About the Newport Aquatic Center

Facilities
Within the 18,000 sq. foot facility you will discover a large multi-purpose meeting room, cardiovascular and weight training facilities, locker rooms for men and women, and workshop and storage area for 400+ canoes, kayaks and rowing shells.

inside boathouse

On the sandy shore of North Star Beach is a launching dock for the many human powered crafts that enjoy the beauty of the Newport’s Back Bay. With direct access to the Newport Harbor and the open ocean, NAC offers paddlers and rowers their choice of water environments.

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. The United States Rowing Association conducts National Team Training camps at the Center, numerous 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 early morning breakfast get-togethers, 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 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
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.

The Dragon Boat Festival
is a colorful display of Chinese tradition and culture. Music, racing and costume make this an great spectator event.

The Hal Rosoff Classic
is a Canoe Kayak race the 2 week of February. It is a Flat-water race through the Harbor. The annual race attracts between 90-100 participants from Southern California.

Board of Directors
The Newport Aquatic Center is a stand alone non-profit organization 501-C3. It is managed by a Board of Directors made up of NAC members. The Center is run by an Executive Director and our staff, trainers, and instructors are some of the most qualified professionals in their area of expertise—former and current Olympians, trophied racers, and acclaimed teachers. They know how to evoke the exhilaration of physical performance while maintaining a high standard of safety.