USRA & USARC NATIONALS ON THE TRINITY RIVER

There is no prerequisite for competing for the National Title, however, you do have to register, sign waivers, be good sports, safely race all the events, and place high to be automatically considered for Team USA selection. A minimum team size of four and a maximum of 5 (1 substitute) is required to compete. Categories are age based and consist of mixed gender, all female gender and all male gender boats. We even added a SUPER Masters category for 70+!

US WHITEWATER RAFTING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS will be held Sept 12, 13, and 14th, 2025 on the Pigeon Point Class III+ Run of the Trinity River in CA, and on surrounding US Forest Service lands. 100's of volunteers are needed, starting now, to mentor youth rafters as they prepare to host this once-in-a-lifetime event. Volunteers are also needed in person on the 9th-15th of September.  Free camping is available for registered volunteers. No experience is needed.

 US WHITEWATER RAFTING Nationals will be 4 events. They are:  Downriver, Head to Head (RX), Slalom, and Sprint races on class I- III+ rapids. This race helps select who will be designated TEAMS USA for 2026. A Final race schedule will be released closer to the event  date so keep checking back. Check in starts Friday, at 7:00 AM Sept 12th. 2025 and closes at 9:30 AM Sept. 12th. All Teams must pre-register and space is limited. First teams committed and signed up, get to compete.

A word or few on the rules... As it stands now the World Rafting Federation and the International Rafting Federation are on the precipice of merging and rules will change for them as they marry. Additionally, USARC and USRA have different ideas about rules. Luckily both the IRF and the WRF have wiggle room in their rules to allow National selection events to set their own guidelines for running an event.  As things hash out between now and then these rules may change slightly, so keep checking back, all the way up to race day to make sure you stay current. But for now, these are the rules. Registration includes a calendar year affiliation with USARC for all raft team members that register for nationals.

Nationals requires significant financial resources From the construction and maintenance of slalom lines to awards, to providing camping, and shuttle services, the costs add up quickly.  Given the scope, it’s essential to offset these expenses. THUS ENTER The Nationals Wooden Ducky Regatta. For just $10.00 you can field a wooden duck assigned a number that links to your name. On race day, Sept 12 thru the 14th, 2025 the ducks are released into the river in heats of 10, where they float down a small rapid to the finish line! The first duck to cross the finish line advances to the next heat until just one remains and the lucky duck gets HALF OF THE MONEY RAISED!  YES HALF! Up to $125,000! (before taxes).

The Pigeon Point Stretch of the Trinity River in California is an exhilarating Class III+ section that combines the thrill of whitewater rafting with the beauty of the US National Forest. The river’s swift, winding currents provide the perfect challenge for racers, as they navigate the twists and turns of the canyon. The stunning backdrop of towering trees, rugged cliffs, and clear, cool water creates an unforgettable experience. Nearby towns include Big Flat, Big Bar (3 minutes West), Del Loma (11 minutes West), Junction City (24 minutes East) Weaverville (29 minutes East),  Willow Creek (39 minutes West) Arcata (99 minutes West-on the Pacific Ocean) and Redding (78 minutes East). Closest Airports: Arcata, CA or Redding, CA

 The proximity to the Trinity Alps Wilderness makes Big Flat a hub for outdoor recreation with trails leading to scenic viewpoints, alpine lakes, and dense forests.  Big Flat enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), particularly in July and August. Big Flat is accessible primarily by car, via State Route 299 (winding and remote, with limited services along the way).  While it may not be a major hub of commerce or industry, its peaceful setting along the Trinity River, makes it an ideal location for US Nationals. 

Sotar is providing boats that very closely meet WRF standards for the slalom and RX events (and possibly downriver and sprint.) These boats are solid playboats that can handle anything from steep creeks to high  water! Great for technical boating.  The floor drain holes are massive so they're hard to swamp. These boats get up to top speed fast, are light and turn quickly. This will allow you to make quick last-minute moves. These rafts surf more like a kayak too. BONUS! All these boats will be for sale after nationals, or you can pre-order one after you register for the event on a first come first serve basis. 

 If camping isn't your thing, there are plenty of other comfortable options available for a fee. You can stay in one of the nearby cozy yurts, which offer a unique blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, or choose a riverside cottage for a peaceful, scenic retreat by the water, complete with kitchens and air conditioning. For those who prefer, we also have motels nearby (30 minutes) that provide all the conveniences of home. Whatever your preference, once you register we will provide you with discount codes to access these and recommendations. Travel insurance highly recommended.

Camping is included for the first 30 teams that register, so if you're on a team and planning on camping, sign up early and answer all the registration questions completely! We cannot stress enough how important carpooling is—parking is extremely limited- no joke. To make things easier for everyone and ensure a smooth experience, please plan to share rides with your teammates or others attending. We promise it will save you time, stress, and a lot of frustration! Remember, the free camping is for registered teams, not their fans. Other camping is available for them.

 Meal tickets are available for the event through Strawhouse Resorts and other venders, so you can leave your cooking utensils behind and simply show up ready to race! Whether you're racing or just coming to enjoy the event, meal tickets ensure you won't go hungry. If you'd like to receive a price list and be notified when the tickets go on sale, just send us an email, and we'll be sure to get back to you. No need to be registered to race in order to purchase a meal ticket, so feel free to grab one and enjoy the food regardless of your participation!

The Redwood Rafters Whitewater Youth Rafting Team is a dynamic group of young athletes dedicated to the sport of whitewater raft racing. As hosts of the U.S. National Championships, they are honing their  organizational skills. Bringing together teams across the country for fierce competition takes energy and these kids are up to the task. Each of them is a chairperson of a committee to make Nationals happen. If you have the time to be a mentor to these young rafters by joining a committee please reach out. You don't have to be local and it takes very little time to help them reach their goals.  

That's right! Your company or fan club can put their logo or slogan on a boat to be raced at Nationals.  Want a boat to say "Go Franky! Go!" we can do that! Want your company logo on a boat? Yes, we can do that! There are only 10 spots available for this so get them while they last. Just keep the message clean! $600.00 

We are looking for a few good companies to sponsor our shuttle vans. There are no company exclusions here, but there are only 8 spots available and when they are gone they are gone. $400 and if using it for sending a personalized message like "Happy Birthday Heather" again the message must be tactful.

One our values is environmental sustainability. These stainless cups with your logo and the words USA WHITEWATER RAFTING NATIONALS- 2025, Trinity River, California are a great way to say I support the environment and rafting too! These cups go home with spectators and racers a like, so get your name out there again and again! $1800- but just 1 company gets this deal! 

Want high visibility on and off the water for years to come? Our reusable race bibs are for you. We have room for 10 sponsors @ $900 each or sponsor them all for $7000.

Want visibility in the winners circle, or at the Beer tents, or at the information booth?  This is a nice add-on that you get as a bonus to other sponsorships or for $250.00.

Want visibility on the podium and to have your logo travel the world? This year's commemorative Jersey—not pictured — will be handed out to our winners. 10 slots are available at the $1000.00 each. Includes your exclusive banner at the podium.  

The Slalom Course is the most expensive race with the longest hangtime for spectators and competitors. Each gate has a number over it and needs a sponsor. Banners are double sided and visible from up and down stream. It's 1000s of meters of wire we have to purchase to put on this event. Your exclusive brand over a gate?  $900

The RX Course is by far the most fun to watch, drawing big cheering crowds. Boats compete directly against each other and there is a ton of smashing and clashing to be had. Like the slalom, each gate needs a sponsor. Banners are double sided. Your logo over a gate facing up &  down stream?  $600