August 11–16, 2026 | South Fork of the American River, California
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. 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. americancanoe.org,
Team Categories
2026 Nationals · Eligibility
Division & Category Eligibility
| Division & Categories | Age Eligibility | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Open — Men / Women / Mixed | 15+ (born 2011 & earlier) | R4 + reserve |
| Open Para | 15+ (born 2011 & earlier) Requires 2 para athletes in boat Para-athletes must meet URF eligibility | R4 + reserve |
| Masters — Men / Women / Mixed | 40+ (born 1986 & earlier) | R4 + reserve |
| U23 — Men / Women / Mixed | 15–23 (born 2003–2011) | R4 + reserve |
| U19 — Men / Women | 15–19 (born 2007–2011) | R4 + reserve |
| Development | 12+ (born 2014 & earlier) Requires 2 athletes age 12–14 (born 2012–2014) in boat | R4 + reserve |
| R2 | 15+ (born 2011 & earlier) | R2 + reserve |
All athletes must hold current USRA membership. Eligibility is governed by URF rules.
South Fork American River · California
2026 Event Schedule
Teams & Camping
Register your team and reserve camping at Nugget Campground starting June 1, 2026.
Training Day
Open training on the South Fork.
Setup Day
No water release. Course setup and team prep.
Sprint
Best of two timed runs.
Slalom
Best of two runs.
Head-to-Head
Bracket racing (H2H).
Down River
Non-scored fun run.
All times are local (PT) and subject to change based on water release and conditions.
Para-Rafting
The USRA is excited to welcome Para-Rafting teams to the 2026 Nationals! Para-Rafting follows URF Annex A, which uses a functional classification system to ensure fair competition across abilities. Athletes must complete classification before race day. If your team has not yet been classified, please reach out to us well in advance to coordinate. Course and discipline accommodations will be confirmed in the event bulletin.
Questions?
Reach out to usaraftassociation@gmail.com.
One Nation One Event One Team
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