The August long weekend (31st July-3rd August) saw the 2nd annual Slave River Paddle Festival held in Fort Smith. During the week prior to the festival groups of paddlers arrived from Calgary, Jasper, Canmore, Yellowknife, (also Leif from Colorado, Larry & Shane from Golden, and myself from Australia). During the Sat there were at least 100 spectators on shore at Playground at any one time. During the Sat those of us wanting to compete in the advanced down river race did a training run through the English Channel/The Edge (a channel left of Mailstrom). There was also a kayak rodeo, kayak beach ball race, canoe rescue competition, kayak rolling & hand rolling competitions, swim race through the Playground, and river rafting for whoever wanting to go for a surf in the Playground hole.
Opening ceremony at Playground Photo: Jon Blyth
Rafting in the Playground Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
Sunday saw the Advanced downriver kayak race through English Channel & The Edge which was won by Shane Kroeger and also the intermediate & beginner kayak river races.
By Monday numbers had dwindled slightly but that didn't matter as most of us headed out to look at Pelican & Molly's, which some brave boys ended up running. Although with the water level still at 4200cms a couple of kayakers had their arse handed to them in Molly's with the green tongue that usually forms the 'preferred line' only just forming at this water level.
The Slave River Kayak Festival was a great success and with potential companies such as ATCO and Trans Canada looking into hydro-electrical projects for this river it's important for kayakers to keep utilizing this river. With the dam on the White Nile being near completion kayakers will soon be looking for alternative playboating destinations to go to during summer, and the Slave will definitely make the top of the list (Leif Anderson has listed the Slave as one of his top 5 'must do' rivers). Despite the Slave being 'far away' it is pretty easy to get to by car and once you are there the cost of living is relatively inexpensive (surprisingly supermarket prices were not inflated). There are camping grounds with hot showers and electricity or you can camp for free down at the Mountain River Portage Rapids. Shuttles are pretty easy as only at Cassette and Rapids of the Drowned a shuttle is required and there are usually local boaters wanting to go kayaking so if you come with only one vehicle you will be bound to find someone to share a shuttle with.
For more information about the Slave River or the Slave River Kayak Festival you can visit the Fort Smith Kayak Club website at www.fskayak.webs.com
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