COMPETING IN USA Canoe Ocean Racing 

ICF Canoe Ocean Racing (COR) is a paddlesports discipline combining the thrill of competition with the beauty and power of the sea.  In ocean racing, competitors traverse open water courses using long, sleek, sit-on-top kayaks known as surfskis.  Often made of fiberglass, kevlar, and/or carbon fiber, surfskis are ultralight, watertight, self-bailing craft capable of handling even the most extreme ocean conditions.

Ocean racing attracts both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike. It’s a sport where endurance meets excitement, offering racers the chance to test their limits against the backdrop of America’s stunning coastal landscapes and unique open water locations.

Whether you’re an experienced open water paddler or just beginning to explore ocean racing, the USA surfski paddling community welcomes you. Races range from short “around the cans” buoy races, to exhilarating downwind runs, to challenging long-distance events, accommodating all levels of skill and ambition.

And, as part of the ICF’s global network of national federations, the ACA facilitates opportunities for paddlers to compete in high-caliber national and international ocean racing events as part of the USA Ocean Racing Team.