🚣‍♀️ This Week in Kayaking & Canoeing (June 11–17, 2025): Events, Skills, and the Growing Paddle Community

🚣‍♀️ This Week in Kayaking & Canoeing (June 11–17, 2025): Events, Skills, and the Growing Paddle Community

🚣♀️ This Week in Kayaking & Canoeing (June 11–17, 2025): Events, Skills, and the Growing Paddle Community

 

As the summer season ramps up across the United States, the world of kayaking and canoeing is thriving with exciting races, inclusive festivals, and a growing movement toward sustainable, skill-based paddling. Whether you’re an elite paddler, a weekend adventurer, or someone just discovering life on the water, this week offers something for everyone.

📰 In the News: Paddling Meets Nature & Community

This week, kayaking is gaining attention not just for its athletic appeal, but for its role in outdoor education and environmental connection. The Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan, is hosting guided paddling trips on the Upper Chippewa River, offering families and beginners a chance to explore natural habitats while learning the basics of kayaking in a calm, supportive setting.

Why it matters: These programs help make kayaking more accessible and highlight the role of paddling in conservation and eco-awareness.

🏁 Races and Festivals Making Waves This Week

🛶 1. Moorestown Paddle Board/Kayak Race & Family Festival

Date: June 14 · Location: Moorestown, NJ
A friendly, inclusive event offering 1- and 2-mile kayak and SUP races, a tandem division, and even a cardboard raft race for all ages.
Highlight: Perfect for families and beginners looking to try their first race in a supportive festival environment.

🌊 2. Mississippi River 12 (MR 12)

Date: June 15 · Location: Champlin, MN
A 12-mile paddle down the Mississippi River with both competitive and recreational categories.
Why it stands out: It promotes endurance paddling while encouraging newcomers to test their stamina in real river conditions.

🎉 3. White River Paddle Days & Festival

Date: Ongoing this week · Location: White River region (Midwestern U.S.)
Combines music, scavenger hunts, paddle races, and community clean-up initiatives.
Special Note: Emphasizes sustainability and fun — a trend that’s becoming more common at local paddling events.

🏔️ 4. North Fork Championship (Just Passed)

Location: Payette River, ID
One of the most elite whitewater races in the world, this Class V rapid event draws top-tier freestyle and extreme kayakers.
Insight: While this event is now wrapped up, it heavily influences whitewater rankings and showcases high-performance paddling.

🎖 Rankings & Competitive Scene

  • Whitewater: The North Fork Championship continues to shape the global standings in freestyle and extreme kayaking.

  • Slalom & Kayak-Cross: The 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup (currently running in Pau, France) includes kayak cross and slalom events that influence international athlete rankings.

  • Recreational Circuits: Events like MR 12 and Moorestown build points in regional marathon and flatwater paddling circuits.

💡 Professional Tips for New Kayakers

Even if you're not racing down Class V rapids, this week offers great opportunities to build your technique. Here are a few essential skills and insights for anyone getting into the sport:

✅ 1. Eskimo Roll

A self-rescue skill that allows you to right your kayak after capsizing — a must-have for anyone planning to enter moving or choppy waters.
Tip: Start in a swimming pool with an instructor or practice with a paddle float.

✅ 2. Draw Stroke (Side Skulling)

A technical stroke that helps move your kayak sideways — essential for docking, maneuvering near obstacles, or adjusting your position in rapids.

✅ 3. Wind & Weather Strategy

Always paddle into the wind first — that way, the wind will help push you back when you're tired. Simple, effective, and critical for longer day trips.

✅ 4. Endurance Preparation

Events like MR 12 require consistent paddling over hours. Practice steady pacing, stay hydrated, and bring energy snacks. Endurance paddling is a mental game as much as a physical one.

✅ 5. Eco-Conscious Paddling

Many paddlers now participate in “paddle-and-pick” events, cleaning up rivers while paddling. Choose biodegradable gear and reusable hydration packs to minimize your impact.

🌍 Why This Week Matters

  • Inclusivity: From festivals like Moorestown to recreational categories in MR 12, events are increasingly designed to welcome paddlers of all ages and skill levels.

  • Elite Inspiration: High-profile events like the North Fork Championship show us the peak of human kayaking performance.

  • Skills in Motion: From the basics of draw strokes to endurance planning, real paddlers are using real techniques — and sharing them with the broader community.

  • Sustainability: Eco-friendly paddling is not just a trend — it’s becoming part of the culture.

🚣 Final Thoughts

Whether you're exploring your local river for the first time or tuning in to watch elite paddlers descend extreme whitewater, kayaking and canoeing continue to grow in relevance, inclusivity, and skill.

So grab a paddle, check your gear, and remember — the river is open to everyone. Just show up, learn a little, and enjoy the journey. 🌊🛶

Back to blog