WaterTribe^TM NC Ultra Marathon Challenge (NCC)

Overview

The next North Carolina Challenge is  Saturday, June 13, 2026. There is a mandatory equipment inspection and captains meeting the day before on Friday, June 12, 2026. Refer to the schedule for time/date specifics.

NCC cost is $295.00 for the captain and $295.00 for a crew member if any.

Billing starts Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Registration ends Sunday, May 3, 2026 at noon.
Payment deadline is Sunday, May 3, 2026 at noon.

Due to the exteme commitment for this challenge late registration and/or late payments will not be allowed. We recommend that you commit to this challenge early so you have plenty of time for planning, training, and preparation. Pay early in the payment cycle. You can get a full refund up until Sunday, May 3, 2026 at noon. No refunds after that date and time.

All WaterTribe events are dangerous events as defined by law and common sense. You are responsible for your own safety. You must read and understand the WaterTribe Rules and Warnings  before you register for this event. Although the warnings read specific to Florida, they all apply to the NC environment and must be read and understood for this event.

The NCC distance is roughly 96 miles depending on your course selection. As of 2021, the course for this challenge has been moved back to our original starting point on Cedar Island. But due to lessons learned in previous years we are going to provide very flexible launching options as follows:

1. Plan A: Launch from the north facing beach near the ferry landing. This is very weather dependent and is up to you. It is OK to get all setup on inspection day and then change your mind on launch day when you see huge waves crashing on the beach. You cannot launch if a ferry is coming in or going out.

2. Plan B: Launch from the boat ramp near the ferry landing. You will have to wait your turn just like any other boat ramp. You cannot launch if a ferry is coming in or going out. You must have a boat that could launch off the beach.

3. Plan C: Launch from any public boat ramp on the highway leading into Cedar Island. You still have to have a boat that could launch off the beach.

Special Note: We may use starting times based on your actual launch. Hit your OK Button or Message as you begin launching off the beach or boat ramp.

This will turn out to be a lot less complicated than it sounds and we will be able to adapt to a wide range of weather conditions. If the weather is good and forecasted to be good for the launch, Plan A is preferred. But no matter what, you can choose any of the three options. Please let race management know if you are going to use Plan B or Plan C.

The course proceeds in a roughly counter-clockwise manor as shown in the tracking map. We have also loosened up our course requirements. You must proceed to each checkpoint in the correct order, but you can choose any course you want depending on the weather, your boat, and your prudent selection. For example, from the Start to CP1 you can choose any course. It's up to you.

From CP1 to CP2 again you have a choice. Take Clubfoot Creek and the Hawlowe Canal or hit your OK at CP1 and then go back up to the intercoastal.

The waypoints are shown as general guidelines for the course. They are not intended for navigation.

There are restricted areas along the route. You must mark these areas on your charts and be well aware of their location and rules. Some of these areas are used for bombing, shelling, and strafing practice. Be sure to chart a course that leaves plenty of room for these areas.

There is an overall maximum time limit of approximately 4 days.

Special Note - Ultra Marathon Pace

Please take a special look at the deadlines for this event. There is an overall maximum time limit of approximately 3-4 days. The North Carolina Challenge is intended to be done at an Ultra Marathon pace. We will have one award ceremony on Saturday for both the BBC and the NCC. As always, we will make allowances for foul weather. However, due to personal schedules, work, and travel commitments like reservations, Race Managers and/or CheckPoint Captains may and most likely will depart no later than 10:00 on Sunday. You have plenty of time to finish, but you have to keep moving.

NCC2021 Tracking Map

The link above will take you to the tracking map which is the best way to view the course.

Note: The table includes waypoints for both the North Carolina Challenge (NCC) and the BlackBeard Challenge (BBC).

The NCC is run as an unsupported, expedition-style adventure race for kayaks, canoes and small boats. Your safety and well being are completely up to you. You should be an expert kayaker and/or sailor before you consider this challenge. Although this event is not an open ocean race, the location is coastal, subject to the same weather patterns and conditions one finds beyond the narrow barrier islands and impacting the shallow sounds.

Unsupported means that there are no safety boats or support crews to help you during the race. You are not allowed to have a support crew follow you or meet you during the race. It is okay to have family or friends meet you at the official checkpoint, but they cannot provide anything other than emotional support. See the official WaterTribe Rules for more details.

Expedition-style means that you should carry the same type of equipment and supplies that you would carry on a major expedition. Camping equipment, food, water, safety, communication means, etc. is required. Please read the WaterTribe Challenge Equipment List (in the Rules PDF), which details required equipment for a Challenge. Please choose your equipment needs carefully. Everyone must also carry all safety equipment as specified by the Coast Guard, local regulations and common sense. You must wear a well equiped lifejacket at all times while on the water - see the blog post by SOS. A link is in the list above.

In addition, all boats in this challenge are required to carry a SPOT and/or Garmin inReach device for tracking your adventure. Please read the instructions for Spot Setup and Usage or for Garmin inReach Setup and Usage for WaterTribe events.

Although this is called a race, many participants are more interested in cruising and adventure. Whether you are a cruiser or racer is up to you; time allows for both. Just getting to the starting line is a major accomplishment, and many starters will not finish. The 2009 NCC finishers made up only 53% of the starters.

An award ceremony and brunch will take place on Saturday at 10:30.

Accommodations

You basically have three choices for accommodations during these NC events:

• The motel on Cedar Island is now open. Be sure and mention you are with WaterTribe.
• The campground has been upgraded and is available for tents or RVs. Be sure and mention you are with WaterTribe.
• Here is the link for the motel and campground: Cedar Island Resort  and phone (252) 515-0201.
• Or get a motel room, Bed-And-Breakfast or campsite at any location within driving distance. There are several from Beaufort to Cedar Island.

Weather

Weather and sea conditions for Oriental, Neuse River, and Pamlico Sound can be found in this great web site:  Town Dock  Look in the INSIDE TOWNDOCK section on the right side of the home page for weather links, ferry schedules, etc.