This Week in U.S. Kayaking & Canoeing: Events, Trends, and Pro Tips (June 16–22, 2025)
Kayaking and canoeing are more than just recreational pastimes—they’re thriving sports, cultural traditions, and ways to connect deeply with nature. This week in the United States, paddling is making headlines with major whitewater festivals, community races, and eco-friendly programs that highlight the versatility and inclusiveness of the sport. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, there’s something happening on the water for everyone.
🌊 Kayaking in the News
One of the most notable paddling initiatives this week comes from Lake Casa Blanca State Park in Laredo, Texas, where rangers are leading kayaking trips alongside birdwatching tours, night hikes, and fishing programs. These guided paddles aren’t just about exercise—they introduce participants to aquatic ecosystems, migratory bird patterns, and shoreline conservation. For those who can’t make it in person, a virtual ranger session will be livestreamed on June 28.
This reflects a growing trend: kayaking as environmental education. More parks and outfitters are pairing paddling with ecology, helping new participants see waterways not just as playgrounds, but as ecosystems worth protecting.
🚣♀️ Major Kayaking & Canoeing Events This Week
1. FIBArk Festival – Salida, Colorado
America’s oldest whitewater festival, running since 1949, is in full swing. Events include:
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Slalom races testing precision and control
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Freestyle “rodeo” competitions where paddlers perform tricks on river waves
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Downriver races for endurance and speed
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The famous Hooligan Race, featuring homebuilt boats in a hilarious, chaotic sprint
FIBArk is a blend of serious competition and community fun, making it a cornerstone of American paddlesport culture.
2. Yampa River Festival – Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Centered on river stewardship, this festival mixes competitive kayaking with environmental education. The kayak rodeo showcases freestyle moves on standing waves, while conservation workshops remind paddlers that protecting rivers ensures the sport’s future.
3. Long Lake Lap – Minnesota
A flatwater race with multiple divisions (8, 4, and 2 miles) for kayaks, canoes, surfskis, and SUPs. Paddleboard sprints and family-friendly programming make this an accessible entry point for new paddlers.
4. Minnesota Paddling Opener – Mississippi River
Held annually, this “opening weekend” for paddlesports features everything from short recreational tours to 145-mile endurance races. It’s both a celebration of community and a test of grit for ultramarathon paddlers.
🏆 Competitive Scene & Rankings
While local festivals dominate U.S. headlines, American athletes are also competing internationally. The ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup continues in Europe, where events like kayak cross are gaining popularity for their head-to-head racing format. Performances at events like FIBArk feed into national rankings and help identify rising stars in freestyle and slalom disciplines.
Currently, U.S. freestyle athletes are making strong showings, particularly in youth categories, which suggests a bright future for Team USA in world competitions.
🛶 Pro Tips for Beginner Paddlers
If you’re inspired by this week’s events to get on the water yourself, here are five professional skills and habits to develop early:
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Master the Draw Stroke – Essential for moving sideways without turning your boat, perfect for docking or maneuvering in tight spots.
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Use the Sweep Stroke with Edging – Combine a wide arc paddle with leaning your kayak to carve efficient turns.
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Plan with the Wind in Mind – Paddle into the wind first, so you have help on the way back.
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Practice a Wet Exit – Before tackling bigger water, know how to safely exit your kayak if you flip.
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Leave No Trace – Bring a small trash bag and clean up while you paddle; it’s a simple way to give back to the waterways you enjoy.
🌟 Why This Week Matters for Paddling
What makes this week special is the balance between competition, culture, and conservation.
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FIBArk highlights the rich tradition of U.S. whitewater racing.
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Minnesota’s events celebrate community, endurance, and inclusivity.
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Lake Casa Blanca’s ranger-led trips remind us that kayaking connects people to the environment as much as it entertains.
Together, they show that paddling isn’t just one thing—it’s a sport, a lifestyle, and a way to care for nature.
✅ Takeaway: Whether you’re interested in racing, exploring, or simply floating under the sun, there’s no better time to pick up a paddle. The sport is expanding, and the water is waiting.