Page 14 - Flathead Living // Spring 2015

CHECKLIST
EXPERIENCE
Whitewater Festival
THE SWAN RIVER’S WILD MILE NEAR BIGFORK
has likely attracted whitewater boaters as long as there has been watercraft available to maneuver it.
But in 1975, a group of kayaking enthusiasts made their love for the Wild Mile official, starting the pop- ular Bigfork Whitewater Festival.
Forty years later, the festival has evolved and adapted to the times, but remains a steadfast tradition dedicated to the love of paddling the challenging water features.
The 2015 Bigfork Whitewater Festival takes place May 22-24, with competitions in all things whitewater: kayaking, rafting, canoeing and even stand-up paddle- boarding. Courses include the slalom, giant slalom and downriver categories.
Even though the festival was built on the passion for tackling the rapids, the spectator experience is nearly as exhila- rating, thanks to observing areas close to the river throughout the course, ensuring no wild turn is left without applause.
And once each day’s activities are complete, spectators and athletes gather at Bigfork restaurants and watering holes to discuss the heroisms and crashes of the day, giving the festival a true sense
of community and camaraderie.
Despite its humble roots and relatively small size, the festival attracts some of the top kayaking talent from around the coun- try, so be sure to check out the roster and see some of the best athletes in the sport.
At the end of the festival, the overall winner will be the boater with the fastest combined time from the upper slalom, downriver and giant slalom races. But really, when the water’s this great and the competition this fierce, everyone wins.
For more information, visit www. bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com.
FESTIVAL HAS EVOLVED AND ADAPTED TO THE TIMES, BUT REMAINS A STEADFAST TRADITION DEDICATED TO THE LOVE OF PADDLING THE CHALLENGING WATER FEATURES.
12 FLATHEAD LIVING | SPRING 2015
PHOTO BY GREG LINDSTROM