This Week in Small Craft: June 19th, 2026
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The WoodenBoat Show returns to Mystic Seaport Museum June 26 to 28. Three days of wooden boats, tools, varnish, sharp transoms, questionable hat choices, and people who can say “lapstrake” without blinking. The show includes classic boats, traditional boats, demonstrations, speakers, and the “I Built/Restored It Myself” exhibit. Go for the boats. Stay because someone will probably explain why they own 400 clamps.
Flint Riverkeeper is hosting the Lower Flint Paddle on Saturday, July 25. The group meets at Punks Landing at 9 a.m., then shuttles cars and gear upstream to Radium Springs Landing, also known as Marine Ditch. From there, it’s a 9-mile paddle back down to Punks. The trip is rain or shine, unless severe weather is in the forecast or the river is too high. Flint Riverkeeper members paddle free. Nonmembers pay $45, which includes a membership. Kayak, paddle, and PFD rentals are available for another $15. More info here.
Water Education Colorado has a sobering piece on the emergency drawdown from Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The release is meant to help Lake Powell, but it is hammering Flaming Gorge and the businesses that depend on that reservoir.
Drought.gov’s June 18 Southwest monsoon update says parts of the Southwest may see above-average monsoon rain this summer. Good news for dry ground. Less helpful for big river flows and reservoir storage. A wet afternoon in the desert does not refill Lake Powell. It also does not fix a bad snowpack. It may knock down dust, green up some hillsides, and make the creosote smell great. We’ll take that, but nobody should confuse it with a reset button.
Paddling Magazine has a good video on the back deck roll. This is one of those kayak moves that looks like falling over on purpose, then somehow getting credit for it. Worth a watch if you paddle whitewater, mess around in playboats, or would rather roll than swim while your friends pretend not to laugh.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is running its 2026 Ultimate Flats Boat Sweepstakes. The prize package includes a Floyd 5WT Skiff, Magic Tilt trailer, Yamaha F40, Minn Kota trolling motor, Simrad electronics, Sage gear, a push pole, Turtlebox, Fishpond gear, Costa sunglasses, and more. The package is valued at more than $49,000. It supports BTT’s work for bonefish, tarpon, permit, and the flats they live on. Measure the garage now.
Down River Equipment has a useful guide to raft rigging. Cargo floors, King Slings, drop bags, Captain’s Bags, crossbar bags, thwart bags, cup holders, and all the other stuff that keeps your boat from looking like a garage sale after the first wave train. The big lesson is simple. Rig tight. Keep heavy gear secure. Suspend what needs to be suspended. Do not donate your dry box, sandals, sunscreen, and lunch to the river because you got lazy with straps.