About NAC

The Newport Aquatic Center was founded in 1982 and built in 1987 as a non-profit corporation offering the public unique opportunities in the Olympic water sports of rowing, canoeing, kayaking and outrigger canoe competition.



Our Members: Beginners to Olympians

Paddlers and rowers of every age and level of ability use the NAC to sharpen their skills in rowing, canoeing, outrigger canoeing, and kayaking. Beginners come to improve their physical condition, enjoy the aesthetic and competitive aspects of these sports and intrinsically experience the spirit of the NAC. National Teams from Europe utilize this first class Aquatic Center throughout the year. 

The NAC hosts a variety of events during the year such as, races and regattas that provide an opportunity to hone competitive skills and several fund-raising events. Rowing and paddling clubs are invited to the regattas hosted by the center and NAC members have the opportunity to travel to races regionally, nationally and internationally. 

Our master/open rowing, canoe, outrigger canoe and kayak teams have won numerous National Championship titles from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts. Collectively, NAC members have won twelve Olympic Gold Medals.

Open to the Public

In addition to the programs for members, the Newport Aquatic Center offers classes to the general public. It is not necessary to be a member to participate, although special discounts do apply. Various classes from local instructors as well as colleges are offered through the center. 

For businesses and corporations looking for a team building experience, we host outrigger corporate challenge regattas where we bring the excitement of authentic outrigger canoe racing to your company. With the combination of physical, mental and emotional strategies involved, your teams on 6-12 person outrigger canoes will learn important lessons that translate into the competitive world of business. 

The NAC also offers memberships by the hour for those who want to rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards for a leisurely paddle around the bay. Private lessons in all disciplines are also available for those interested in improving their skills or learning new ones.



Major Events

Throughout the year the NAC hosts various events which attract those from the community and beyond.

	The Newport Autumn Rowing Festival The Newport Autumn Rowing Festival is the West Coast’s premier Fall Rowing Regatta. With over 1300 competitors, the festival attracts collegiate, high school, master’s men and women and elite level rowers from across the nation. Proceeds benefit the NAC Junior programs
	The Hal Rosoff Classic The Hal Rosoff Classic is a paddling race in Newport Harbor consisting of a short and long course for Outriggers, Kayaks, Prone, K1’s, C1’s and Stand Up Paddle Boards. The annual race is in the second week of February and attracts between 100-200 participants from Southern California. Proceeds benefit the NAC Junior Outrigger program
	NAC/Hovie SUP Festival NAC/Hovie SUP Festivalis a fund raising event for the Jr. Waterman program at the NAC taking place in the middle of April. Please join us as this year’s event promises to be the best Stand Up Paddling event in the 3 year history. We have had over 160 racers per year now race through Newport Harbor in one of the west coasts top flat water races. Proceeds benefit the NAC waterman program
	The Corporate Challenge The Corporate Challengeis a fund raising event for local youth programs in the community. A series of very spirited 800M Outrigger races. The perfect opportunity for the Outrigger enthusiast, on-going team practice, corporate team building, school team building or family participation. We invite those of all ages to join us in our quest for making our community a better place while enjoying the race and activities of the day. Proceeds benefit the NAC Jr. Outrigger progam