Paddle Fest planned at Wayfarers State Park

Montana State Parks is hosting the Northwest Paddle Fest at Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This free event is collaboration among Rocky Mountain Outfitter, Sportsman & Ski Haus, Paddlefish Sports, the Flathead Paddlers and Montana State Parks.

People will be able to learn about the variety of kayaks and paddleboards on the market today. Demo kayaks and paddleboards will be available to try out with experts on hand to give instructions and guidance. There will also be information about basic boat safety. 

For more information contact, Amy Grout at 751-4598 or Rocky Mountain Outfitter at 752-2446.

Flathead Paddlers, a local group of recreational and sea kayakers, will host on-water games this weekend as part of Paddlefest 2015. 

The group will also provide hot dogs and information on good places to paddle.

The games, designed to include novice paddlers as well as advanced kayakers, will take place at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Prizes will be awarded. The games are being organized by Anne Clark, an American Canoe Association kayak touring instructor who offers summer classes through Flathead Valley Community College.

Saturday’s noon game is “Pluck a Duck,” requiring participants to paddle out and retrieve plastic ducks and balls, some of which bear winning numbers. The 2 p.m. game is “Save Our Souls,” requiring paddlers to swim 30 yards with their paddles to retrieve their boats, enter them without assistance  and race back to the beach.

Sunday’s noon game is “Water Gates,”  a slalom course along the shore;  all participants receive prizes. The 2 p.m. game is a four-person team effort  called “Paddle Relay,” requiring the use of four different types of watercraft — a paddleboard, a 10- to 12-foot recreational boat, a 14- to 16-foot touring boat and a 16-foot or longer sea kayak.

Admission is free to all Paddlefest activities; participants must sign waivers provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Questions may be addressed to Clark at 270-4221, or email mtmom_59901@yahoo.com. 

Flathead Paddlers may be found on Yahoo! Groups, and welcome all paddling enthusiasts to take part in their year-around activities and learning opportunities.