Level Six Cup Presented by OKS
Ottawa Kayak School is thrilled to announce the return of the 2025 Level Six Cup, an adrenaline-pumping, action-packed four-part Whitewater Kayaking Championship that promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable events of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just looking for an adventure, this championship will offer something for everyone—spectators and participants alike.
With the inclusion of two new, fun-filled summertime events and the return of some of the most thrilling competitions in the sport, this year’s Level Six Cup is sure to meet expectations.
Get ready for intense competition, epic whitewater, and a fantastic community atmosphere. So, mark your calendars, prepare your gear, and join us for what is set to be an unforgettable kayaking experience on one of the most iconic rivers in North America—the mighty Ottawa River.
2025 Level Six Cup: The Lineup
The 2025 Level Six Cup is designed to showcase the diverse skills of whitewater kayakers, bringing together boater-cross, freestyle kayaking, downriver races, and more. Whether you’re aiming to compete for glory or simply enjoy the spectacle, these events will provide a true test of skill, endurance, and agility. Here’s what you can expect from the four epic events:
Ottawa XL: Boater-X and Freestyle Kayak
Dates: May 17 – 18, 2025
The Ottawa XL event is back, and it promises to be bigger and more thrilling than ever before. This high-intensity event combines two fan-favorite disciplines: Boater-X and Freestyle Kayaking.
Boater-X is a race where kayakers compete head-to-head, navigating through the Lorne Rapid. The first to cross the finish line wins, but it’s not just about speed—it’s about skillfully maneuvering through the challenging course, avoiding collisions, and outsmarting your competitors.
Freestyle Kayaking is all about style, control, and creativity. In this event, kayakers take on the powerful rapids and perform a series of dynamic aerial moves, spins, flips, and tricks, all judged for difficulty and execution. The Ottawa River’s famous waves provide the perfect playground for kayakers to push the limits of freestyle kayaking.
Expect epic wipeouts, intense competition, and a weekend of spectacular action as some of the world’s best paddlers take on the wild and challenging Ottawa River.
Coli Cross: Kayak-Cross Event
Date: July 6, 2025
Introducing a brand-new event for 2025: Coli Cross, is a riff on the newest Olympic discipline, Kayak-Cross, and is sure to shake things up and keep competitors and spectators on the edge of their feet. The riff? A mandatory kickflip attempt of course.
In Coli Cross, racers will battle it out in a series of heats, weaving through strategically placed obstacles, navigating tricky currents, and sprinting for the finish line. The excitement of Coli Cross lies in its unpredictability—anything can happen as paddlers navigate the course in a high-stakes race for the podium.
Ottawa River Classic: Downriver Race on the Middle Channel
Date: July 20, 2025
Next up is the Ottawa River Classic, a downriver race that tests paddlers’ endurance, technique, and teamwork. Taking place on the Middle Channel of the Ottawa River, this race pairs kayakers in teams of two racing any craft of their choice.
The Middle Channel is a stunning, wilderness course with featuring both technical rapids and long stretches of powerful water, making it the perfect setting this downriver race.
Canada Cup: Freestyle Kayaking & Downriver Race on the Main Channel
Dates: August 16 – 17, 2025
The Canada Cup marks the grand finale of the 2025 Level Six Cup, and it’s an event you definitely won’t want to miss. This two-day competition brings together both Freestyle Kayaking and Downriver Racing on the Main Channel of the Ottawa River.
Freestyle Kayaking on the Main Channel offers some of the most spectacular wave features in the world, allowing paddlers to showcase their most jaw-dropping tricks and moves.
The Downriver Race on the Main Channel requires competitors to race through large rapids and dynamic river features all while battling each other for the fastest time with the breathtaking backdrop of the Ottawa River’s in full display.
Why You Should Be There
Whether you’re a competitor or simply a lover of whitewater sports, the 2025 Level Six Cup is shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss.
From the heart-pounding action of Boater-X at the Lorne and Coli Cross to the big wave Freestyle Kayaking events and the grueling Downriver Races, the championship offers a variety of events that will challenge even the most experienced kayakers while providing plenty of entertainment for spectators.
The Level Six Cup presented by the Ottawa Kayak School is not only about intense competition but also about building and fostering community, and camaraderie, celebrating the spirit of adventure that brings paddlers together from all over the world.
Mark your calendars, bring your A-game, and prepare for an unforgettable season on the water!
2025 Level Six Cup Event Schedule:
- Ottawa XL (Boater-X and Freestyle Kayak)
May 17-18, 2025 - Coli Cross (Kayak-Cross Event)
July 6, 2025 - Ottawa River Classic (Downriver Race on the Middle Channel)
July 20, 2025 - Canada Cup (Freestyle Kayaking & Downriver Race on the Main Channel)
August 16-17, 2025
Prepare for a season of incredible whitewater kayaking—see you at the 2025 Level Six Cup!
