“Like many families, we tried every team sport because we knew our child needed movement, purpose, and challenge. Nothing felt right until River Town Racers. During the camp, he found the place where he belongs. The sport, the athleticism, the values of the club, and the beauty of the river all come together in a truly special program.” – Parent

Our Mission
Through the discipline of Olympic sprint kayaking, our mission is to provide a wholesome, competitive athletic challenge that inspires young people to:
• Work hard
• Gain competence
• Contribute meaningfully to their team
• Help enhance the wider community

Year-Round Training for Every Level
River Town Racers offers a year-round training program designed to support athletes at four distinct levels, from beginners to elite competitors. Our guiding value is simple and powerful: every individual can grow as an athlete and as a person, and can come to understand the direct connection between personal effort and achievement. At its core, the secret to mastering this Olympic sport is time on the water. Through consistent training, paddlers build:
• Endurance
• Technical skills
• Confidence
• A lasting enjoyment of the outdoors in all seasons

Training Structure & Practice Schedule
Training varies by age and experience level.
• Younger team members practice two to three times per week during the winter.
• Older athletes contending for national or international competition participate in intense on-water training combined with strength training.
Practice times include:
• Weekdays after school: slightly over 2 hours
• Saturday mornings: approximately 2.5 hours

All sessions are coached by experienced adults, either in kayaks or from our motor launch.

Racing Opportunities Throughout the Year
There is no single racing season in sprint kayaking.
• Athletes who begin in our Introductory Clinic in June are typically ready to race locally by their first autumn.
• Northern California offers numerous flatwater competitions through the fall and winter.
• Spring training intensifies as athletes prepare for out-of-town racing, which is optional for beginners.
• Summer brings major out-of-town races, primarily in June and early August.
Ted Houk Regatta
The Ted Houk Regatta is one of the notable competitive opportunities within this year-round racing environment.
A Community Powered by Volunteers
All aspects of River Town Racers are delivered by volunteers, including:
• Coaches
• Parents
• Club leaders