Downwind paddling is often described in terms of sensation: speed, lift, control, and moments when the boat seems to move on its own. What’s discussed less often is why those moments happen, or how to recognize the conditions that make them possible. This Downwinding series is about exploring that underlying [...]
A letter from Scott Darling, founder of our community's much-loved brand, Giant Fish, states: A CLOSING NOTE As we begin 2026, I’ve found myself slowing down and thinking about what really mattered along the way. Not the plans or the outcomes, but the people—the conversations, the notes that landed at [...]
The American Canoe Association has selected the Cape Ann Rowing Club's Blackburn Challenge as the host venue for the 2026 USA Canoe Ocean Racing National Championships, placing one of America’s most iconic open-water races at the center of next year’s ocean racing calendar. Long known as the “Boston Marathon” of [...]
The 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing (COR) World Championships were held in Durban, South Africa this past October. Worlds is the pinnacle international competition for surfski paddlers all over the world, in addition to World Cups and (for us) Pan American Continental Championships. The venues for these international competitions are fantastic [...]
The American Canoe Association's Ocean Racing Committee has been working on a national development program for competitive ICF-spec surfski paddling in the USA since 2023. The latest news from the ORC is the opening of the submission window for state, regional, and national championship competitions for 2026 and beyond. The [...]
