The USA COR State Championships recognize top performances within a defined state or local jurisdiction. These events provide an accessible entry point into championship racing, support local organizing communities, and serve as a foundation for athlete development and participation tracking within the National Development Program.

The USA COR Regional Championships bring together athletes from multiple states within an ACA-defined region. They offer a higher level of competition, increased depth of fields, and greater alignment with national standards, while remaining grounded in strong local and regional race traditions.

The USA Canoe Ocean Racing National Championships determine official national titles under ACA and ICF-aligned standards. These events represent the highest level of domestic competition and serve as a key benchmark for athlete performance, classification, and progression within the national pathway.

The Pan American Continental Championships provide opportunities for athletes to compete against peers from across the Americas. These events operate under International Canoe Federation (ICF) oversight and serve as a bridge between national competition and world-level racing.

The ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cups and Championships represent the pinnacle of international competition. Athletes compete against the strongest fields globally, representing their national federations and measuring themselves against world-class performance standards.