big green "Register Now" button on the upper right side of the page.) You must register online and pay with your credit card before race day.
Tandem teams: please register and pay separately, and list your partner.
All Racers and On Water Volunteers must register with ACA (American Canoe Association). If you are a member of ACA, and have a valid ACA number, there is no additional charge. If you are not an ACA member and thereby not covered by our race insurance, you must pay the higher race fee to cover the insurance fee.
Register here: ACA Waiver and Insurance
Sycamore Island Waiver. All individuals who compete, volunteer for a role or are a sponsor displaying on Sycamore Island, will need to fill out a Sycamore Island Waiver in addition to a CCA event waiver.
Sycamore_Island_Adult_Waiver.pdf
If a teen will be working on the island, the teen waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian and brought to the island.
Sycamore_Island_Minor_Waiver.pdf
The CCA Waiver is part of the registration process. Please agree to it. You can thank the lawyers for all these waivers.
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
ON RACE DAY:
Check the water level at Potomac.Surf or USGS Little Falls.
If the Little Falls Gauge is 5.0 feet or less, the start will be at:
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 will be at:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
By participating, you are agreeing to be responsible for your own safety, which includes being familiar with the race course, and that you are confident about your ability to paddle the course at race-day levels and conditions. This is Class II/III race. It is not an event for beginners.
Registration is required
Registration cancellations will be accepted until Friday, May 10, 2024 at 5:00 PM
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