Alberta Whitewater Association

Paddle Fest 2008

2008-06-20T11:04:00.002-06:00

2nd Annual Paddle Fest - July 12/13, 2008

Online Registration Coming Soon!

Hosted by the Alberta Whitewater Association in conjunction with the Alberta Recreational Canoeing Association, join us on the Red Deer River, south west of Sundre, for a weekend of skills development, recreational canoeing & kayaking and a relaxed social event.

- Clinics and river runs for beginners to advanced paddlers

- No boat? No problem! Demo boats available from Aquabatics, Undercurrents and MEC

- All ages and all abilities welcome

- Hiking, rafting and trail riding offered by nearby outfitters for non paddlers

To register and to see updates surf over to http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/

Contact Saskia van Mourik at awatd@telus.net for more information.

Paddlers and those who enjoy the river culture are invited to come out to the Red Deer River to celebrate whitewater paddling in Alberta!

3 Rivers Whitewater Rendezvous

2008-05-22T13:52:00.002-06:00

This past weekend saw many from the Alberta paddling community attend the Pinch-o-Crow Creekers 10th annual whitewater rendezvous. With 3 days of excellent weather and food it is no wonder that we all forget the May Long Weekend Snofest to join Chuck Lee and his gang of southern paddlers for so many river runs and terrific beginner lessons.

I found myself helping Chuck and many others as we piled 30 or so new paddlers into kayaks. With +30 degree weather it was inevitable they would paddle all three days and join the rest of us whitewater addicted paddlers.

Of course my truck would be the center of attention and the topic of many discussions...the poor ol' boat slugger earned its keep this past weekend. Not known for its human traveling capacity, the boats that travelled with it felt safe on the 2001 Nissan. With 360,000 km of road experience, these boats would make it to the river safely! Now for the getting down the river part....it has been mentioned that Chuck has about 360 years of paddling experience...so we are safe!

Once again, thank you so much to Chuck Lee and the many others including Matt and Joanne Cole, Dave Saganiuk, Janet Elder and the many others who basically hook lined and sinkered us into thinking paddling is about waking up to a 5 star breakfast and having a river run all organized!

The Season Begins!

2008-05-07T15:06:00.005-06:00

Its been a while since I've last posted. I'll promise this year to keep up on the blogging... Yesterday, Tuesday May 6 we had our first TAK session of many. For more information on TAK visit the AWA website. The Kananaskis River was off and the parents wouldn't allow for any school to be missed so I met up with Peter and Brad to paddle the mighty Ghost Dam to Power Plant run on the Bow. We opted for some leadership training. Yes that's right, I've been encouraged to run a new program this year..."training others to put me out of a job in a few years"! It was piloted last year for its inauguration in 2008.

We started the session with throwbag and boat rescue scenarios. As I swam and swam I realized my drysuit had a hole in it; either that or I have one of those new funky kind that have that special wet feel on the inside....but really they are dry!

Seeing as how this was the start of the season the boys were a little slow towing me, the swimmer, into shore. Haget my ugliest child, pictured above to the right, wasted no time telling them to hurry up! Once done the swimming scenarios and the boys had been given feedback from my dogs, we headed down the river where I presented them with an injured paddler scenario. I have to say, I was looked after quite well and they got me off the river safely. Even my dogs would have been proud. I guess Haget's feedback really helped!

Congratulations Ben! Bronze in Czech!

2007-07-30T09:21:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Alberta's Ben Hayward for his brilliant result at the Junior Pre-Worlds in Roudnice, Czech. Ben captured the Bronze medal in K1.

Sitting in 4th place after first runs, Ben took the bull by the horns and raced to a podium position. This is best result in years for Canada, and shows the strong potential Ben has as he moves up to the senior rankings next year.

Breanne Lyons on her first trip to Europe, placed 37th in the womens kayak class.

In the team event Canada was strong in the C1 class bringing home a silver, and the mens kayak Team with Andrew Jobe from Calgary was 15th.

Well done to all the competitors!

Paddle Fest Info

2007-07-05T00:15:00.000-06:00

Please find details regarding Paddle Fest programming below; for questions about the event please e-mail awatd@telus.net.

