Bigfork Whitewater Festival enters 50th year
Fifty years ago a small group of passionate kayakers and locals held the first Bigfork Whitewater Festival on the “Wild Mile” of the Swan River in Bigfork, Montana.
Kayakers such as Tom Moe Sr., Clifford Persons and others were the pioneers of kayaking the Wild Mile of the Swan River. It was only a matter of time before a festival grew out of that small group of kayakers from the Flathead Valley.
The festival started with just a few boaters and handful of spectators along the one-mile of rapids from Bigfork dam to downtown Bigfork. The festival, though, quickly grew into a world renowned event, drawing in professional whitewater kayakers from all over the world — and of course the hardcore Montana kayakers who paddle the Wild Mile of the Swan River throughout the year.
The festival began purely as a kayaking race but has now grown to include rafting and stand up paddle boarding.
Over 100 participants are expected to be a part of this year’s 50th anniversary race. A handshake and bragging rights, along with $20 was the “purse” 50 years ago. Thanks to sponsors (Outrider Presents, Sky Vault Media and Whitefish Credit Union are this years headliner sponsors), the prize money is now $1,500, $750, and $500 for 1 - 3 places for men’s and women’s races.
The Festival begins at noon May 23 and wraps up with the awards ceremony around 6 p.m. May 25. To kick things off there's a party May 22 at Whistling Andy’s and a Baywatch themed 50th anniversary party Saturday night (May 24) at Riverview Bar.
The Bigfork Whitewater Festival is unique in that it largely caters to the crowd and community. With the Wild Mile running right through downtown, viewing is available along the Swan River Nature Trail that adjoins the river.
The festival is now a committee of the Chamber of Commerce with the non-profit Montana Kayak Academy being the beneficiary of the funds raised by the festival.
For more information visit: www.bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com
SCHEDULE FOR BIGFORK WHITEWATER FESTIVAL
Friday, May 23
12 - 2 p.m. Boater-X: Viewing from the Swan River Nature Trail. Registration online, capped at first 16 participants.
4:00 p.m. Flower Float, put in at South Shore Access off Hwy 209.
Saturday, May 24
8:30 - 10 a.m. Registration/Check In: - Kayaks, SUP Race, Rafts - Downtown in front of Lake Baked
10 a.m. Lower Slalom Race: Powerhouse/ Sliter’s Park
11 a.m. SUP Races Begin: Bigfork Bay Public Dock
Tentative: Beginner @ 11:00 / Intermediate @ 11:30 / Advanced @ 12:00
11 a.m. Downriver Raft Time Trial: Top 8 teams advance
12:30 p.m. - Mandatory Safety Meeting @ put in (South Shore Access off Hwy 209)
1 p.m. Expert Slalom
9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Saturday Night Dance Party at The Riverview Bar
Sunday, May 25
8- 9:00 a.m. Registration
9 a.m. 1st heat Raft Head-to-Head
10:30 a.m. KAYAK Down River Race
12 p.m. 2nd heat Raft Head-to-Head
12:30 p.m. KAYAK Giant Slalom
3 p.m. Final Rafting Heats
6 p.m. Awards ceremony at The Garden Bar at the conclusion of all racing!
