Live Like Maria Classic & US Freestyle National Championships
The Live Like Maria Freestyle Classic and the US Freestyle National Championships return to the Nantahala Gorge this fall! Hosted by the Nantahala Outdoor Center and the ACA USA Freestyle Organization, this exciting event will take place October 3–5. Our host, NOC offers an amazing competition feature as well as a campus with lodging and dinning all within walking distance of the hole.
Whether you’re in it for the fun or aiming for the title of National Champion, this event welcomes K1, C1, and OC1 paddlers—from first-time competitors to seasoned pros.
- Entry Fee: $40
- Proceeds support the event and the USA Freestyle Team
Additional details on logistics and lodging are available in the competition registration.
Join paddlers from across the country and showcase your skills in the Nantahala River Playhole—we can’t wait to see you there!
USA Freestyle Kayaking is the governing body for the sport of freestyle kayaking in the USA, affiliated with American Canoe Association (ACA). Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition, exploration and recreation. To this end ACA maintains the official rules and regulations for the sport, sanctions events throughout the country at all skill levels (including National Championships and Team Trails), and represents the United States within the International Canoe Federation (ICF).
