Fort Smith Paddling Club
Paddling, Promoting, and Protecting the Slave River Home to the Slave River Paddlefest
About the Fort Smith Paddling Club and the Slave River
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. On
top of being very dark and silty water, the river flows from south to
north, which explains why the water gets very warm in July and August;
it's almost bath tub temperature!
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 30 years and has been offering pool sessions and river clinics for adults during that time. Not just kayaking, we are into canoeing, rafting and SUPping!! Become a club member and see what this river has to offer!
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. Paddling with a local guide is strongly advised as many places could be dangerous if one doesn't know the routes.
