Who is USA's Elite Team Coach?

USA ORCA is proud to announce selection of April Zilg as the 2025-2026 Elite team coach.

Hear her accomplishments direct from her:

In Outrigger Canoe, I had the privilege of paddling with Team USA and winning a Gold medal in the International Va’a Federation’s Open Women's V6 2023 World Championship Distance Race in Samoa. My solo outrigger achievements include an IVF 2022 World Championships Open Women’s V1 Sprint Silver Medal in London, winning the Gorge Downwind OC1 Championship, and securing the Koa Nui OC1 women’s overall title by winning each stage of the two-day event.

My success extends to Stand Up Paddling, where I have earned two distinct world sprint titles with Gold medals at the SUP World Championships hosted by both the International Surfing Association and the International Canoe Federation. I also claimed the Association of Paddlesurf Professionals world tour title, adding another World Champion title to my name. Additionally, I hold a Gold medal from the Pan American Surfing Games SUP technical race and a World Paddle Association World Champion title.

After dedicating the better part of the last decade to rigorous training and competition, the knowledge I’ve gained about effective training methodologies and proper fueling has culminated in these achievements. Now, I am passionate about sharing these insights as a coach, working with individuals at all levels, from those aiming for general fitness to athletes striving to make their local team's top boat or achieve their own world championship dreams.

Elite Team Selection Process

 THE PLAN - 2025 - 2026 Timeline

August/September

* Extend invitations to nationally identified talented paddlers to attend Nationals.

* Initiate promotional efforts for the event through social media, newsletters, and other channels.

* Collect virtual time trial results from interested participants. Request top performers to share training data via TrainingPeaks for further evaluation.

October:

USAORCA Hosts the  National Championships, including in-person time trials and seat testing to identify elite paddlers and potential team alternates.

Conduct a training camp immediately following Nationals for the top identified paddlers. Please note that final team selection will not occur at this stage.

October 2025 - January 2026:

Develop and implement nutrition, base building, and strength training programs for all elite athletes and alternates.

Schedule monthly group check-in calls to monitor progress and provide support.

January:

* Organize a training camp in California following the Hano Hano Ocean Challenge . 

* Implement build and speed work training programs continuing through March.

* Continue monthly group check-in calls.

March:

*Host a training camp in North Carolina, incorporating time trials and the final team selections. (IVF registration next month)

April - May:

* Focus on an aerobic refresh block, nutrition, and offer optional, free in-person training on select weekends in North Carolina.

* Maintain monthly group check-ins and review athlete data.

June:

* Implement the final build phase of training.

* Continue monthly check-in calls.

July:

* Concentrate on final speed work and blending practice. The location for this phase is to be determined.

* Hold the monthly check-in call.

August:  Race Month

* Travel to Singapore for the elite crew events  - August 17 - 31, 2026 include club racing to follow elite.

Elite Team Scheduled In-Person Activity

• October 2025 Post Nationals training camp
• January 2026 training camp, following the Hano Hano Aloha Challenge in San Diego.
• March training camp in North Carolina. Final crew selection made, post-camp.
• July training event or race. Location: TBD.