The East Coast Championship 2025 delivered exactly what paddlers came for—and then some.
On Saturday, October 4th, the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club hosted OC6 crews on the legendary Graveyard course, and conditions were nothing short of epic. Big surf crashed through the lineup. Northeast winds whipped across the 14-mile course. And as crews navigated shifting inlets, battled unpredictable currents, and surfed waves through the infamous second inlet, it became crystal clear why this course earned its notorious nickname.
The Graveyard is recognized as one of the most difficult paddle races outside dedicated surf-zone events, testing even elite athletes with challenging surf exits, gnarly ocean conditions, and current-fighting sections through the inland waterways. This year’s conditions brought all of that difficulty—and more.
But here’s what made this year’s event truly special: the execution was flawless. From registration to race day logistics, safety coverage to post-race celebrations, the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club demonstrated why this championship has become a must-paddle event on the East Coast calendar. Crews knew they were in capable hands as they took on one of the most demanding courses in outrigger racing.
Relive the Action
We’ve just released our full photo album from Saturday’s OC6 races, and these images capture the raw intensity, determination, and pure joy of racing The Graveyard and inland waterways of Wrightsville Beach. From crews launching through Mason’s Inlet to teams powering through open ocean swells, every moment tells the story of why paddlers keep coming back to Wrightsville Beach year after year.
The East Coast Championship 2025 brought the spice with big surf and northeast winds to produce the kind of conditions that earned The Graveyard race course its name. Feel free to save and share these images…all we ask is that you tag @thepaddlechannel if you share on social media!
Whether you were on the water pushing through those conditions or cheering from shore, these photos will transport you right back to the heart of the action. And if you missed it this year? Mark your calendars for 2026—The Graveyard will be waiting.
