WHITEWATER FESTIVAL -- THE BATTLE OF THE KAYAKS

May 24

This weekend, the Whitewater Festival took place in Bigfork. This festival is really several different types of Kayak racing and competition. I got to the river in the afternoon, and that was the advanced division competing down the upper section of the "Wild Mile" on the Swan River. There is an outcropping of rock just down from the dam, and I got a great seat out there. The guys in the kayaks have to go through the gates hung over the river -- some they go through forward, and some they must navigate the gate going "up the river", which takes a lot of strength -- this river is really moving. I know the rapids in the pictures just don't look as big as they actually are. I included the picture above, as it shows more perspective of how big the rapids are and how small the kayak looks.

The kayak-ers (not sure if that is even a word) at one point have to actually get caught in one of the big "troughs" which bounces them back up the river. At that point, they can try to row across the current to a gate on the other side of the river.

I had to ask some people exactly what was going on. Some didn't go through all the gates, and I found out that was because they couldn't get across the river to get to the gate. I was told by one guy who looked pretty knowledgeable this big rapid in front of us was a 5+ category rapid (and I believe I've always heard that 5 was the highest). In another of these pictures, you will see the guy in an orange kayak has a camera on his helmet -- I would have loved to see those pictures.

I'm also including at least one picture of the contestants. I would save they range from early 20's to about mid-30's. And apparently all like to live on the edge. Another person told me it is really a victory to just make it down the river alive. Of course....they all did come out alive, although I saw several turning upside down in the rapids -- not a good thing. They sure looked soaked, but on an adrenaline rush. You'll notice a strange form hanging around them from the waist. This attaches to the opening in their kayak so the water doesn't get in and swamp their little boat.

It was exciting.....and something I wouldn't ever think of doing. I was afraid for several of the dogs out on the rocks who kept looking at the water like they wanted to jump in. I fear that if anyone or anything fell into that river, it would be the last you would see of them.

On Sunday they had races where about 20 guys (and I say guys as I didn't see any girls competing) who all started at the same time, and the first to the bottom of the river won. Now that one was pretty straight forward. It was obvious there were some who were in the race just to navigate the river -- CRAZY PEOPLE!!

But it was a great sunny weekend, and fun was had by all.