East Coast Watercross Finalizes 2026 Tour After Buffalo Shakeup

March 30, 2026

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The 2026 East Coast Watercross tour is locked in—but not without a last-minute curveball.

Race Director Shawn Dudek confirmed that a planned stop in Buffalo has officially been pulled from the schedule after extensive efforts to make it work behind the scenes. Despite strong local backing, including support from the Buffalo Sports Commission and key partners, rising late-stage costs ultimately forced the event off the 2026 calendar.

The good news? It’s not gone for good. Dudek says discussions are already underway at the state level with eyes on bringing Buffalo back in 2027.

In the meantime, the tour rolls forward with five rounds—blending proven venues with a new addition and a renewed push toward growth.

Laconia kicks things off with built-in momentum

The season opens June 5-7 in Laconia, a staple stop that continues to grow year after year.

With racing set along the Weirs Channel and the always-popular pit party returning to NASWA Resort, the opener once again benefits from its proximity to Laconia Motorcycle Week—giving racers and fans plenty of reason to stick around beyond race weekend.

Kittanning brings a new riverfront venue

Round 2 heads to Kittanning on June 26-28, marking one of the tour’s newest stops.

Built around a river course similar in feel to Lock Haven, the event is shaping up as a full-on community festival. Local support, food vendors, and a Friday night gathering at the Mariner Restaurant are all part of the plan, as ECW taps into an area already familiar with motorsports on the water.

Lock Haven returns to fill the gap

With Buffalo off the table, Lock Haven slides into Round 3 on July 10-12.

The riverfront venue proved itself last season, offering natural amphitheater viewing and a strong local turnout. The weekend will once again feature a pit party at Haywood’s On the Green, keeping the laid-back, racer-first vibe intact.

Plattsburgh remains a cornerstone

From July 31 through August 2, the tour returns to Plattsburgh—a longtime favorite that continues to deliver some of the most unpredictable racing conditions on the schedule.

Now approaching a decade on the tour, Plattsburgh remains a key stop, with the city actively working alongside organizers on logistics like camping and updated local regulations. The fan-favorite The Cabana Beach Bar will once again anchor the off-water action.

Sylvan Beach closes with national exposure

The season wraps August 28-30 in Sylvan Beach—and it’s shaping up to be a major one.

The finale will be co-sanctioned with Pro Watercross, allowing racers to earn points in both series as part of the Road to Havasu. On top of that, CBS Sports will be on-site capturing national television coverage, putting both the racing and the Region 8 community in the spotlight.

With support from partners like Hebeler’s and the iconic Harpoon Eddie’s backdrop, Sylvan Beach is once again positioned as a marquee stop.

Bigger changes beyond the schedule

While the venues tell part of the story, the bigger shift may be happening across the sport itself.

All International Jet Sports Boating Association-affiliated promoters are aligning around a new four-moto format, giving racers more track time under a single weekend entry. ECW will also implement full transponder timing at every round—bringing a more professional, consistent scoring system across the board.

The introduction of a national high points system, along with exclusive use of the number one plate for champions, signals a broader push toward unifying competition nationwide.

Behind the scenes, continued collaboration with Pro Watercross, expansion of youth racing through initiatives tied to Nauti Water Racing, and increased media production from Digital Wave Productions all point to a sport that’s evolving quickly.

Momentum heading into 2026

Even with Buffalo sidelined, East Coast Watercross isn’t slowing down.

If anything, the adjustments have sharpened the focus—tightening the schedule, strengthening partnerships, and building toward a bigger picture that extends well beyond a single season.

Five rounds. New energy. And a clear sense that 2026 is less about holding ground—and more about pushing forward.