Women from 11 AWA clubs across AB met in early July in Jasper for the 6th AWA Women's Whitewater Weekend. The event featured novice and intermediate courses run by Bow Valley Kayak Club and Aquabatics Calgary, peer led river runs on the Athabasca, Whirlpool, Sunwapta, and Fraser Rivers, a potluck dinner, and an evening of competitions. Several new games were invented involving kayaks, paddles, and throwbags, which provided entertainment for both participants and spectators.

A raffle was held and $365 was raised for Fast and Female, a charity on a mission to keep self-identified girls aged 8-14 healthy and active in sports. 23 prize bundles were created thanks to our generous sponsors: AQ Outdoors, Totem Outdoor Outfitters, The Dive Shop, United Sport and Cycle, B. Eazy Photography, Re:Plenish, Love Thy Planet, Basecamp Motorsports, Honey Hive Photography, Dynamic Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Quarry Park.

The attendees ranged in age from 18 to 65+ and 16 of the 38 registrants signed up in a leadership role as instructors, leads, or sweeps. The organizers prepared EAPs (Emergency Actions Plans) and printed out trip descriptions for 7 different river runs. Participants camped at Whirlpool Group Site, also the take out for the Whirlpool run.
Safety was highlighted with an open full group discussion Saturday morning, and post-rescue discussions were encouraged for group learning. Several participants expressed an interest in improving their rescue skills and were mentored in rescues throughout the weekend.

Attendees paddled new rivers, learned new skills, and made new river friends. Invitations were extended and future paddling plans were made. It was a fantastic weekend with hot weather and contagious smiles.

Email women.ww.weekend@gmail.com if you're keen to volunteer next year, or have any questions?

AWA's River Safety Program is well on its way. Led by Elissa McColl the three main goals of the program are:

1 - Safety at Harvie Passage - Installation of a PFD lending station in collaboration with the City of Calgary, AQ Outdoors, Mustang Survival, Paddle Alberta & Transport Canada

2 - SUP Ankle Leash awareness campaign - educate people about the risk involved with SUP ankle leashes on moving water.

3 - Online River Safety Course - General safety information to help keep more Albertans safe while on moving water.

We have also recently added an AED in the Cookshelter at Canoe Meadows for use (hopefully never) of campground guests and paddlers alike. Contact AWA for the door code for emergencies. 

From Cold Lake to Okotoks three Dene athletes and one Dene coach from Zone 7 joined the Pre-Games camp and the Alberta Summer Games in Okotoks. The team was led by newly minted coach Rayden Desjardin, and had success all weekend winning Polo games, quickly learning how to turn the pointy slalom boats and progressing through rounds in the Kayak Cross. The zone 7 team was rounded out with fill athletes who didn't make other zone teams. If their enthusiasm and quick learning are any indication, they have a bright future in paddlesports!

If we do not remember, then it's important to be reminded that these youth games are really about putting forth the best of oneself, discovering new friendships and having new experiences as well as pushing one's limits even when there are so many unknowns. It's also about representing your sport, your zone and the culture your team brings to the competitions. The Zone 7 athletes and coach can be very proud of how they did so well in all of these things throughout the whole week. Friendships were forged and inspiration for continuing to learn and excel in sport was provided. Next stop; more whitewater kayaking and more canoe polo competitions!!

AWA's Lori Davis & ACPA gurus Dale & Darryl O'Brien provided support in Cold Lake leading up to the Games and then the pre-games coaches did a great job adding to the knowledge. A big Congratulations to the athletes, administrators, and particularly to coach Rayden for making this happen!

Join your fellow paddlers for a shift of story telling, a free meal, and $100 credit to your club of choice. Out-of-town participants are also eligible for mileage and accommodations.

Casino funding helps AWA with hiring summer club coaches, booking facilities, covering travel, and purchasing equipment.

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.