The USCA National Canoe and Kayak Championships are being held in Warren, PA August 7th through the 11th, marking the 10th time the event has been held in the area.


“We are excited to welcome back for the 10th year, the United States Canoe Association," stated Savannah Zimmerman, Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry Director of Operations. "The race will be held along the Allegheny River from the Kinzua Dam to Betts Park.  There will also be a youth event held on the 8th at Chapman Lake."

Founded in 1968, the United States Canoe Association encourages the recognition of paddling as a competitive sport and has drawn in competitors from all over, with many using the event as a qualifier for the Olympics.

As the Allegheny River was recently declared the 2024 PA River of the Year, this year’s event is expected to draw even more attention.

“Visitors and competitors will be coming to town from all over, from as far away as California and Australia. It does not matter where in the world you are located to be a member of the USCA.  It’s exciting event and we are expecting well over 100 plus paddlers, so it will also be a huge economic boost for our community.”

Local residents and business owners are excited for the upcoming championship and expect a great turn out.

Brian Mitchell, a Warren resident, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s exciting to have them here in my backyard. I grew up on the Allegheny, and it’s nice to have the national championships, like I said, right in my backyard.”

Michael Huya, General Manager of the Plaza Restaurant, echoed this sentiment, noting the economic benefits: “It’s good that there are going to be a lot of people around. With school coming up, our business drops off a little bit, so this will help introduce other people who may have never been to our restaurant to come and eat here.”

With the USCA National Championships and the recognition of the Allegheny River as the 2024 PA River of the Year, Warren is set for an exciting and economically beneficial event.

For more information about the USCA National Canoe and Kayak Championships, visit here.