USRA 2026 US National Rafting Championships
About this Event
The USA National Championships are back on the SF American! This is the event that ranks US teams for eligibility to compete in 2027 International Rafting Events under the newly formed United Rafting Federation (URF). Come race, come watch, come camp — the whole raft racing community is welcome.
Run under the URF Adventure Format, the 2026 Nationals will feature three disciplines: Sprint, Slalom, and RX/Head-to-Head (modified to meet USRA capabilities) . Each team is four paddlers with the exception of the R2 category. SOTAR rafts will be provided for the competition. Para-Rafting teams are welcomed and will compete under URF Annex A.
The Nugget Campground (outside Placerville, CA) has been reserved for the event. Camping space can be reserved during team registration
All participants will have to sign all release forms, code of conduct and be a current ACA Member in order to compete.
Please note: ACA Annual or Event Membership (Required)
Due to ACA event insurance requirements, all athletes must hold current ACA Annual or Event Membership to compete at US Rafting Nationals. One of the following membership alternatives is required for every athlete and is not included in US Rafting Nationals entry fee:
- ACA Annual Competition License Membership: $40 Join the ACA, or
- ACA Event-only Membership: $10 (paid via Non-Member Event Waiver as part of accreditation)
The best raft racers in the country are coming to the South Fork American River, and we need a great crew to pull it off. From August 13–16, 2026, the US Rafting Association hosts the 2026 National Championships at Chili Bar / Nugget Campground — four days of racing on one of the most iconic stretches of whitewater in California.
An event this size runs on its volunteers. Whether you want to be right on the water, keeping the clock, welcoming teams, or helping build the venue, there's a spot for you — no experience required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to pitch in.
Where we need help:
- Judging — star judges, gate judges, and course judges
- Timing — start, finish, and tracking participants on the screens
- Safety — on-water and off-water crews keeping everyone protected
- Administrative — accreditation, check-in, and team hospitality
- Setup & Tear Down — tents, banners, tables and chairs, and awards
- Venue Prep — summer grounds work ahead of the event (trimming, clearing, and more)
How to sign up: Register below and select the role (or roles) you'd like to help with — you're welcome to choose more than one. Each registration is free. We'll follow up with schedule details, what to bring, and where to check in.
Questions? Reach out to the USRA event team — we'd love to have you on the crew.
Volunteers are the heart of this event. Come be part of something historic for the sport of rafting.
Agenda
Bulletin
Race Bulletin
Info: Bulletin. copy url and paste in toolbar https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:020c1e8b-510a-4066-bc76-44a09dd384b6
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 275.00
