Kumu'ohu Challenge 2026
by Ellison Smith, USA SUP Vice President and NorthEast Region Member
This year marked the 20th anniversary of this tradition. 15 years after the SUP category was introduced in 2011. Relocated from the historic Washington Canoe Club boathouse that is currently undergoing rehabilitation to the Columbia Island Marina and featuring a new course. The event took place exactly three months since the catastrophic Potomac Interceptor sewer line failure released over 240 million gallons of untreated sewage into one of the largest rivers on the east coast. Since mid March, water sampling test results have been increasingly acceptable and recreational advisories lifted. The following are quotes from Kathy Summers and the WCC regarding the race and the first edition of the new SUP award.
Kathy Summers -
"The Kumu'ohu Challenge was started by WCC member Mitch Potter, who wanted to host the first paddle race of the Mid-Atlantic racing season while keeping fees as low as possible. His goal was simple: create a day of great racing and community. That meant an after-party for sure—but no fancy awards or race swag.
Why “Kumu’ohu”? Mitch and his wife Amy had hoped to get the Foggy Bottom Pub to sponsor the race. Since they were outrigger racers themselves, they chose a Hawaiian name that best translated to “Foggy Bottom,” landing on “Kumu’ohu.” The sponsorship didn’t come through—but the name stuck."
WCC -
“The WCC is proud to announce the Kathy Summers SUP Award, recognizing the fastest man and woman in the 12’6” and 14’ classes. Kathy Summers brought SUP to WCC, and this award honors her lasting contributions to both the club and the broader SUP community.”
It was a relatively calm day on the river with warm temperatures, low winds and little boat traffic. The flow of air traffic to and from Reagan National Airport was almost constant overhead as paddlers navigated the course from the start at the Navy and Marine Memorial, up to the Theodore Island pedestrian bridge, back past the start, then down halfway down along East Potomac Park before returning to the finish. The field consisted of paddlers traveling from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and southeast VA who joined some first-time racers as well as those returning. April Zilg was present to participate in the OC-1 category and afterwards she shared her skills in instructing a clinic. Congrats to Jack Ballard and Regan Littell in etching their names onto the first Kathy Summers Award and to all who participated on this wonderful day.
Hayden Miller @haydenonthewatwer 
