Expect traffic downtown for national paddle boarding competition in Gig Harbor

Downtown Gig Harbor will be busier than usual this weekend while athletes race kayaks, surfskis, stand-up paddleboards and other watercraft in the harbor.

From Friday to Sunday, the city is hosting athletes from across the country for the USA SUP National Championships 2026 . The competition organizers are partnering with The Narrows Challenge, an annual race sponsored by the Gig Harbor Canoe & Kayak Racing Team .

The Narrows Challenge is in its sixth year and takes place on Saturday, said Tod Cole, one of the team's coaches. Cole is acting as co-race director of the Narrows Challenge this year with USA SUP board member Kristin Thomas. The race takes athletes on a route from the Gig Harbor Lighthouse to Point Fosdick and back. The Narrows Challenge is open to all open watercraft, not just stand-up paddleboarders, he told The News Tribune.

The Gig Harbor Canoe & Kayak Racing Team, which holds 11 national titles, got connected with USA SUP after the paddleboarding organization asked to hold their event in Gig Harbor, Cole said. The team worked closely with the city and with Visit Gig Harbor (the tourism arm of the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce) to prepare for the event.

"I'm excited to see the Gig Harbor community see an increase in water sports activities since we have such a great opportunity here with what we've been provided," Cole said.

Gig Harbor Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm wrote in an email that the downtown area will be busy during the competition.

"For the Narrows Challenge and SUP Nationals, the community can expect increased traffic, crowds, and parking demand throughout downtown during the weekend, especially around Skansie Park and near Old Ferry Landing Park," he wrote. "Drivers should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling through the area."

Cold said there won't be any road closures for the event, and two local churches have signage allowing attendees to park in their lots. Police will be on-site for safety during the event, he said.

The event will also feature live music from two bands (Bards of Paradise and The Profits), a drone show from the Peninsula School District and food trucks on Saturday evening.

Thomas said the event includes sprints, endurance races and a technical course. Qualifiers from the national championships will represent the United States at the 2026 ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Championships in Sabaudia, Italy, said Thomas.