Southeastern US Wildwater Championships - Downriver Race

Description

Come join the Georgia Canoeing Association on Sunday, October 4, 2026, for the 58th year of the Southeastern US Wildwater Championships, the oldest whitewater race in the Southeast. The race will be on the Nantahala River from the Forest Service put-in at Wayah Road to Finish Rock (after falls and before the raft takeout on river right). This race attracts top racers from the Southeast and beyond, but is open to anyone who wants to see how quickly they can get down the Nantahala.

REGISTRATION Pre-registration WILL CLOSE AT 11:45pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2nd. After that time racers must register in person at the race (cash or check only). Racers are strongly encouraged to pre-register. Pre-registration allows the use of credit cards and speeds things up on race day. You can do this using the button below. Registration on race day is by cash or check only.

FEE The registration fee is $20 for current American Canoe Organization (ACA) members and $30 for non-members.  That includes a commemorative race T-Shirt and helps the club cover the permit and insurance costs for the race.  Any remaining funds will go toward the GCA River Access Fund.

ACA WAIVER As part of online registration, you will be directed to answer some questions and sign the ACA online waiver for the race.  Please do this even if you have already signed the ACA annual waiver (they are in two different systems).  You will receive a confirmation email when your registration is complete.

T-SHIRTS Additional T-Shirts may be purchased for $15, either during pre-registration or at the race. T-shirts will be available for pick-up at the race check-in table on the day of the race.

 RACE SCHEDULE

• Wayah Road USFS Put In (above Patton’s) 
  • Racer Check-in 9:00am to 10:00am (All Racers must check in then to receive your bib and T-Shirt, even if you pre-registered)
  • Competitor Meeting 10:30 am
  • Race Start (1 Minute Intervals) 11 am
• Nantahala Outdoor Center – River Left
  • Awards 1:00pm to 3:00pm

CLASSES (Canoe & Kayak are divided into Regular and Master Divisions)

• Canoe (Men, Women, Mixed Pair)
  • WWC1 – Wildwater canoe
  • OC1 – Open canoe single
  • OC2 – Open canoe tandem
  • C1 – Decked canoe single
• Kayak (Men, Women, Mixed Pair)
  • WWK1 – Wildwater kayak
  • K1 Long – over 9′
  • K1 Short – 9′ or less
  • K2 – Tandem kayak
• Other
  • SUP
  • Shredder
  • Inflatable ducky