GIG HARBOR, WA – November 7, 2025 – USA SUP, the national governing body for the sport of SUP, today announced a landmark partnership with The Narrows Challenge to host the 2026 USA SUP National Championships in Gig Harbor, Washington. The championship event, organized by the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team (GHCKRT), will take place from September 18-20, 2026, and will feature the nation’s top paddlers competing across Technical, Distance, and Sprint disciplines.
The decision to collaborate with the established Narrows Challenge—known for its expert-level 10K nautical course and beautiful environment—elevates the 2026 National Championships to a premier showcase of open-water paddling skill. This location provides an unparalleled venue for determining the true national champions. The event will draw hundreds of athletes and spectators, leveraging Gig Harbor’s renowned maritime heritage and the organizational expertise of The Narrows Challenge team, who regularly manage the complexities of racing in one of the Northwest Region’s most beautiful passages. The 2026 National Championships will serve as a qualifier for international representation, making the Puget Sound the ultimate test of athletic preparedness and strategy.
This strategic partnership is a marriage of national-level competition with a course legendary for its difficulty. The Narrows Challenge provides an authentic, high-stakes proving ground for the USA SUP National Championships that few other venues in the country can match. By hosting the National Championships within the framework of The Narrows Challenge, both organizations are committing to fostering the highest level of competitive paddling, ensuring that national titles are earned against the backdrop of world-class, dynamic water conditions that push athletes to their limits.
“We are thrilled to bring our National Championships to Gig Harbor and partner with The Narrows Challenge,” said Linda McCoy, President of USA SUP. “This event is an inspiring example of the SUP community coming together to compete, support each other, and celebrate the shared passion for paddling. Our 2026 participants will not only demonstrate superior watermanship, but also demonstrate the collective effort to keep the sport of SUP alive and growing for future generations.”
Tod Cole, Race Director for The Narrows Challenge added, “Hosting the national field here is a tremendous honor and a testament to the reputation we’ve built for providing a challenging, fair, and exhilarating race. We look forward to working with USA SUP to showcase the very best of American paddling talent right here in Gig Harbor.” Ethan Huff will join Tod as Co-Race Director, representing USA SUP.
The 2026 USA SUP National Championships will feature races for Junior, Open, and Masters age groups, crowning national champions and selecting athletes for future international team trials. Event registration details and a full schedule will be released in the coming months.
Media Contact: Anna Zolnierowski, USA SUP Program Director info@USASUP.org (707) 872-7870
