The Fort Smith Paddling Club takes the COVID-19 situation very seriously and we are looking for ways to operate some of our summer programs for our local paddling community in accordance with the GNWT Emerging Wisely document that was released on May 12, the Canoe Kayak Canada guidelines, and relevant Alberta government guidelines.
Our annual event, the Slave River Paddlefest, is cancelled for 2020.
We wish all paddlers a safe summer on the water.
Paddlefest is a celebration of the Slave River, one of the world’s
best lesser-known whitewater paddling destinations. In Fort Smith, we
are blessed to have access to this beautiful and mighty river, where
pelicans and paddlers of all skill levels come to play in the
world-class whitewater for the August long weekend.
Paddlefest
includes all kinds of fun events like flat-water canoe races (tandem and
voyageur), guided hikes, kids paddling games, whitewater kayak rodeos
and races (beginner and advanced), stand-up paddleboard jousting, a
beach-themed party, awards dinners, amazing food, and more!
2020 Paddlefest Dates
July 31st – August 3rd
Paddlefest is cancelled for 2020
Participate in Paddlefest
Paddlers
You can register as a paddler for the whole weekend or just the Flatwater Friday events. With events for paddlers of all experience levels, there’s something for everyone!
Everyone is welcome to watch and show support for paddlers! Spectator passes include entry to all non-water events, including the awards dinner and beach party.
Every year, Paddlefest draws a number of professional-grade paddlers from around the world, who show off their skills by performing tricks with ridiculous names – Space Godzillas, AirScrews, McNasties and more. It’s a marvel to behold their acrobatics and cheer for them in the surf competitions.
The resolve to sustain a strong paddling community was, in part, because of the threat of a dam. That was always one of the motivating factors — along with the fact that we have the best rapids in the world to experience.
Check out some of the fun activities we feature annually at Paddlefest!
SUP JOUSTING
CANOE RACES
SWIM RACE
POOL TOY RACE
SURF COMPETITIONS
BEACHBALL RACE
RAFT RIDES
KIDS GAMES
BEACH FOOD
And More!
Space; the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. It’s continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before.
Photo Contest
Share your favourite Paddlefest moments with us and win prizes!
