For details about the 2012 festival, and to register online, click here.
The festival began as a whitewater kayaking weekend, and it has expanded to incorporate kayaks, rafts, canoes, SUPs, voyageur canoes a curious number of inflatable pool toys for a week of action. The Fort Smith Paddling Club runs clinics, river trips, races and competitions for paddlers of all skill levels, as well as "learn to kayak" clinics and games for kids, youth and adults. There will be lots of activities for spectators, including guided “meet the river†hikes, a community feast, as well as "Introduction to Awesome," which allows spectators to run through the rapids in a two-person whitewater kayak or a raft.
There is everything from a Big Air Surf competition with cash prizes for advanced paddlers to a family flatwater paddle and picnic. There will be games and events for every level of paddler - it's all about getting out there and having a great time! And: most of the prizes are drawn out of a hat - you definitely don't need to be the best paddler to win the best prize. With some awesome sponsors behind them, they have some amazing prizes to give away!
The Slave River is one of the best big-water paddling destinations in the world, with good reason. Come check it out for yourself! Slave River Paddlefest - it's worth the drive!
