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Details
🆕 What’s New for BoatSmith 2026
Get live information updates in our Newsletter.
• Sunday is also a race day AND we are still encouraging a mass float
Sprint races and head-to-head eliminations take place Sunday morning and early afternoon at Panther Flat.
• More spectator-friendly racing
Sunday races feature easy viewing access, including at Panther Flat.
• Clearer race windows
Racing generally runs late morning through mid-afternoon, with final times announced onsite.
• Respectful evenings at the lodge
Saturday night festivities wrap up earlier indoors, with the option to shift late-night music away from the lodge.
Who
BoatSmith is about boaters, the Smith River, and the local community.
The festival is open to everyone — whether you’re here to compete, float, spectate, or simply enjoy the river culture.
Compete. Celebrate. Connect.
BoatSmith is also a fundraiser dedicated to helping get youth outdoors, supporting programs that connect young people with rivers, nature, and adventure.
Volunteers
Want to help make BoatSmith 2026 an awesome weekend?
Sign Up to Be A Volunteer
We’ll be looking for help with:
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Race day safety
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Event set-up and take-down
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Registration and check-in
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General support throughout the weekend
Volunteers receive free admission to the festival and the appreciation of the entire boating community.
Have questions or want to get involved early?
Contact us @ BoatSmith57@gmail.com
What
BoatSmith is a festival that brings boaters together to celebrate whitewater, community, and the incredible Smith River. Spend a long weekend on one of the most beautiful rivers in California while supporting the local community and enjoying a wide range of boating opportunities.
We welcome all boaters and all boat types —
Hardshell kayaks, canoes, inflatable kayaks (IKs), rafts, catarafts, creature crafts, SUPs, and river boards.
If it floats and you’re stoked to paddle it, you’re welcome here.
Throughout the weekend there will be whitewater options from Class I all the way to Class V, depending on flows. Our current plan includes launching on a Class II–III section as well as a Class IV/V section, with more details coming soon.
If you have a unique boat or want to represent a particular craft, feel free to contact us — we’d love to include you.
And of course, get ready for our Saturday night Awards Party at Patrick Creek Campground featuring live music and our annual raffle. It’s always one of the best parts of the weekend.
For more information on specific boating events and race details, check out the Event Schedule page.
This use is authorized by a special use permit from the Smith River National Recreation Area on the Six Rivers National Forest. This event operates on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Where
BoatSmith 2026 will be held on the Smith River in Northwest California.
Free camping is available at Patrick Creek Campground for all participants.
If you prefer not to camp, consider booking a room at the Patrick Creek Lodge or Hiouchi Motel as early as possible—rooms are limited and fill quickly. You can also explore additional rental options in the Gasquet, Crescent City, or Hiouchi areas.
Patrick Creek Lodge is available for reservations through airbnb.
Races
Race locations will be flow-dependent, as the Smith River’s channels change dramatically with winter water levels. One of the best parts of paddling here is that there is almost always a runnable stretch somewhere in the drainage, from classic pool-drop runs to big-water options.
As the event gets closer and river conditions become clearer, we’ll finalize race details
Race times are flow dependent.
Sprint and downriver races will generally occur late morning through mid-afternoon. Final start times will be posted onsite and announced at morning check-in.
Online Race Registration
Click Here
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Check our Event Schedule page for possible courses and updates.
Spectators welcome.
Panther Flat and many other race locations offer easy viewing access, some do not - details will be shared onsite.
When
BoatSmith 2026 will be held on Presidents Day Weekend:
February 13–16, 2026
Mark your calendars and plan for a long weekend of river time, camping, music, and community on the Smith.
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