Fort Smith Paddling Club

Connor Flynn drops into Turnpike

The Fort Smith Paddling Club wins by geography!  We are located on the shores of the Slave River, along a historic portage route which led fur traders around the rapids that we now love to play in.  The Slave River Rapids are a dream for big whitewater paddlers!  This is a drop pool river - in between the four main ledges, there are sections of flatwater.  This means that our river has paddling opportunities for everyone, from beginner routes on flatwater to extreme grade V and VI routes.

This section of the Slave is also extremely beautiful.  It is the northern-most nesting ground for American White Pelicans, and we often paddle past these majestic birds. 

Our club has been active for 25 years, and has been offering pool sessions and river clinics for adults during that time. We are excited to be starting up a new kayak program for kids and youth.  Please see the "Kayak Kids" link on the left for more details.

Our club is the best source of local knowledge about the Slave River Rapids.  If you plan to come paddling here, please do contact us.  We can probably set you up with a paddling partner or the information you need to paddle safely.  There are many places on this section of river that would be dangerous without a local guide.  

For Current Fall/ Winter pool schedule click here