Event check-in: Organizers will be at Mukwah tours beginning at 5 pm. Event check for Paddle Fest will be held Friday 7-9 pm and again Saturday 8-9 am.
Camping: Paddle Fest is being hosted and based at Mukwah Tours in the group campsite area. If you wish to camp with a group, please ensure that one person from that group arrives early enough to stake out an area. We will be providing a huge tarp cover over a group fire pit. Fire wood is available at a cost through Mukwah. Picnic tables are available, but limited. If you have camp chairs, folding camp tables etc, please bring that for your own enjoyment.
Clinics and event logistics (shuttles etc): Once event check in is complete; with your instructor you will be responsible for organizing shuttles and car pooling to your chosen river locations.
Learn to Kayak participants: Your day will begin on flat water near Sundre and if there is interest we may progress to the river in the afternoon for a mix of moving water skills and river safety. Participants are asked to bring the following: polypropylene/thermal underwear (long sleeves and bottoms), wool or neoprene socks and river shoes (can be running shoes as well). While demo boats and some additional equipment will be made available from Aquabatics and Undercurrents we encourage you to rent equipment from local paddling shops and clubs to ensure proper fit and guaranteed equipment. Please contact awatd@telus.net if you have any questions or concerns.
Additional: Paddle Fest registration includes a Saturday night BBQ dinner and Sunday morning breakfast. Please bring additional food for all your other meals including snacks for on the river. While Paddle Fest is not providing alcohol at this event, feel free to bring your own for personal consumption.

Alberta Paddle Fest July 7-8 is on at the Red Deer!

2007-07-04T19:05:00.000-06:00

Hello all, just a quick reminder that registration for Paddle Fest this weekend closes July 5th at midnight. Visit www.albertawhitewater.ca for online registration and payment details; for questions about the event please e-mail awatd@telus.net. Information regarding Paddle Fest programming, event logistics, camping, things to bring etc, will be made sent via e-mail and available for viewing at www.albertawhitewater.blogspot.com. For the event schedule please browse the online registration form on the AWA website and scroll down to see this weekends plans.

Cheers
Saskia

Alberta Paddle Fest postponed to July 7-8

2007-06-19T12:15:00.000-06:00

On behalf of the AWA, our apologies for any inconvenience this causes. As of Monday afternoon the Red Deer River was too high to be have dropped by the weekend. Those who already registered and are unable to attend on July 7-8 will receive a complete refund by contacting awatd@telus.net. Please feel free to contact awatd@telus.net if you have any questions and check www.albertawhitewater.ca for updates regarding the event.

Cheers
Saskia

Big Timber Creek race

2007-06-13T19:53:00.001-06:00

This was sent to me by David Manning. Check out our boys!

-------------

Hey guys, check out the footage from the big timber race that Bryce, Chris etc went to. Chris is in the yellow boat, white wildwater helmet. Bryce is in the blue boat and is the one who flips

http://www.kayakwest.com/joomla/

US TOUR BULLETIN-Colorado trip

2007-06-11T00:04:00.000-06:00

Please read below the message from our slalom group WSAA regarding their tour throught the US.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS ON TO ANYONE I HAVE MISSED Thank you
Now that June has arrived it is time to look at your July schedule.......The North American Junior Olympics are in Golden, Colorado on July 6-8th (see website for details http://www.whitewaterracing.org/2007juniorolympics.htm.
AWA and WSAA are planning a US tour to encompass the Junior Olympics and to drive through Idaho on the way back, stopping to do some river runs (both freestyle and slalom disciplines will be practiced). The intent of this email is to determine the number of paddlers interested in touring together. Once the number of paddlers is determined the number of coaches traveling with group, accommodation and transportation questions can be answered. Please respond to KAREN HIRL with a percentage to indicate your interest. (ie Jo Paddler -75% interested and wishing to find out when we leave) We will need a ASAP reply by Wednesday, June 13th so the logistics can be worked out immediately. We will be able to plan the trip according to numbers of paddlers. (WSAA is meeting on Thursday June 7 all interested paddlers should reply before Wednesday so the planning can be determined and completed.) SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT KAREN HIRL AT 247 8215 EVENINGS OR VIA E-MAIL BY SENDING TO BOTH ADDRESSES kardun@shaw.ca & karen.hirl@calgary.ca
Dates and itinerary - So far Sue, (Doug 50%), Alex and Matt F. will be driving from Canmore with the Chev Astro packed. Depending on number of paddlers, we will may need another/ more vehicles for transportation to travel together (other families are welcome to join). We will be meeting up with the Daniel's family in Colorado.
June 29 - 2pm : Leave Canmore for Colorado
June 30 & July 1 : traveling to Colorado (camping in evening) arrive @ Golden, Colorado camp
July 2 -5 : training and events - Golden Colorado
July 7 : Junior Olympics/Colorado Whitewater Championships US Cup /Alberta PTT
July 8 : Junior Olympics/Colorado Whitewater Championships US Cup /Alberta PTT
July 9 - 14 : Travel NORTH through Idaho to do some river runs.
Cost: camping fees, food, gas - approximately $700-$900
Race fees must be paid prior
EXTRA OUT OF PROVINCE MEDICAL INSURANCE IS REQUIRED
PASSPORTS/BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND LETTER OF RELEASE FOR COACH TO BE GUARDIAN WILL BE REQUIRED. SAMPLE FORM OF THIS AVAILABLE AT AMA.

