The Washington Canoe Club is thrilled to invite you to the 20th anniversary Kumu'ohu Challenge! For her 20th birthday, Kumu'ohu has a new look! This year's race will launch from Columbia Island Marina and feature new 8K and 15K courses.
WCC is also excited to host April Zilg and James Dunbar for one-on-one sessions and small-group clinics geared towards OC1, SUPs, and Va'a. Registrations for these sessions are separate from the race and can be paid for through PaddleGuru:
https://paddleguru.com/races/KumuohuChallenge2026.
WCC is also proud to announce the Kathy Summers SUP award, which will go to the fastest man and woman in the 12.6' and 14' class. Kathy Summers brought SUP to WCC, and this award honors her contribution to the WCC and SUP community.
This is the season opener of the East Coast Outrigger Racing Association (ECORA) OC1/OC2 point series and is part of the Mid-Atlantic SUP and American Canoe Association (ACA) racing season. Classes include outrigger, SUP, surfski, and ICF sprint canoe/kayak. Full details are available on PaddleGuru:
https://paddleguru.com/races/KumuohuChallenge2026.
FOOD & DRINKS: A boxed lunch will be provided through Island Time Bar and Grill. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.
REGISTRATION: Registration closes Tuesday, April 14, 2026. There will be no race-day or late registration. All participants must register online:
https://paddleguru.com/races/KumuohuChallenge2026
PARKING: Plenty of parking is available at Columbia Island Marina. Participants attending Friday or Sunday clinics may leave their craft on the WCC trailer overnight.
MERCH: Performance shirts, hats, and visors are available for $30 each and must be purchased through PaddleGuru. Merch will be distributed on race day. No on-site sales.
RAFFLE: We have some great prizes up for grabs, including a Quickblade paddle! Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and must be purchased through PaddleGuru. The drawing will take place during the awards ceremony. You do not need to be present to win. No on-site ticket sales.
Classes with fewer than three entries may be combined by age and/or gender for awards purposes.
2026 Kumu’ohu Challenge Race Directors: Lisa Man & Emilia Rastrick
Thank you to our sponsors: Quickblade
https://www.quickbladepaddles.com/
Also check out other Contests in Washington, Sports events in Washington, Workshops in Washington.
