Hello ,

What a Spring! From unseasonably warm weather to unbelievable funding opportunities, 2023 has been memorable already.

The Penguin Race, Junior National Slalom Team Trials, and the 3-River Rendezvous all saw t-shirt weather and great turnouts. The enthusiasm level for paddling in Alberta continues to increase and membership numbers show steady growth. The clubs are doing a fantastic job of recruiting new paddlers and offering safe fun experiences for all!

The latest news is that AWA has been successful in its application to Transport Canada for a Boating Safety Contribution Program grant for $225,000! We have hired Elissa McColl to lead a River Safety Program for the next two years, that will include: Online River Safety Course; SUP Leash & PFD awareness campaign; PFD lending station at Harvie Passage.

This brings our AWA team to three staff following the hiring of Lori Davis to lead our Safe and Welcoming portfolio last month. Lori's current focus is on supporting our Indigenous partnerships, adaptive supports, women in leadership, and Safe Sport progress. We cannot stress enough how excited we are to have Lori and Elissa pushing whitewater forward!

Photo credit below: Tyler Toohey @captain_greenshirt_collective

As alluded to we have been very fortunate to receive amazing support for various projects in the last six months. We thank all of the funding partners and our team will be doing our utmost to make each project achieve excellence.

Sport For All - $177,000

The Government of Canada - Sport Canada

Canoe Kayak Canada

InMotion

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

ParticipACTION

River Safety - $225,000

The Government of Canada - Transport Canada

Youth Booster Program - $75,000

Province of Alberta - Sport Physical Activity & Recreation (SPAR)

Kananaskis Whitewater - $186,000+

Province of Alberta - Community Facility Enhancement Program

Calgary Foundation - Doc K Seamans

Community Donors!

2023 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Thank you to our Membership Drive sponsors: AQ Outdoors, High Level Canoes and Kayaks, Can RVR Sup, Kelsey's Caravan, Bow Valley SUP, JayLife13 & Predator Helmets!

You can still purchase a club membership, which includes your AWA membership, or you can register directly with AWA. Your membership supports education, facility development, event support and river access. Your member benefits include events, leadership opportunities, discounts and support for ongoing access to amazing whitewater.

Renew Your Membership Now!

Take Two - Leadership Symposium 2023

Last year we had our first Western Whitewater Leadership Symposium at the Kananaskis. It was fantastic and had over 35 paddlers involved. The AWA listened to the feedback after that event and scheduled the Symposium over the weekend this time; April 21 - 23. Again …. FANTASTIC!

We were so fortunate to have Katrina Van Wijk, Simon Coward, Chris Ryman, Mike Holroyd, Lori Davis and “The Marks” - Mark Lund and Mark Taylor - guide us through our learning and development this year. Katrina kicked things off with a preview of the NEW NCCP Moving Water module that will benefit many who are transitioning their leadership from flatwater to rivers. Watch for more on this in the coming season. Mark Lund shared some great RIsk Management resources and guided us through the Freedom to Care Act and the multiple consideration for Scope of Practice. Really great information for all instructors but also for those involved in club administration.

For the on water sessions the name of the game was appropriate progressions and site selection always keeping in mind how we can create comfort and trust with participants. Again, a focal point of the weekend for many was feeling cross current momentum and understanding how to use it to better our own paddling in order to improve the experience of those who we lead and instruct. We are extremely fortunate and so grateful to have many of the best Whitewater Instructors in all of Canada to draw from!

Learning with Leaders from the Denesųłiné Cold Lake First Nations

AWA's Lori Davis is heading on up to Dene Territory to learn and share! We have been given the opportunity to provide some Lake Kayak Instructor training with 10 energetic and active leaders from the Cold Lake First Nations community. We were also able to supply the group with a trailer and 10 new half-slices to support paddling development in the community. These leaders will then be sharing their knowledge and paddling with youth in their lake kayaking programs. The intention is to eventually make use of the whitewater venues that the CLFN have in their backyard. Yes, there are whitewater runs to the northeast of most of us!

While we’ve been working with Spirit North these past months, it’s become very apparent that Truth finding and Reconciliation requires that we all play a role in building bridges and fostering relationships. The AWA is taking a closer look at Calls to Action #89 and #90. Through collaboration with First Nations Communities we can provide training, certification, mentorships and resources like equipment and logistical support in ways that reflect the community’s needs and wishes. And it’s through the building of these respectful relationships that we can learn how to make our sport truly accessible and inclusive. We want to ensure that the investments we make now will continue to benefit paddlers for many generations to come.

Spirit North / Stoney Nakoda / Bow Valley Kayak Club

Through the Canoe Kayak Canada / Sport Canada, Reaching Each and Everyone grant, AWA was able to purchase a container and equipment for use at Nakoda Lake near Mini Thni. Rec boats, whitewater boats, SUPs and associated gear are ready for use on the beautiful lake at the foot of Yamnuska.

The Spirit North leaders that we trained in 2022, will have support from Robbie McAvoy from BVKC to run programming for Nakoda youth through June. The location is ideal for a paddling and adventure hub to give people new opportunities for fun and fulfillment.

ALBERTA SUMMER GAMES - zone trials and more

Okotoks will be hosting the canoe kayak events July 21-23 at Crystal Shores Lake and the Sheep River. Polo, Slalom and Kayak Cross are on the schedule and it is shaping up to be an amazing games with full participation from all 8 Zones!

Zone trials have started and anyone aged 11-17 is encouraged to go to a Trial in your zone to participate! To date over 50 athletes have participated in Zone Trials and you can find those results on our ASG Page.

ASG & Zone Trial Info & Current Standings

Whitewater Development

Kananaskis Whitewater - Wave & Maintenance

AWA and ARSA have raised over $435,000 for the project(s), thanks to community support, Community Facility Enhancement Program grants and the Doc K Seamans - Calgary Foundation Grant!

Structural Fabrication of the adjustable wave has yet to be finalized, but we know the original quote was low. Updated pricing and funding is underway.

The engineering for the river maintenance and raft put-in upgrades has started as well.

More Project Details

PROMO VIDEO

Harvie Passage - Facility Enhancement Plan

For the last two years we have been working with the City to develop a FEP for Harvie that includes better access, storage, safety and other amenities. The final plan will be delivered to City committee in Late June. Then the funding push will start with council.

How to Donate:

Donate now through Alberta Sport's Donation Fund Program and get a tax receipt. Choose 'Whitewater' and 'Facility Development'

All Facility donations will be used only for Kananaskis Project. We will recognize all donors equally because we know that everyone's love of the Kan goes beyond people's. Please consider how much the Kananaskis means to you?

DONATE NOW

Canoe Meadow Campground

Canoe Meadows Individual Campground bookings are open. Be sure to use your 10% AWA discount code, that you receive when you become a member. Membership runs Jan 1-Dec 31 each year.

BOOK CAMPING