🌊 This Week in Kayaking & Canoeing (June 16–22, 2025): Events, Trends, and Skills to Watch
Whether you're a weekend paddler or an aspiring pro, this week offers a dynamic blend of competitive kayaking, immersive festivals, and skills every paddler should know. Across the U.S., from whitewater thrills in Colorado to community events in Texas, kayaking and canoeing continue to grow in popularity — blending sport, nature, and community action.
📰 National Spotlight: Kayaking in the News
In Texas, Lake Casa Blanca State Park in Laredo is hosting ranger-led kayaking and birding adventures as part of its outdoor education push. These guided experiences are a great opportunity for beginners to paddle safely while learning about the natural environment. A special virtual ranger session is also being held on June 28, allowing remote participants to engage in eco-kayaking content from home.
🏁 Major Events and Races This Week
🚣♂️ FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas), Salida, Colorado
Date: Mid-June
What’s special: Known as America's oldest whitewater festival, FIBArk draws elite paddlers from around the world. Events include:
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Whitewater slalom
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Freestyle (playboating)
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Downriver races
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Hooligan race — a fun, chaotic race using homemade crafts
Beyond paddling, the festival features mountain biking, live music, and local food vendors. It's a celebration of river life and community.
🌀 Yampa River Festival, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Date: Early to mid-June
Highlights: The festival hosts the Kayak Rodeo, where freestyle kayakers show off tricks and technical maneuvers in fast-flowing water. Spectators can enjoy the excitement along the riverbank while learning about river conservation efforts.
🛶 Great Chesapeake Bay Swim (Support Kayakers), Annapolis, MD
Date: June 8 (just before this week)
Although this year's event has passed, it showcased how kayakers serve as safety escorts for swimmers across the bay — highlighting the role of paddling in community support and water safety.
🌍 International Impact: ICF Freestyle World Championships
While not based in the U.S., the International Canoe Federation Freestyle Worlds in Plattling, Germany (June 16–21) is shaping this week’s global paddling rankings. Several American athletes are competing, and their results will influence national team selections and sponsor interest going forward.
🎖 Rankings and Competition Insights
Freestyle kayaking is gaining ground in the U.S., especially among youth and college paddling clubs. With this week's international competition:
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U.S. paddlers in the junior and senior freestyle categories are under the spotlight.
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Results will impact national rankings and determine qualifications for World Cups and other elite-level events.
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Slalom kayaking, while more popular in Europe, continues to expand in U.S. programs thanks to clubs and Olympic training centers in Colorado and North Carolina.
💡 Skill Highlights: What Beginners Can Learn This Week
Even if you're not racing down rapids or flipping in rodeos, there are foundational kayaking skills being emphasized this week:
🔹 1. The Eskimo Roll
A vital skill for whitewater kayakers, the Eskimo roll allows you to right your kayak after capsizing — without exiting the boat. It's best learned in a pool with a trained instructor.
🔹 2. Draw Stroke (Side-Skulling)
Used for moving sideways without turning the boat. Essential for maneuvering in tight spaces, docking, or approaching a shoreline with precision.
🔹 3. Wind & Current Navigation
One pro tip: Always start your trip paddling into the wind. That way, you’ll have the wind behind you when returning — an easy but powerful trick for long-distance touring.
🔹 4. Eco-Paddling Ethics
Many festivals and events now promote “paddle-and-pick” cleanups, encouraging paddlers to collect trash during their outings. Brands are also introducing biodegradable dry bags and paddles made from recycled materials. Sustainability is no longer optional — it’s trending.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why This Week Matters
From international championships to local ranger-led outings, kayaking and canoeing are proving to be more than just sports — they’re gateways to community, environmental stewardship, and lifelong adventure.
Whether you're just starting or you've been paddling for years, this week is a reminder that there’s always more to learn, celebrate, and explore on the water.
📣 Get Involved
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Check out FIBArk Festival for updates and livestreams.
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Join your local paddle club — many offer intro classes or demo days.
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Follow U.S. freestyle athletes as they compete this week in Germany via ICF’s official site.
Stay safe, paddle smart, and may your lines be smooth and your strokes efficient!