Brierleys Whitewater Classic June 9-10, 2007

2007-06-08T17:38:00.001-06:00

The Brierley's Whitewater Classic is this weekend. For more information please check out the Rocky Canoe Club's home page for event details!

Also this weekend is the Cottonwood Club Event. This is a novice race with some exceptional coaching clinics on Saturday by Alberta coach Mike Holroyd.

Some European Inspiration

2007-06-06T23:17:00.000-06:00

Hey kids,

Try this at home! Don't get hooked on the Euro beats though.

June 1-3 TAK and ATS weekend at the Kananaskis

2007-06-01T22:39:00.001-06:00

Here is a schedule for for the weekend: Click here

Grande Cache Rendezvous

2007-05-29T09:03:00.000-06:00

One of the best kept secrets in Alberta; Grande Cache has some incredible whitewater and amazing scenery. Held on June 1-3 in Grande Cache. Please click here for information regarding logistics and event details.

2007-05-25T10:20:00.000-06:00

Canadian Junior Slalom Team Trials:
The Alberta Junior Slalom Team is back from their national team trials held in Valleyfield, QC. Ben Hayward and Breanne Lyons will be representing Canada at the junior pre-worlds in the Czech Republic. Ben placed first on the men’s junior kayak team and Breanne finished 4th overall after 3 successful races. Overall the juniors were very consistent in their performances at the event. We look forward to seeing them paddle this summer in Europe, Colorado and Chilliwack. In attendance were:
K1 Jr. Women: Breanne Lyons, Marissa Dederer, Hayley Daniels
C1 Jr. Men: Alex Clark
K1 Jr. Men: Ben Hayward, Graham Jobe, Matt Frank, Bryce Shaw, Andrew Jobe

Canadian Slalom Championships:
Registration Deadline extended to June 20th for all athletes under the age of 16 in all provinces. If they turn 16 in 2007 they would still have the May 31st deadline. This event will be hosted by the Chilliwack Center of Excellence and Whitewater BC on the August long weekend. Contact tamahi2007@hotmail.com or visit www.kayakrdc.com/Nationals2007/index.html for more info regarding the event.

Mike Holroyd is the new High Performance Coach for WSAA!
Mike will be working with slalom athletes who are members of the Whitewater Slalom Association of Alberta. If you have any interest in club coaching, the high performance program and coach mentorship please contact Mike at mholroydcoach@gmail.com. If you want to be included to the WSAA e-mail list please contact the AWA TD at awatd@telus.net. Updates will be made to http://www.wsaa.ca/ and http://www.albertawhitewater.blogspot.com/.

Festivals and River Rendezvous
The AWA is host to a number of events throughout the year. Our recreational paddlers enjoy the following festivals and rendezvous:

Kan Fest this weekend May 26-27!
This may in fact be the biggest event of the year; a gathering of whitewater enthusiast's for a weekend of total FUN. There is plenty of friendly competition in all sorts of events, including Hole Riding, Wave Surfing, Obstacle Course, Ball Race, Down River Race and much more. There is also lot's going on off the water, Bar-B-Q, Big Party, Throw bag Toss, Music, Massage, Demo's, Auctions..... Oh there are always some surprizes....!!

Grande Cache Wild River Rendezvous next weekend June 1-3!
Paddle in some of the most spectacular scenery on rivers like the Sulphur, Muskeg, Sheep and Smoky. For more information regarding the event contact Dale Tuck or visit the Grande Cache website.

