USA COR NATIONAL TEAM

Representing the United States OF AMERICA IN ICF CANOE OCEAN RACING

The American Canoe Association is an official National Federation of the International Canoe Federation, and through the ACA, American paddlers have the opportunity to participate in international ICF competitions as members of the USA Canoe Ocean Racing National Team.

For many athletes, representing the USA is not only about competition, but about experiencing the global surfski community firsthand.  USA COR National Team members participate at Continental Championships, World Cups, and World Championships, racing alongside the best paddlers in the world, in some of the planet’s most amazing locations.  Recent and upcoming world championships include extraordinary courses in Perth (2023), Madeira (2024), Durban (2025), Spain (2026), Tahiti (2027), and France (2028). 

An Open INTERNATIONAL Pathway 

The ACA Ocean Racing Committee believes that National Team experience should be both aspirational and attainable.  Given that ICF-spec Canoe Ocean Racing currently operates under an open participation model, the ACA does not require a performance-based selection process for athletes of any age to represent the United States at continental or world level events.  Junior, U23, Senior, and Masters athletes across all age groups are all welcome. 

CATCHING THE RUN

Competing internationally is both an experience and a commitment — to preparation, to sportsmanship, and to representing the United States with integrity.  Representing the USA as a National Team member involves deadlines, coordination, reservations, registrations, and compliance steps.  The ACA Ocean Racing Committee is here to help you navigate all of the necessary stages and steps professionally and smoothly by facilitating federation communication, eligibility verification, and required documentation. 

Additionally, the ACA Ocean Racing Committee is required to submit an official Attestation of Competency to Host Organizing Committee prior to an athlete's participation in an international COR event featuring open registration.  To facilitate the attestation process, the ACA ORC encourages athletes to participate in the USA COR National Series and, ideally, hold a current Athlete Classification.  These programs offer competitive experience and developmental context, and help streamline the registration process.

If you are considering racing at an upcoming Continental Championship, World Cup, or World Championship competition we encourage you to reach out early. The first step is simply starting the conversation.

MORE INFORMATION

The ACA Ocean Racing Committee typically publishes a downloadable information packet describing the participation requirements and guidelines for international events by March of each year.   The ORC recommends working through these steps as soon as possible to avoid last-minute administrative headaches.  In addition please be sure to review all official ICF competition bulletins for the competitions you are interested in, when they become available.

Interested in representing the USA?  Contact the ACA Ocean Racing Committee today!