Wildwater has both "sprint" and "classic" races. Sprint races are typically about 500 meters. We plan to run them through the Maryland chute at Difficult Run Rapid on Saturday. Classic races are more like the CCA downriver race. We plan to run them on Sunday from Rocky Island Cove to Carderock. There will be classes in each race for decked canoes (C-1 and C-2 men and women) and kayak (K-1 men and women).
Wildwater canoes and kayaks are long and narrow with a rounded hull, which makes them fast but also unstable and hard to turn. If you've never tried one, we will have some introductory sessions this summer to introduce you to them. From personal experience, I can attest that they are both fast and very tippy. I flipped almost immediately after launching in one but quickly picked up (not mastered by any means) some basic moves.
This is a wonderful opportunity for national and international paddlers to experience the beautiful Potomac. I hope CCA's participation will excite some young paddlers to expand their skills to wildwater paddling. Watch the July-August Cruiser, the CCA website, and the CCA Facebook page for more information about the National Championship Races and how to volunteer.