The festival's most dramatic and dazzling event is the Great Falls Race. This downriver race is a quick, adrenaline-packed descent of 60 vertical feet through the Potomac's spectacular Class V+ Great Falls. Watch top kayakers from around the nation dash down the falls and compete for the Great Falls Race trophy.
Background: The Great Falls Race was one of the original extreme whitewater competitions, and nearly 30 years later, it will still be one of the most challenging. The premiere event of the Potomac Festival is a sub-60 second sprint down through the powerful cataracts dropping nearly 60 vertical feet. Only experts may compete, but the entire paddling community is welcome to watch and volunteer.
Race Types:
CLASSIC - Downriver race. The Great Falls Race demands a paddler to be steady yet dynamic and can reward or punish a racer for choosing an aggressive line. A section of the Falls will be chosen for the race based on our Water Levels Chart and common consensus. Competitors will be allowed 1 race run in their fast boat of choice, and the top 10 times will qualify for the Finals. The fastest Finals run wins the Cup!
SLALOM - The local kayaking community has long blended slalom moves in Class V whitewater. So, based on our 2015 success, the Potomac Festival will once again have a judged slalom event in addition to the classic downriver race. The slalom course will be 2-5 gates, buoys, mandatory channels, and rock touches. Race staff will set the course during the week of the event, dictated by water levels to showcase the best moves on the river and reward the most adaptable technical paddlers in 8-9 foot creek boats.
Categories:
Race Registration: All participants in the GFR are required to pre-register. Registration will be conducted on-line, outside of the National Parks, and prior to race day. There will be no race-day registration, and no fees collected within the National Parks.
Racer Meeting & Safety Briefing: On the morning of race, the GFR staff will hold a safety staff meeting and racer meeting near the Great Falls Tavern on the Maryland side. At the volunteer meeting, the staff will go over the race course, the start and finish lines, the positioning of safety boats and throw ropes, how to stop the race in case of a problem, and how to contact help in case of emergency. In the racer meeting, the start and finish lines, the rules of the race, any up-to-date safety considerations will be covered.
Racer Skills Assessments: The GFR staff are responsible for determining whether appropriate skill level is present for each racer. As specified on the website, all racers must be able to attest to their experience paddling Class V whitewater, provide a detailed paddling history, and be familiar with the lines on Great Falls. Racers will be screened by the race staff on their capability to adequately paddle and race Great Falls. Each participant’s involvement in the race is subject to the race director’s approval. If there is any doubt about a racer competing in a safe manner, that racer will not be allowed to enter.
The exact course depends on the water level, but will take place on one of the following:
This high water line through Olmsted Island starts with one of the steepest drops on the falls, a three tiered slide into a hole. The finish line will be below the Class IV runout, in an eddy at the confluence with the main channel. The format of the race may be simplified or shortened, depending on specific river conditions.
The race may move to Mather Gorge if the level is above preferred Great Falls water levels. Start would be in the area of O-Deck and finish would be near/on Rocky Island.
The race may be cancelled if the level is rising rapidly above the preferred race lines, or conditions degrade the safety or integrity of the event.
Spectating will depend on the race lines. Prime viewing locations differ from course to course.
Follow updates on our Facebook page:
MARYLAND LINES: Viewable from either side of the river.
CENTER LINES: Viewable from either side of the river. We encourage spectators to view the race from one of the overlooks at Great Falls Park, VA. There is only one overlook at the C&O National Historical Park (Great Falls Park, MD).
VIRGINIA LINES: Only viewable from Great Falls Park, VA. It is not possible to see any of the course from the Maryland side.
FISHLADDER: Only viewable from C&O Canal National Historical Park (Great Falls Park, MD).
Great Falls Park, VA: 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
C&O Canal National Historical Park (Great Falls Park, MD): 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
It is important to the future of this event that that all participants and spectators abide by NPS regulations. EVERYONE, INCLUDING RACERS AND SAFETY, MUST REMAIN OUT OF CLOSED AREAS.
PHOTOGRAPHERS do not have special permission to access closed areas.
NOTE: We will have a US Park Police Officer on site throughout the event. She/he will be there both to monitor our permit compliance, and as a resource to us. If you see any violations of the above rules, or if there are unruly spectators, please don't hesitate to notify the officer.
Please follow the direction of our volunteer Marshals!
Plan to arrive early—depending on the number of park visitors and spectators, there can be a line that forms at the entrance to the park. In addition, some of the prime viewing areas fill up quickly.
National Park Fee—There is a fee to enter the park. Please plan accordingly.