Brierley Whitewater Classic June 8-10!
Hosted near Rocky Mountain House on the North Saskatchewan, the $50 registration fee includes: Free T-shirt, wave/hole rodeo, fun events, free BBQ dinner, free camping, free breakfast, prizes and more free stuff! There are beginner instructional sessions also available for $20. Take 2 sessions on Saturday; learn to roll, paddle on moving water or get started with wave and/or hole riding.

Cottonwood Kayak Club hosts novice race June 9-10
Join the CKC for a novice race Sunday June 10th. Slalom clinics available on Saturday the 9th with HP Coach Mike Holroyd and others from the Alberta Slalom Team. Contact Malcolm Gilles at callmac@xplornet.com.

AWA Paddle Fest June 23-24
Join the Alberta Whitewater Association on the Red Deer River, south west of Sundre, for a weekend of skills development, recreational canoeing & kayaking and a relaxed social event. Contact awatd@telus.net for info.

Fraser Festival June 30th and July 1st (Canada Day long weekend), Mt. Robson, for more info please visit: http://www.kayakwest.com/

AWA Alberta Youth Camp August 24 - 27, Red Deer River, Sundre
This camp is open to all youth to provide those new to paddling with a taste of what slalom, freestyle, wild water and river running is all about. For those youth with paddling experience, this is an opportunity to encourage the upcoming paddlers through instruction and leadership.
http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/
awatd@telus.net

Upcoming Events for May/June 2007

2007-05-15T20:37:00.000-06:00

Check out what's happening! Updates from junior slalom team trials will be posted at albertawhitewater.ca and wsaa.ca.

Pincher Creek River Rendezvous: Awesome event! Great people, excellent instruction, tons of fun and there should be some nice water levels.
May 19-21, 2007
Hosted by the Pinch ‘o’ Crow Creekers
Contact Chuck Lee
chucklee@telusplanet.net

Canadian Junior National Slalom Team Trials: Our top juniors are off to race against Canada’s best juniors. They are excited to be working with the new High Performance Coach; Mike Holroyd. As for Mike…. well he’s pretty excited to be helping his home province out and developing our slalom program!
May 20-21, 2007
Valleyfield, Quebec
Find results posted at:
http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/
http://www.albertawhitewater.blogspot.com/

Kan Fest: Too many great events, tons of people from the paddling community, clinics, food, beer….
May 26-27
Kananaskis, Alberta
http://www.calgarykayakclub.com/kwf/kwf.html

Upcoming for June 2007

Wild River Rendezvous

June 1-3

For more information contact: Dale Tuck

For more information regarding the event: Visit the Grande Cache website

AWA Paddle Fest

June 23-24

Mukwah Tours, Red Deer River near Sundre

Hosted by the Alberta Whitewater Association and supported by our member clubs

Contact: awatd@telus.net

http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/

AWA Education Courses

2007-04-12T03:53:00.000-06:00

Instructor, Leadership and Swiftwater River Rescue and Safety Certification courses are now posted online. Please see the top right side of this blog; click on AWA Technical Director Events Schedule and go to AWA Paddler Development Schedule 2007 for dates and courses. Please contact awatd@telus.net if you have questions. For those who are unable to attend any of the listed courses, please feel free to request a course that can meet the needs of your paddling group and/or club.

Cheers
Saskia

Paddling Presentation: Message from Tai Munro

2007-04-06T12:17:00.000-06:00

Hello,

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is hosting an event in May that I am hoping you would be willing to share with your members. On May 12th, 2007 we will be holding a wilderness celebration at the Aviation Hanger on Kingsway. One of the highlights of this event is a multimedia presentation on a paddling trip that was done in the Peel Watershed in the Yukon. A group of artists, writers, and local residents traveled the three rivers in this area. The presentation features this journey, the artistic impressions of the trip, and makes connections to Alberta's own wilderness. This presentation will be followed by live musical guests.
If you are interested and able to share this some how I would be happy to send you a write up to use that would include where to buy tickets and how to get more information.

I look forward to hearing from you,
Tai Munro

Tai Munro, Volunteer & Outreach CoordinatorCanadian Parks and Wilderness Society Edmontonph: 780.432.0967volunteer@cpaws-edmonton.org

AWA Technical Director Revised Events Schedule

2007-04-04T19:06:00.000-06:00

If you look over to the top right side of this blog there is a listing titled "AWA Program Information". Below is a link to the revised TD events schedule along with program descriptions. Please have a look and enjoy our AWA 2007 programs!

