United States Rafting Association
The United States Rafting Association (USRA) is the national governing body for the sport of raft racing in the United States. The USRA is a founding member of the United Rafting Federation (URF), the unified world governing body for international raft racing established in 2026, and serves as the URF’s recognized national federation for the United States.
Establish the USRA as the governing body for whitewater raft racing in the USA by partnering with and providing resources to the regional communities, newly formed and established teams.
As the national federation, the USRA is responsible for sanctioning national competitions, selecting and credentialing the teams that represent the United States in URF-sanctioned international events, and ensuring that domestic competition is conducted in accordance with the URF Sport Rules. The USRA works in coordination with the URF and partner national federations worldwide to advance the sport at every level of international competition — from Continental Cups and World Cups to Continental and World Championships.
The USRA’s mandate extends from the grassroots to the international level. The Association is responsible for:
- Administering the National Championship Series, through which Team USA is selected for international competition.
- Supporting race organizers, officials, and judges through training and certification.
- Advancing safety standards, environmental stewardship, and equitable access across the sport.
- Representing the interests of American raft racers within the URF and to its member federations.
What We Stand For
Environmental Stewardship
We protect the watersheds in which we operate, promoting responsible practices that minimize our impact on ecosystems and waterways.
Safety
We prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants, ensuring that raft racing is conducted with high standards of safety practices, equipment, and training.
Equity
We foster an equitable and inclusive environment while encouraging the development of competitive raft racing — without discrimination based on race, age or gender and without geographical bias. We strive to eliminate disparities and empower individuals of all backgrounds to fully participate in and contribute to the rafting community.
Community
We build respectful partnerships, share knowledge, and provide support to raft racers and those who support them. We cultivate networks that lift up raft racing and build a fun, joyful and thriving community grounded in fair play and camaraderie.
The USRA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by an elected Board of Directors. Board members are drawn from the raft racing community and serve voluntarily to oversee the Association’s strategic direction, financial stewardship, and adherence to URF and federal nonprofit requirements.
Raft racing in the United States traces back to the international Project RAFT events of the late 1980s and early 1990s, with American teams competing on rivers from Siberia to Costa Rica. The USRA was established to formalize national competition, ensure fair team selection, and serve as the United States’ voice within the international rafting community. Since its founding, USRA-selected teams have represented the United States at World Rafting Championships, Continental Championships, and World Cups across six continents.
Get Involved
Whether you’re an experienced racer, a paddler curious about competition, a potential race host, or a supporter of the sport, there’s a place for you in the USRA community. To learn more about competing, hosting an event, joining the Board, or supporting the Association — reach out.
Contact the USRA