There’s something magical about loading up the gear, cramming into the car, and leaving the daily grind in the rearview mirror. This past President’s Day weekend, the eNRG Kayaking team made the 5.5-hour journey down to Gasquet, California, for one of the absolute best weekends on the whitewater calendar: BoatSmith 2026.
The trip was a nostalgic journey for Youth Program Manager, Jacob Verhaegh, who returned to one of his childhood rivers. Sam (Director), Lee (Operations manager) and Katie also joined to raft and kayak, trading typical schedules for a weekend of clear water, massive redwoods, and the vibrant river community atmosphere.
What is BoatSmith? (A Little History)
If you aren’t familiar with BoatSmith, it is an annual, grassroots whitewater festival held every February on the Smith River—California’s largest undammed, free-flowing river system. What started as a local throwdown by Smith River paddlers has grown into a massive gathering that draws boaters from across the country.
The beauty of BoatSmith is its “come as you are, paddle what you bring” mentality. You’ll see everything from traditional hardshell kayaks and rafts to inflatable kayaks (IKs) and nimble catarafts. It’s a weekend packed with downriver races, mass floats, evening lodge parties, and a shared love for wild, scenic rivers.
We’re already counting down the days until next February. Until then, come join us on the water for our Raft Guide School, Certification Programs, and Swift Water Rescue. See you on the river!
