A warm morning, sunny skies, and over 275 racers made for a great day at NAC’s 2026 Off Da Couch race.
Before the safety meeting, Sam’s parents welcomed everyone on the washdeck by reading a poem Sam had written. It was a meaningful way to begin the morning together and remember Sam.
While I’m Gone
Samuel Jack Couch III, 2007
While I’m gone remember my best
Remember me for what I tried
Think of what kept me alive
While I’m gone I’ll think of you all
You’re my hopes, my dreams, my all
While I’m gone I’ll miss you all
You kept me working and never let me fall
I’m there when you need me whenever at all
Just keep me in your thoughts and give me your all.
Then it was time to get on the water.
Paddlers came out to test themselves, cheer on friends, and spend a Saturday with our paddling community. Alongside the racers, we had three canoes full of CF Fighters racing in honor of Sam, along with paddlers from our We Are Ocean program throwing cancer overboard as they took on the four-mile course.
This race honors the life and legacy of Sam Couch — who was on the first NAC Junior Rowing Team as a coxswain and a
dedicated member of the NAC Canoe & Kayak Team, where he won many National Championships. He was a pivotal part of youth paddling at the Newport Aquatic Center, helping shape generations of athletes who now fill our outrigger, kayak, and rowing programs.
The energy carried from the starting line back to the beach, where racers caught up and refueled. The Habit Burgers were a big hit—and a well-earned post-race meal.
Thank you to everyone who raced, volunteered, helped with safety, and cheered from shore. A special thank-you to Sam’s parents for sharing his words with us and helping set the tone for the day.
View the full race results on PaddleGuru.
