The CCA Potomac Downriver Race is the longest continually held downriver whitewater race in the US. The club was founded in 1956 to organize the race after a successful first effort by members of the Sycamore Island Club as well as the Washington Canoe Club. CCA has organized the race each year since, even through the constraints of COVID. Individuals who are confident paddling Class II-III whitewater are invited to race in a kayak, in a single or tandem decked or open canoe, or on standup paddleboard.
The DMV is home to a community of paddlers like no other in the nation. The Washington Canoe Club introduced canoeing to the Olympics in 1924, winning three of six possible medals and bringing women fully into competitive paddling. Race participants have included wildwater, slalom, and freestyle experts who have represented our nation in World Championship events and the Olympics. Beyond this one annual day of racing are tens of thousands of days paddling with friends and their families, beginners and experts alike, who have enjoyed the availability of the majestic Potomac 365 days a year.
2025 T-Shirt Features Contest-Winning Artwork
Joan Goodbody is producing a unique race T-shirt featuring the winning artwork from the 2025 T-shirt design contest held early this year. The artists are Netta Lizak and Miki Komlosh.
Sycamore Island Festivities
Commemorative T-shirts will be distributed to volunteers early in the day, and racers will receive theirs on Sycamore Island in exchange for the return of their race bibs. Lunch will be served on Sycamore Island, awards will be distributed there for top spots in each category of three or more participants, and we will pick the winners of the raffle of IR gear and a tubing trip for four on the Shenandoah this summer. 2025 race sponsors will be invited to display and promote their companies, products, and services.
Safety First
Race officials will ensure that all boats entered for the race are properly outfitted. An on-water safety team, including skilled instructors, will be stationed along the race route to assist throughout the event, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Those confident in their whitewater safety and/or rescue skills should feel free to offer your experience to our safety lead, Jennifer Sass, at sass.jen@gmail.com.
If the river level exceeds 5 feet on the Little Falls gage, we will shift the start downstream to the Anglers Inn River Access. If the level reaches 6 feet, the race will be postponed to Saturday, May 17.
If a competitor arrives without an appropriate boat with flotation, life jacket, paddle, and helmet, a volunteer official may have them withdraw from the race. CCA will review the situation and consider whether a full or partial registration fee refund is warranted.
Thank you, Race Committee
Volunteers are our secret sauce. Race leaders have been meeting since January to ensure that registration, advance outreach, and the race start proceed smoothly, that finish times are recorded accurately, and that lunch and awards are delivered quickly. Volunteers play critically important roles when checking competitors in, tracking racers with the number on their bibs, taking photos and video at the start, finish, and along the route, and supporting the lunch and awards ceremony. We have a few opportunities to welcome additional folks interested in managing early shuttles and parking, staffing the finish by recording times, serving the lunch, and leaving the Island cleaner than it was that morning.
Thanks go to our experienced race volunteers Cotton, Ginny DeSeau, Jackie Hoglund, Lynn Miller (and her sister Beth!), Star Mitchell, Jennifer Sass, Dean Hawes, Diane Hobbs, and Susan Sherrod. Once again, Miki Komlosh will introduce us to awesome students from Montgomery County schools who sign up as part of their service-learning programs. They will be on hand to transport boats to the put-in, set up and serve lunch on Sycamore Island, and clean up.
Welcoming new Race Committee members
Several individuals have jumped on board to extend our effectiveness and provide backup for current team members. Pam White and Peter Ryan have been learning the CCA Advertising and Sponsorship ropes from Diane Hobbs, and have streamlined how outdoor industry and local non-profit organizations can sign up as advertisers and race supporters. Grace Hassler has offered her enthusiasm, expertise, and confidence to share our race plans via social media; Laura Kurup has applied her skill and intuition to our online race site, making registration more intuitive and easy.
Register on the CCA Website
Competitor Race Insurance and American Canoe Association membership: Please have your ACA membership number handy when registering. An additional $10 fee will be required for folks who are not ACA members. Off-water volunteers, such as officials who check boats and staff the Sycamore Island lunch, will not be required to have ACA insurance.
If you have questions about or would like to volunteer for the 70th Annual CCA Downriver Race, contact Risa Shimoda, at risa@theshimodagroup.com, (301) 502-6548.
We can't wait to see you May 10!