2026 Paddle Palooza/ARE Sprint Challenge
Save the Date -- July 9,10,11th
Experience A Long Weekend Of Outrigger Paddling Adventure Under The Big Sky
Whether you paddle outrigger, dragon boat, or both, we have something for you on the shores of spectacular Flathead Lake!
Get Started And Join Us In The Canoe!
Buy A Kimokeo Jersey
Your shirt will be available for pick up at the Paddle Palooza. If you would like your shirt to be shipped, please contact board@silverliningmt.org
2026 ARE Sprint Challenge
Date: July 9,10,11th
- ARE Outrigger World presents their 500 meter sprint challenge at the Polson Fairgrounds on the Flathead River, 320 Regatta Road, Polson, Montana
- Race head-to-head on a beautiful 4 lane course, see map here
- V6 Matahinas provided by ARE Outrigger World
- Flat water sprints require mental strength, grace, power, good team dynamics and paddling finesse
- Divisions include:  14-16 juniors, 16-19 juniors, women, men, mixed, legends 50plus, legends 60plus, legends 70plus.
- Register your 6-person team to race against other teams from Canada, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Pacific Northwest, California, Arizona, Florida and more!
ARE Sprint Challenge will be held July 9,10,11th
Opening ceremony for the ARE Sprint / Paddle Palooza weekend will take place at the Polson Fairgrounds (time TBD) . Open to the public
6th Annual Paddle Palooza
** Registration is full. Please contact Nan at 406-239-6448 for any late registration requests**
Where: 320 Regatta Road, Polson, Montana and 36828 Highway 93, Big Arm, Montana
This spectacular outrigger adventure on Flathead Lake will host more than 200 paddlers from around the world. We acknowledge and are grateful that this event is on the aboriginal territory of the Bitterroot Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreilles tribes--also known as the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. We recognize and welcome all the members of the SKC tribe. We believe in the healing power of water and the communal strength that arises when we forge connections beyond individual boundaries. The Silver Lining Paddle Palooza is about recognizing that every day is a gift. We believe that exercise is medicine, as well as the community that surrounds us and makes us whole. Along with honoring each of our sisters in the canoe, we welcome new members to our circle from around the world and from all cultures.
- Wednesday, Thursday, July 9 & 10: Paddling workshops with Tahitian phenom, Iloha Eychenne. Clinics will be 8-10am, 5-7pm both days. ALL LEVELS WELCOME. Location: MT Canoe Club, 36828 Highway 93, Big Arm, MT. Register HERE
- Friday, July 11: ARE Sprint Challenge V1, V6 at 500 m. $50/person. Women, men, mixed, youth. **FREE REGISTRATION FOR 19 AND UNDER--please Friday evening, multicultural official opening ceremony 6 pm
- Saturday, July 12: 25-mile voyage, point-to-point. Registration will be capped at 200 paddlers (20 teams). $150/person. Registration includes canoe, shirt and dry bag, support pontoon, snacks at end of voyage, team shuttle back to Polson
- Saturday evening: Live reggae band, 8-10pm, at Polson Fairgrounds
- Here’s a fun recap video from 2024 
Fierce Fab Women's Running Festival
- When: Sunday, Sept 28th, 2025 at 9:30am
- Where: Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
An event to celebrate your fiercest, most fabulous self! Join us this September in Historical Fort Missoula for an empowering and fun-filled day where you can walk or run as many 1-mile laps as you like within a 2-hour period.
Enjoy glitter and face painting, and dance to lively music. Don’t miss out on our raffle with epic prizes, a mimosa bar to toast your achievements, and awards for the fiercest and most fabulous outfits. It’s an event you won’t want to miss – come celebrate strength, community, and fabulousness!
Eager to sign up? Use code SILVER at checkout for a $10 discount
Plan Your Trip
Daily average high temperatures range from 79°F to 90°F, rarely falling below 66°F at night. For more info, see here
There will be a variety of vendors available at both events, as well as returning rockstar chef, Niffer Stackpole, and her Copper Cliff Café! Gluten free and vegan will be available through various vendors.
**Dinner tickets for Saturday night, July 12, will be available online soon.
