ACA Collegiate Race Series National Championships

The ACA Collegiate Race Series National Championships took place the last weekend in March in Dillsboro, NC.  With over 100 participants representing 10 schools from across the nation, the event was a great success!

Schools in attendance included Warren Wilson College, Brevard College, Hollins University, Albion College, Clemson University, Messiah College, Sweet Briar College, Georgia Tech, North Greenville University, and University of Alabama. 

After registration was complete and safety boats were in place, the individual class races began.  Individual classes included K1M, K1W, OC1M, OC1W, and OC2.  Races continued all day as teams shuttled to and from the take out to make sure everyone competed in the classes they signed up for.

After all racers had competed in their classes they dried off and headed over to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for the post race social.  At the NOC they enjoyed food, drinks, and the Reel Paddling film festival put on by the folks at NOC free of charge.

The night ended with a medal ceremony awarding the winners of that day's individual class races.  See below for a list of the winners from each class.

The following day was the Team Relay event which consisted of two OC2 legs and 2 K1 legs.  Each school put together their best relay team and raced head-to-head from Dillsboro River Company to Tuckaseegee Outfitters, trading off  their canoe or kayak at 3 different relay points to a different paddler or paddlers from their team.



After a close race, the winners of the of the Team Relay event were announced, door prizes were handed out, and finally, the overall team champion was announced. 

For a full list of results, points, and times, and for the official press release, visit the CRS National Championship website and click the link at the bottom for 2012 Race Results.


Congratulations and Thank You to all competitors who came out and participated in the race! Thank you to all the coaches and volunteers, without whom this race would not have been possible.


Additionally, the ACA would like to thank presenting sponsor the Nantahala Outdoor Center for accommodating our large group with the Reel Paddling Film Festival, food, and drinks, and a great social event.

Finally, a huge thank you to our other sponsors as well, without whom this event would not have been nearly as awesome:

Dillsboro River Company

Tuckaseegee Outfitters