🌊 This Week in U.S. Kayaking & Canoeing: Races, Trends, and Pro Tips for Every Paddler
As the summer heat intensifies, so does the energy on America’s rivers, lakes, and coasts. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just dipping your paddle in for the first time, this week offers an exciting blend of competition, celebration, and cutting-edge technique in the kayaking and canoeing world.
🚣♀️ National Spotlight: Major Kayaking & Canoeing Events This Week
1. USA Canoe Slalom Team Trials – Charlotte, North Carolina
Taking place at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, this event draws elite athletes aiming for Paris 2024 preparation and global ranking. Watch for thrilling performances in C1 (canoe single) and K1 (kayak single) events on artificial whitewater courses.
2. North Fork Championship XIII – Banks, Idaho
One of the most extreme and technical whitewater kayaking events globally. It features the world’s top kayakers descending the Class V "Jacob's Ladder" rapid on the North Fork Payette River. This race is a mix of speed, skill, and survival. Watch for elite paddlers like Dane Jackson, Aniol Serrasolses, and Sage Donnelly battling it out.
3. Michigan Paddle Sports Festival – Muskegon, Michigan
Running through this week, this community-driven festival is perfect for families and beginners. With clinics, demos, and tours on the calm Muskegon River, it's ideal for new paddlers looking to explore gear and technique in a friendly environment.
🏆 Kayaker Rankings to Watch
According to the ICF (International Canoe Federation) and recent race data:
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Dane Jackson (USA) continues to dominate in extreme whitewater freestyle and creek racing.
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Evy Leibfarth (USA) is one of the top U.S. female slalom paddlers, ranked internationally and expected to shine in upcoming world events.
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Sage Donnelly (USA) excels in both slalom and extreme events — showing the evolution of versatile skillsets in elite kayaking.
📈 Trending: New Skills and Pro Tips for Beginners
This week, the kayaking community is buzzing about two new techniques:
🔹 1. Cross Bow Rudder to Boof Combo
Used in river running, this hybrid stroke helps stabilize your kayak before launching over drops. It’s gaining traction on YouTube among whitewater pros and is being taught at intermediate clinics.
🔹 2. Kayak Rolling for Beginners: The Paddle Float Method
This trending skill is perfect for flatwater and sea kayakers learning how to recover from capsizing. Using a paddle float adds stability while practicing the roll motion without full immersion fear.
🌟 Pro Tips for New Paddlers
1. Start on flatwater with proper posture.
Your lower back should be straight and knees slightly bent, with feet snug against foot braces.
2. Learn how to wet exit and re-enter.
Safety first: Knowing how to escape your kayak and re-enter it in calm water is essential.
3. Master three strokes: forward stroke, sweep stroke (for turning), and draw stroke (for sideways movement).
These form the foundation of all advanced paddling.
4. Use gear that fits.
Ill-fitting PFDs and long paddles can throw off your control and confidence. Visit a demo day like those at the Michigan Paddle Festival to test gear hands-on.
📹 YouTuber Spotlight: Learning from the Best
Many paddlers are tuning into YouTubers like:
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Nick Troutman – Freestyle world champion with videos on big water kayaking and safety.
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PaddleTV (Ken Whiting) – Offers excellent beginner tutorials on strokes, gear, and trip planning.
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Sage Donnelly – Recently started uploading race clips and behind-the-scenes looks at elite paddling life.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Why This Week Matters
Whether you’re tuning into the North Fork Championship for adrenaline or heading to the Michigan Paddle Sports Festival with your family, this week showcases just how dynamic the world of kayaking and canoeing is — blending elite athleticism with welcoming community vibes.
There’s never been a better time to grab a paddle and jump in — the water’s just right.