Fort Smith Paddling Club

World-class big-water paddling, 24-hour daylight, warm water and good friends - what's not to love! The Slave River, near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada, is an awesome river for all ages and skill levels - from expert paddlers to brand-new beginners, and our festival has clinics and events for everyone. Slave River Paddlefest is held on the August long weekend every year (the very first weekend in August - usually around the 1st). Paddlefest includes instructional clinics, river trips, and fun, friendly competitions. There are events for kayaks, canoes, voyageur canoes, kids and adults. The Slave offers every type of paddling imaginable: from flatwater canoeing around beautiful islands to wild Class V and VI whitewater. Bring your kayak, canoe, SUP, or raft and join us for a paddling experience youÂ?ll never forget! This isn't your average paddling festival. Paddlefest includes lots of activities for spectators Â? come watch the whitewater events, join our community feast, learn Dene traditional games, try paddling, or go on a guided hike to learn more about the local area. The main events happen on the August long weekend, but most paddlers arrive a week or two early, and there will be river trips and clinics happening in the weeks leading up to Paddlefest Â? it's a long drive - come on up and stay a while! More information and registration: http://slaveriverpaddlefest.ca/

Some drone shots of the giant slalom at Paddlefest 2014. This is the competition for advanced paddlers, very cool to watch!

Pete Starr attempts the first known descent of Molly's Nipple in an open canoe.

Tour of Somba Deh, Louise Falls, checking out Alexandra Falls... Leif, Natalie, Ben Ghertner 2014

Footage of the crew getting worked in the penalty box, Rock'em Sock'em at Cassette Rapids. These are not places we go to as part of club events!

Some footage of Paddlefest 2014!

Drone footage of Outrageous, Cassette Rapids, Slave River by Leif Anderson

Promo Video!!

Jacques VanPelt, Ruth VanPelt, family, friends and river guests share the natural wilderness and wildlife beauty of our Slave River Rapids Corridor. Tours operated by Wilderness/Wildlife ltd. 1980-2000. Original music by Duane Hendricks. Uploaded with permission from the VanPelt family.

Jacques VanPelt, Ruth VanPelt, family, friends and river guests share the natural wilderness and wildlife beauty of our Slave River Rapids Corridor and Wood Buffalo National Park. Tours operated by Wilderness/Wildlife Adventures ltd. 1980-2000. Uploaded online with permission from the VanPelt family.

The Slave River is one of the most amazing rivers in the world. Every year on August long weekend, the Fort Smith Paddling Club organizes Slave River Paddlefest, with a ton of events for paddlers of all ability levels. There is everything from a big air surf competition (The Edge King comp) to rolling clinics. Even for non-paddlers, there is a lot to experience, like watching the Beach Ball race, taking a ride in a raft or 2-person kayak, getting shots for the photography competition, or even just bringing the kids, relaxing, and swimming at the beaches in the warm waters of the Slave river.

For more information, check out the FSPC website at fskayak.webs.com/slaveriverpaddlefest.htm the schedule of events is at fskayak.webs.com/the-schedule

A map of the rapids can be found at: maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208980222388811136225.000454255a8797c7489c7&msa=0

All helmet-cam shots filmed with a GoPro HERO. GoPro.com

Thanks to our many sponsors, including Northwestern Air, Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #239, and the Northwest Territories Industry, Tourism, and Investment offices.

Dan and his family take on another adventure, canoeing from Jasper to Tuktoyaktuk along the Mackenzie River drainage