Racing my Super Puma at the 2023 Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival. I didn't place, but it was a great day on the water.
Video: Clackamas Whitewater festival 2023 on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
Disclosure: SOLWYRX Paddle Gear sells the gear linked to the shop here, and I earn money when you buy it.
What Clackfest is
Clackfest is the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival, held every May. It's a weekend of races for just about every craft: inflatable and hardshell kayaks, mass-start packraft races, oar boat slalom, canoe and cataraft slaloms, SUP and downriver races (American Canoe Association). More than the racing, it's the Northwest paddling community in one place.
Not placing is fine
Racing exposes every bad habit you have, which is exactly why it's worth doing. You learn to hit lines on purpose and under pressure. I came back the next year and hit the Carter Falls hole a lot better (watch ClackFest 2024).
Follow the whole run of festival videos: 2025 IK mass start and Clackfest 2026. My plans for next year are in 2027 Festival Plans.
Source: American Canoe Association, Clack Fest
Personal trip report: flows, wood and hazards change, and what worked for me that day isn't a rule for your boat or group. Check current conditions, scout, and boat within your training.
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Updated October 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
