The CCA Potomac Downriver Race is hosted by Sycamore Island and co-sponsored by Potomac Whitewater Racing Center. It is one of the longest running whitewater races in the nation.
This Maryland Canoe & Kayak Racing Series event begins at Rocky Island on the Potomac River just above Wet Bottom Rapid and continues for 7.5 miles to Sycamore Island. The race also will be a USA Wildwater Ranking Race. At the end of the race, a free T-shirt and a free lunch will be given to all workers and racers, and there will be a ceremony with awards for the winners. (If you do not attend the ceremony, do not expect to receive an award. No awards will be mailed!)
Registration is Online Only.
Advance registration is $25, day of race the registration fee will increase to $30.
Tandem teams must register and pay as two individuals.
Register at: Potomac Downriver Race - 9/26/2020
- Sign-in begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM. Hard cut-off.
- A mandatory meeting for all racers starts at 10:30 AM.
- The race start time is 12 noon for all racers. Plan accordingly.
- Lunch and a T-shirt will be waiting for you at the island.
- The Award Ceremony will be held at 3:00 PM. Earlier if you paddle fast.
The race starts at Great Falls Tavern/C&O National Park in Potomac, Maryland, if the Little Falls gauge is 5 feet or less. If the Little Falls Gauge is over 5 feet, the race will start at the Old Angler's Inn put-in. If the gauge is over 6 feet, the race will be postponed. Notice regarding any changes will be posted on the CCA, PWRC, and MCC websites. You will be notified of changes by email if you register in advance.
This is a race for whitewater paddlers, from the pros to parent/child tandem teams, but it is Not a Novice Race. All participants should have experience with Class III rapids. All boats must have adequate flotation and all occupants of the boat must wear a helmet and a PFD (life jacket).
VOLUNTEERS are needed for safety boats, at the sign-in table, at the finish line, on Sycamore Island, and to run shuttle for the racers. Volunteers will receive the gratitude of the racers, a sense of participating in an important annual river event, a race T-shirt and lunch. Anyone interested in helping out with this year’s race should contact Jen Sass at sass.jen@gmail.com.
An ACA Waiver and Insurance Form must be completed for each participant. To save time at sign-up, please fill out the form and bring it with you to the race. If you are an ACA member, please include your ACA number. ACA Adult Waver and Insurance ACA Minor Waver and Insurance