The Great Falls Paddlers Club

        Our club is a mixed bag of paddlers that include kayakers, canoeists, and rowers. We share an appreciation of our local rivers and its paddling opportunities. Our emphasis is on fitness and improving paddling skills.

Upcoming events:

        Fort Benton Fun Days Canoe and Kayak Festival, formally the Montana Cup. This event is sponsored by Bighorn Wilderness and the Great Falls Paddlers. The event will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 on the Missouri River in Fort Benton, MT. Anyone who can paddle a canoe, kayak, or any other floating device is more than welcome to join the fun! It is an 18 mile Competitors Race.

    Race:

      18 mile Competitors Race will start at 9:00 AM and will start just up stream from the highway bridge in Fort Benton. The finish will be at Woods Bottom boat launch which is upstream from Loma Bridge. (See directions) Competitors will put in at Canoe Camp Access and drift down approximately 1/2 mile to starting line. Racing categories to be announced at a later date. There will be a 4 hour time limit, with an estimated 2-3 hour paddle time.

    Registration:

        Registration will be at the Fort Benton fairgrounds (Canoe Camp) on the day of the race. Please register as soon as possible. The entry fee is $25 (tentative). Awards will be presented at the band shell in the city park at 1:00 PM. Top finishers will be awarded in both events. T-shirts will be given to all finishers.

    Camping and Activities:

        Camping is available at the fairgrounds, approximately 1 mile upstream from downtown. $15/ night (Water and toilets available)

        * Ft. Benton Fun Days will be going on June 26-28 with a parade, music, food, crafts, etc. Visit Ft. Benton Fun Days website at www.fortbenton.com/sumcel for more information.

        * The BLM Interpretive Center is available for viewing and information about the Wild and Scenic Missouri River

    Directions:

        To Fort Benton: From Great Falls, take Highway 87 (North) and continue NE for approximately 33 miles to the Ft. Benton turnoff.

        To the finish of the 18 mile Race: From Ft. Benton, continue on Highway 87 for 12 miles to the Loma Bridge on your right (just before the bridge). Continue on dirt/gravel road for 1.7 miles to Woods Bottom boat launch area.

          The 2008 Montana Cup went with a East vs. West of the divide concept, with the East team edging the West squad, which could be the format for this year's race as well.

            Race Rules:

                 1) PFD's are required in boat(s)

      Keep visiting www.bighornwilderness.com for future updates or call John at 406-453-2841  or

                                                                                                Bob at 406-899-5517 e-mail at: BBOLAND79@yahoo.com

         Hope to see you there!

Click here for Montana Cup 2008 results 

Montana Cup 2008:           More pictures are available under the results page.