Reflecting on Winter, Looking Forward to Summer
As we settle into the depths of winter, last summer’s warmth feels like a distant memory—and those sunny days of 2026 can’t come soon enough. These cold, snowy weeks offer a chance to reflect on what went well in 2025 and dream up ways to make the coming year even better, both personally and for Downriver Canoe Company.
I’m writing this from sunny Costa Rica, where we’ve taken a quick trip to see how other outfitters run their trips—and, honestly, to escape the cold for a bit!
Two thoughts are top of mind:
Practice What You Preach:
- I always encourage folks to slow down, relax, and step away from daily stress. Spending time at Downriver and out on the river is about just that—taking a break, reflecting, and recharging, surrounded by friends and nature.
- It took nearly five vacation days for me to stop worrying about next year, our staff, our customers, and all the responsibilities of running a business. But once I did, I felt truly refreshed and ready for what’s next. I hope you’ll find your own moments to unplug and reset in 2026.
Appreciate Home:
- Costa Rica has been incredible—hiking, paddling, rappelling, and exploring this natural paradise. Spotting new animals and plants is a daily adventure. But it’s also made me realize how lucky we are to live and work in the Shenandoah Valley.
- Back home, I can look out and see deer, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, cardinals, great blue herons, and bald eagles. While I traveled 2,000 miles to experience some place special, I’m reminded that our own backyard has a magic all its own.
As local guides here share their country with pride, I can’t wait to welcome you back to our special corner of Virginia in the year ahead.
Looking forward to seeing you on the river in 2026!
—Mark
Spring Events!
We are very excited to officially announce our first fly fishing tournament, hosted in partnership with Shenandoah River State Park! You can read more about this late spring event and register here.
We’ll kick off our opening weekend in April with the second-annual Canoe Capital Paddle Palooza. Sign up and come “race” from Compton down to our shop in Bentonville—it’s a great way to welcome spring!
For the more adventurous, the Shenandoah Epic is a 24-hour challenge for those who love to run, paddle, and bike through our rugged surroundings. Want to learn more about adventure racing? We are also holding two AR Clinics in February and March (if the weather cooperates).
The Shenanduro is a 6-hour mountain bike race along the amazing singletrack trails in Shenandoah River State Park.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to see what we’re up to during the off-season.
Feb 21/Mar 14:AR Immersion Clinics
April 4: Canoe Capital Paddle Palooza
April 11: Shenandoah Epic 24-hour Adventure Race
May 9: Shenanduro Mountain Bike Race
May 30: Shenandoah River Flyfishing Tournament
Downriver Online Shop
We continue to add items to our online store. A big thanks to everyone who has purchased merch and is repping the Downriver brand! Click on over to our store and find a cozy sweatshirt to keep you warm on these chilly days. Here's a special for you subscribers: use code STAYWARM for 10% off.
Bookings are now open for the 2026 season. There is no better time to lock in your date on the river and have something to look forward to as the snow and ice melt.
See you on the river!
The Downriver Crew
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