Whether you are looking to take your first stroke in a canoe or you’re a seasoned playboater looking to dial in the latest trick, the Fort Smith Paddling Club offers a variety of programs designed to build confidence, skill, and community on the water.
Our programming may vary year-to-year, but we can always guarantee some quality programs for our members. Check for the latest news on Facebook to see what we are offering up this year.
1. Pool Sessions
When the Slave River freezes over, the Fort Smith Paddling Club moves the action indoors! Our pool sessions are the perfect opportunity to learn how to kayak in a controlled environment or a great way to stay “river-ready” throughout the long Northern winter, providing a warm space to hone your skills. Pool programming may include the following:
- Introduction to Kayaking: Perfect for beginners! Learn the basics of boat control, safety protocols, rescue techniques, and efficient paddle strokes.
- Rolling Sessions: Get one-on-one access to our certified kayak instructors and learn the tips and tricks to get your first roll.
- Kayak Sports: Hone your paddling skills passively through sports like kayak polo and flatwater slalom. These sessions are a great way to keep paddling fresh and fun over the long winter months.
- Flatwater Freestyle: For the playboating enthusiast, learn flatwater skills and drills to help improve your performance and dial in new tricks on the river.
2. Club Nights
Join us for our regular weeknight meetups! Typically held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from June through August, these weekly sessions are a great way to meet fellow club members, test out the variety of watercraft in the club fleet, and enjoy a casual evening on the Slave.
3. Youth Programs
The future of the Slave River and FSPC lies with our youth. Over the years, the FSPC has offered a variety of summer camps and weekly youth nights focused on:
- River Awareness: Teaching young paddlers how to respect the water and understand river hydrology.
- Teamwork & Leadership: Building confidence through group paddles and collaborative challenges.
- Environmental Stewardship: Connecting the next generation to the land and water they call home.
4. Canoe and Raft Trips
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5. Intermediate Kayak Club
If you’re a whitewater kayak enthusiast who has developed the beginner skills to navigate whitewater and consistently roll in moving water, you can expect an invitation to the Intermediate Kayak Club. These sessions will help paddlers develop their skills, confidence, and athleticism in increasingly challenging whitewater, building the experience needed to safely explore some of the iconic routes and features on the river.
6. Courses and Clinics
We believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Our clinics are led by experienced instructors who prioritize safety and progressive technique. Courses and clinics offered include:
- Wilderness First Aid: >>>
- Swiftwater Rescue: >>>>
- Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboarding Clinics: The FSPC often hosts multi-day clinics for our core watercraft. You can always expect expert instruction from certified coaches to help take your paddling skills to the next level. Don’t miss out on these high-quality offerings.
- Canoe and Kayak Instructor/Leader: >>>
Join the Flow: Our programs are open to all members. Check our [Calendar] for upcoming dates and registration links!
Equipment Rentals
Don’t have your own boat? No problem. Members have access to our club fleet, including:
Canoe
The club has several styles of canoe, including traditional 16′ and 17′ tandem as well as solo and tandem whitewater canoes. Stay tuned for canoe-specific events and courses throughout the paddling season.
Whitewater Kayak
Our bread and butter, the club has a large fleet of whitewater kayaks, including Jackson, Dagger, Fluid, Wavesport, Liquid Logic, Necky, and Pyranha brands. This includes freestyle, river runners, full-slice, half-slice, and longboats. Try out our kayaks during regular club nights or pool sessions.
Paddle Board
Take one of our hard shell or inflatable NRS and STAR brand SUP’s out on the river for a surf session or down to Pine Lake for a relaxing float. Keep an eye out for the club’s popular SUP nights during the paddling season.
Raft & Inflatable
For the inflatable enthusiast, the clubs Raft Night is a must attend event guarenteed to put a smile on your face. Join a raft crew or brave the solo/tandem inflatable kayak to surf the Playground. Or for a bigger bite of adventure, sign up for the occasional raft trip at Far Side Mountain Portage or Cassette Rapids.
Miscellaneous
In addition to our regular fleet, the club has collected a variety of alternative watercraft for your enjoyment, including sit-on-top kayaks, Fluid Anvil bodysurf boards, lake kayaks, and inflatables. Perfect for a flatwater float or a unique on-river experience.