skip navigation

 Competition. Community. History.

Established in 1904, the Washington Canoe Club is a community of volunteers passionately dedicated to preserving, promoting and engaging in paddlesports on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. WCC’s boathouse, over a century old, is an iconic historic landmark serving as a base for its members to train for competition, paddle for recreation, and host community, educational and charitable groups.


  1. 1 of 6
  2. 2 of 6
  3. 3 of 6
  4. 4 of 6
  5. 5 of 6
  6. 6 of 6
17th Annual

Kumu'ohu Challenge 2023

Thanks to all who came out to race, volunteer, and cheer! The Kumu'ohu Challenge was a huge success (in spite of the weather).

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Quickblade, Premier Paddle Sports, High Noon, OluKai, Patagonia

Photo of outrigger canoes in choppy water on the Potomac river in Washington, DC

Summer 2023

WCC Kids Paddling Camp

WCC is planning to hold 4 separate weeklong summer camp sessions, run by current members of the WCC racing teams. Camp days will run between 9am and 3pm. This camp will focus on learning the basic skill development for sprint canoe, kayak, and SUP paddling with fun excursions on the Potomac tossed in for excitement.
All WCC kids and their friends aged 9–14 are eligible.
 
camp dates:
June 19th-23, July 10-14, July 17-21 and August 21-25.
Sessions will be capped at 12 participants and weeks may be cancelled if fewer than 6 participants are registered.
 
COST:
$450. per camper, per week
 
REGISTRATION:

The WCC Social Committee invites you to

WCC First Friday Mixers!

What better way to unwind than with a happy hour at the boathouse? Starting Friday, April 7, 2023 WCC will be hosting “meet and greet” happy hours (even though all hours at WCC are happy) from 5 to 8 pm on the first Friday of each month. Bring your own drinks and food and join new and longtime members for a fun, relaxing evening – stunning sunsets included. Can’t make it in April?
 
Save these dates!
WCC First Fridays in 2023: May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, and October 6.
We hope to see you there!

WCC Hosted zoom Presentation

Birds and Wildlife Along the Potomac

Below is the video recording from DC Department of Energy & Environment wildlife biologist Dan Rauch's, engaging presentation from  Feb. 7 on the abundant birds, fish, and wildlife that we are likely to encounter while paddling the Potomac. Thanks to "Dan the Bird Man" and WCC member Tom Reiter for setting up this event.


Take the WCC 2023 Paddle Fit challenge

The goal is to paddle 1,000 miles or more in 2023!
While the challenge was created with non-racing members in mind, it is open to any member who wants to take it on and is willing to log their mileage throughout the year.
To register: Sign up in the book outside the weight room and track your mileage on the pages provided. Any paddle-powered craft of choice is fine (SUP, OC, canoe, kayak, etc. or a combination). Mileage paddled in team boats or off-site can be included.
If you have further questions, please email: PaddleFitWCC@gmail.com

WCC's 2022 Sunset Dinner fundraiser

Thank You to everyone who participated, donated and volunteered!

This year's dinner brought the authentic flavors, music, and performance of the Middle East to the docks of the Washington Canoe Club. Thanks to our event sponsors!


The WCC History Book is still available!

Images of America: Washington Canoe Club
By Chris Brown

The book is available for purchase (all proceeds from the sale will go to the boathouse restoration fund). Or donate $250 or more to the restoration fund and receive a complimentary signed copy.

Head over to our history page and watch Chris Brown's Virtual Book Talk that was given via Zoom on December 3, 2020.


WCC SIGNS 60-YEAR LEASE WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE!

December 12, 2019, is now a milestone day in the history of our 115-year-old club. Never before has the WCC had a tenure agreement for more than 5 years. Today our home is secure until 2080!


NEW WCC branded items are now available in our seasonal Squad Locker stores!


Show off your club spirit and look good doing it!
In an effort to increase the variety of WCC branded "merch" for members of all ages (including infants and toddlers), the WCC shopkeepers have added new hats, shirts, leggings, bags, bibs, and more into two seasonal Squad Locker stores. Items will be periodically updated and changed, so keep checking back!

Visit the Fall/Winter Store.
Visit the Spring/Summer Store.