Review the 2026 Potomac Downriver Race page for important race information including the schedule, start location, boat categories, parking, and course maps!
If you are not a member, consider joining the CCA before you register. This is a great time to join and support your local kayak and canoe club! Membership for your whole family is only $20 per year.
All racers and volunteers receive a race t-shirt and lunch!
Buy Raffle Tickets for a chance to win an IR Dry Top or IR Base Layer.
Required Waivers
After registering, please complete these waivers. They must be submitted in advance of the race.
Insurance for the race is through the American Canoe Association (ACA) https://americancanoe.org/
You must be an ACA member or pay an extra insurance fee of $10.
Your ACA membership must be up to date with a signed waiver, and you must list your club as Canoe Cruisers Association. You can have more than one club affiliation.
Step by step instructions for the ACA Member Online Waiver
To sign the ACA waiver as a non-ACA member, go to the ACA Website and click the Login link on the upper right side of the screen. On the login popup screen, click on Create Account and fill out the required information. When the signup process is completed, click on Login and go to your Profile, then select Event Waivers from the menu on the left side of the Profile screen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the
ACA Nonmember Online Waiver
If you have trouble with the ACA waiver, contact ACA directly (Kristal Pastell: kpastell@americancanoe.org) so that ACA has feedback and perhaps can improve their site or their instructions.
The Sycamore Island Waiver is not yet available.
The CCA Waiver is part of the registration process.
Event Rules
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 7.5 mile Class II/III whitewater race. It is not an event for beginners.
All boats must have flotation. No exceptions.
All racers must wear PFDs (life jackets) and helmets. No exceptions.
Bring water. Refills are available after the race. No single use bottles, please.
Tandem boaters: both paddlers must register for the race, pay the registration fee, and complete both a Race waiver and Sycamore Island waiver.