This May, rafters and kayakers throughout the Northwest will unite for the 30th Annual Upper Clackamas River Festival. This river rendezvous, affectionately called ClackFest, includes whitewater competitions, equipment demos, and clinics led by local experts.

Saturday morning will kick off with several raft and kayak slalom events. Boaters must maneuver through a series of gates set up in the middle of Carter Falls, a long Class IV rapid. These races are followed by the Big Air Ramp, a crowd favorite, where kayaks slide 30 feet down to a ramp that launches them into the air to do tricks before landing in the river.

Many more events are scheduled for Sunday. Both spectators and participants enjoy the inner tube slalom, cataraft rodeo, Val’s Volleyball, and the R2 (two person raft) massstart slalom race. Whitewater boaters will also have a chance to check out the raft and kayak manufacturers who attend the event. They bring the latest and greatest gear to test out on the river, your opportunity to try before you buy!

The 30th annual festival will be held May 18th and 19th, 2013.