The 2010 ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships are being held at the Adventure Sports Centre in McHenry, Maryland on August 6th - 8th.

Okay. So I realize it's not canoe tripping but it is however an open canoe race.

For those who are up for a fun and exciting challenge, an open canoe slalom race is the place to be.

Very much like downhill ski slalom paddlers must pick and manouver their way down a set of rapids, making their way through sets of hanging gates.

The event is timed and the goal is to have the shortest time.

If paddlers brush against or even completely miss gates time is added to their overall score.

Racers planning to participate in the event will have access to practice water for the race which will be available August 2nd -5th.

The Adventure Sports Center International facility, aka ASCI, is a man-made river channel, with pumped variable water levels and adjustable wave shapers, run by Matt Taylor, a two-time Whitewater Slalom Olympian in C-2.

It's located in the very Western end of the state of Maryland.

Although there is no camping allowed at the race site, there are numerous Campgrounds and other Lodging available within a short distance from the facilities.

There is a very limited number of free primitive camping spots at ASCI's Climbing Facility at Forked Run available on a first come first serve basis.

The race site has full locker room facilities, including hot shower available to all competitors and volunteers.

Competitors must be registered for the race and check in at Race HQ before putting on the water to practice as all competitors, in addition to wearing the required helmets and PFD's, are also required to wear "practice bibs" at all times while paddling at ASCI.

The practice bibs must be turned in by competitors on Thursday in the late afternoon, at Race HQ, and exchanged for their assigned race bib or bibs.

For exact times and schedule, check the on site competitors informaton board at Race HQ.

For more infomation about the ACA and the Open Canoe Slalom Nationals please visit the ACA website or to find out about more canoe related events check out the Canoeroots Events Blogs and Features.

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