As part of Paddlefest we partner with paddling instructors to offer skill-building clinics to gain confidence and expand your paddling abilities! We offer clinics for all skill levels and ages, including beginner sessions for those who don’t have much paddling experience. Whether you prefer to kayak, canoe, or SUP, these clinics are sure to take your Paddlefest experience to the next level.
Important Notes
- Most of our clinics this year are before or after Paddlefest.
- Clinics aren’t included in Paddlefest registration unless noted. Make sure to read the clinic description for info.
- We may have to cancel clinics depending on participant interest or instructor availability.
- Clinics may be scheduled at the same time. Make sure you don’t double book yourself.
- Equipment isn’t necessarily provided for each clinic. Please read the descriptions carefully.
- Clinic dates, times, and locations are subject to change due to instructor availability, weather, and water level.
Clinic Listing
Last updated July 29, 2022 @ 11:30pm.
Youth Kayak Games
Saturday, July 30 @ 10am-12pm
Location: First Beach at Mountain Portage Rapids
Cost: Included with Paddler Pass.
Registration not required but encouraged to gauge interest.
SUP Flat Water Intro – FLAT2FLOW with Reta
Friday, July 29 @ 1pm
Location: Fort Smith Boat Launch
Gear: Provided
Reta will be at the boat launch to introduce you to Stand Up Paddleboarding on a calm flat water section of the river. Limited spots.
SUP Learn to Flow – FLAT2FLOW with Reta
Saturday, July 30 @ 10am
Location: First Beach at Mountain Portage Rapids
Gear: Provided
Learn to go with the flow. Apply your new flatwater SUP skills to paddle comfortably in a river current, starting in the 1st bay at Mountain Portage. Limited spots.
SUP Race with Reta – FLAT2FLOW with Reta
Sunday, July 31 @ 4pm
Location: First Beach at Mountain Portage Rapids
Gear: Provided
SUP Down River Race with Reta – Let’s race with Reta and steal her tips and tricks while Reta coaches and paddles along the way! Limited spots.
Guest Instructor
Announcing our guest instructor for Paddlefest 2022…
Are you ready to go FLAT 2 FLOW with the one and only Reta Boychuk? She is the founder of CANRVRSUP the largest whitewater SUP school in Canada, a Raven Rescue Swiftwater Instructor, Badfish Boards Athlete, Kokatat Global Ambassador, and the Defending SUP Cross Gold Medalist at the GoPro Mountain Games.
We have convinced her to make her way North with one of her Grom Team members Justine St John for Paddlefest this August long weekend!!
Here’s a peak at her Paddlefest clinic schedule:
July 29th, 1pm-3pm @ Boat Launch: FLATWATER FRIDAY – Reta will be at the boat launch to introduce you to Stand Up Paddleboarding on a calm flat water section of the river.
July 30th, 10am-12pm @ Mountain Portage First Beach: YOU CAN RVR SUP – Learn to go with the flow. Apply your new flatwater SUP skills to paddle comfortably in a river current, starting in the First Bay at Mountain Portage.
July 31st, 4pm @ Mountain Portage Rocks: SUP Down River Race with Reta – Let’s race with Reta and steal her tips and tricks while Reta coaches and paddles along the way!
We’re beyond stoked to host Reta in Fort Smith and we strongly suggest cancelling all other plans and coming to Paddlefest to learn from this rad river instructor!