🚣♀️ This Week in Kayaking & Canoeing (June 11–17, 2025): Events, Skills & Trends You Need to Know
The U.S. paddling community is having a vibrant week — from intense river races and eco-friendly initiatives to beginner-friendly festivals and world-class whitewater competitions. Whether you're a weekend paddler or training for an ultra-endurance race, this week showcases just how inclusive and diverse the world of kayaking and canoeing has become.
Let’s break down what’s happening on the water this week, why it matters, and what you can learn from it — especially if you’re new to the sport.
🗓️ Key Events & Races in the U.S. This Week
🌟 Moorestown Paddle Board/Kayak Race & Family Festival
📍 Moorestown, New Jersey | 🗓️ June 14, 2025
A true celebration of community paddling, this festival features:
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1-mile and 2-mile kayak races
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Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) races
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Tandem events
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And a cardboard raft challenge, adding creativity and laughter to the fun
This event is ideal for families and beginners, with proceeds supporting local lake conservation and beautification projects.
🛶 Mississippi River 12 (MR12)
📍 Champlin, Minnesota | 🗓️ June 15, 2025
This 12-mile river race is a test of endurance and focus, open to solo and tandem kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. With competitive and recreational divisions, it's a perfect race to experience big-river paddling without diving into ultra-marathon distances.
🏁 Mississippi River 145 (MR145)
📍 Brainerd to Champlin, MN | 🗓️ June 13–16, 2025
A massive 145-mile river race, this multi-day event pushes the limits of stamina and strategy. It features timed checkpoints and is part of the growing long-distance paddling scene. It draws serious athletes, river expedition enthusiasts, and clubs from across the Midwest.
🌊 North Fork Championship (NFC)
📍 Payette River, Idaho | 🗓️ June 14–15, 2025
One of the most prestigious whitewater kayaking events in the world, this race challenges elite paddlers to conquer Jacob’s Ladder — a Class V rapid that tests technical mastery, precision, and courage. It's a cornerstone of the global freestyle and extreme kayak calendar.
🛶 Illinois Paddling Council (IPC) Marathon Series
📍 Illinois | 🗓️ Ongoing June
Racers in the Des Plaines, Voyageur Landing, and Current Buster events battled through unusually low water conditions this year, showcasing resilience and river-reading skills. With over 340 boats finishing across the series, IPC continues to grow the Midwest marathon paddling scene.
🔥 What’s Trending in Kayaking & Canoeing Right Now?
✅ Eco-Kayaking & Conservation Tours
Nature centers like the Chippewa Nature Center in Michigan are offering guided paddles that blend outdoor recreation with environmental education. These low-barrier events are helping more people explore rivers while learning about local ecosystems and conservation.
✅ “Paddle and Pick” Movement
Clean-up kayaking is gaining traction, with many paddlers integrating trash collection into their routines. This sustainable trend turns solo and group outings into small-scale restoration efforts — a win for both paddlers and waterways.
🎖️ Competitive Highlights & Rankings
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Freestyle Kayaking: The North Fork Championship influences global Class V athlete standings. It is a showcase of elite-level technique, boat control, and mental strength.
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Marathon & Endurance Rankings: The MR12 and MR145 races contribute points toward regional marathon circuits in the Midwest. These events also serve as qualifiers for some long-distance paddling championships.
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International Canoe Slalom: Though not U.S.-based, the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup (in Pau, France this week) is shaping the top ranks for kayak-cross and slalom athletes leading into the Olympic cycle.
🧠 Pro Tips & Foundational Skills for Beginners
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your paddling skills, these techniques are essential:
🌀 1. Eskimo Roll
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Purpose: Self-rescue skill used in whitewater, surf, and open water
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Pro Tip: Start in a calm pool or lake with a coach. Use a paddle float as a learning aid.
↔️ 2. Draw Stroke
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Purpose: Move your kayak sideways without turning — great for docking and precision control
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Pro Tip: Keep your paddle vertical and engage your torso, not just your arms.
🌬️ 3. Wind Strategy
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Rule: Always start your paddle going into the wind.
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Why: You’ll save energy and avoid fatigue on the way back. This tip alone can make or break a day trip.
⏱️ 4. Endurance Paddling for River Races
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Strategy: Alternate between steady paddling and short high-effort intervals
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Nutrition: Hydrate every 30 mins, snack every hour
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Gear Tip: Use lightweight paddles and wear fingerless gloves to prevent blisters
♻️ 5. Eco-Friendly Paddling Habits
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Always pack out your trash
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Use reusable flasks and biodegradable sunscreen
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Join cleanup events when possible
📌 Final Thoughts: Why This Week Matters
This week in kayaking and canoeing proves just how multifaceted the paddling world is. From beginner-friendly lake festivals to world-class river competitions, the sport is expanding in every direction — welcoming all ages, skill levels, and styles.
Whether you’re chasing rapids, racing downriver, or just looking for peace and clarity on the water, there’s never been a better time to start or grow your kayaking journey.
💬 What’s your paddling goal this summer? Let me know in the comments — and share this article with anyone looking to explore kayaking for the first time!