Every summer before Disneyland opens its gates, a beloved tradition unfolds on the Rivers of America: the Cast Member Canoe Races, formally known as Canoe Races of the World. Since 1963, teams of Disneyland employees have raced the iconic Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes in the early morning, battling for bragging rights as the fastest paddlers in the park.
In 2024, the Disneyland Fire Department team—Smoke on the Water—stunned the competition, posting a blistering 3:44 lap to win their first‑ever championship. Their secret? Training out of the Newport Aquatic Center (NAC), under the expert eye of NAC paddler and longtime #nac4life Ohana – Julie Wolfe.
Julie Wolfe brings a lifetime of water and service experience to the team. A multi‑time Moloka‘i Hoe and Na Wahine O Ke Kai champion, she has conquered some of the world’s most grueling outrigger canoe races—all under the guidance, coaching, and training of legendary NAC coach Billy Whitford, whose expertise has shaped generations of Southern California paddlers. A veteran of the Newport Aquatic Center and a natural mentor, Wolfe is known for her ability to turn raw strength into perfect timing on the water. Off the river, she served as a full‑time firefighter for the Los Angeles Fire Department, balancing her career of service with her passion for competitive paddling.
🚣♀️ NAC Training: The Winning Formula
Wolfe transformed a crew of strong but untested paddlers into a cohesive racing team. Their summer training program at NAC focused on:
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Power and Cadence – Learning to paddle in perfect unison for maximum speed.
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Steering and Synchronization – Crucial for the heavy fiberglass canoes on tight river turns.
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Endurance and Mental Prep – Simulating the early morning race conditions to build focus.
The results spoke for themselves in 2024.
🏆 2025: Back‑to‑Back Champions
Lightning struck twice. In last week’s 2025 races, Smoke on the Water defended their title, powering past the field to claim back‑to‑back championships. Their continued partnership with NAC and guidance from Julie Wolfe cemented their reputation as the team to beat.
Spectators—cast members lining the banks of Frontierland and New Orleans Square—watched the firefighters cut cleanly through the water, a display of strength and precision that would make any paddler proud.