For questions please contact awatd@telus.net

Cheers
Saskia

WSAA (ATS) Development Camp at the Kananaskis

2007-04-04T02:06:00.000-06:00

Trans Alta, has indicated that Friday April 6, 2007 the Kananaskis will flow from 07:00 until 20:00. As it is Good Friday (and a holiday), I propose that we begin and finish our sessions early so that we can take advantage of the warmer day time weather. Please indicate as to which days you will be attending.

Focus: Junior team trials are 44 days away. Implementing your race preparation plan for each workout is critical. It takes a person 2.5-3.0 hours to have the body effectively wake up. Planning backwards from the start of your session as to: When you wake up, eat breakfast, get ready, eat snacks, warm-up and feel prepared mentally, technically and physically are critical to feeling strong on the start line. While a race preparation plan is critical, remember that you may have to make adjustments to accommodate deficiencies that may come about as a result of training, school and other life events. These adaptations to planning are essential to becoming a versatile athlete and person. Recording how each session went mentally, technically and physically will be important in understanding your needs on race day. Effective training that simulates being fast, clean, confident and positive are important. However, equally impressive is how you handle those moments when you are not at your best.

Training Groups
I am not sure who will be attending, but why don’t we all show up as though we are in the first group. There is some work that needs to be done on the race course. I propose that while one group is training the other can do some work on the slalom course. There isn’t too much, but we can put some poles on the lower gates and fix a couple of gates.

Morning Session: Technique
Group 1: 9:00-10:15 am (changed, warmed up and ready to go for 9 am).
Group 2: 10:30-11:45 am (changed, warmed up and ready to go for 10:30 am).

Afternoon Session: Anaerobic Power
Group 1: 1:30-2:45 pm (changed, warmed up and ready to go for 9 am).
Group 2: 3:00-4:15 (changed, warmed up and ready to go for 9 am).

We will do a competition preparation session in between sessions from 12:00-1:00 (all groups) in the cook shelter.

I will post a session schedule below with groups and times TBA. It is your responsibility to check this blog and the Kananaskis River flow times prior the each training day. Trans Alta has indicated longer flow times, however, in the past they have made last minute changes.

Session Schedule:
Friday: Session 1: Technique Session 2: Anaerobic Power
Saturday: Session 1: Technique Session 2: Speed
Sunday: WSAA Slalom Race (competition preparation for team trials and race evaluation)
Monday: Session 1: Full Length Runs (competition simulation) Session 2: Technique

Please do not hesitate to contact me at awatd@telus.net.

Cheers
Saskia

Community Kayak Instructor (NCCP/AWA) Level 1 - Open Water

2007-04-04T00:21:00.000-06:00

Chuck Lee is hosting an AWA instructor certification course in April. Please find all the information regarding the course below:

Community Kayak Instructor (NCCP/AWA) Level 1 - Open Water
April 21-22, 2007
Pincher Creek, Alberta
Contact: Chuck Lee at chucklee@telusplanet.net

If you plan on taking other certifications through the AWA, this is an excellent course to take as it is early in the season. For more information regarding AWA educational programming and instructional progressions, please visit the website at http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/edulevels.html.

The Outdoor Adventure Travel Show

2007-03-22T13:16:00.000-06:00

To those who are interested in attending The Outdoor Adventure Travel Show, there is a 2 for 1 coupon available. Either downloadable off the blog or you may contact them for more information by calling 1-800-891-4859 ext. 223 or through visiting their website at:

www.OutdoorAdventureShow.ca

2007-03-21T23:41:00.000-06:00

You are invited to attend the
2nd Annual Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour
The Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour presents the world’s best whitewater, sea kayaking and canoeing action and lifestyle films of the year on screens in 70 cities across Canada, the US, Europe and the U.K.

Audiences can expect to see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, bug-infested canoe expeditions, international river travel films, environmental documentaries and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. Details on the film selection for the festival can be found at: http://www.rapidmedia.com/reel_paddling_film_festival/2007_world_tour_films.php

Tuesday, March 27th 7 – 10 pm Leacock Theatre Mount Royal College

Tickets - $10
Ø Visit Aquabatics – across from COP - to purchase tickets in person
Ø Call Aquabatics at 288-WAVE to purchase tickets by phone
Ø Purchase from Mount Royal College Ecotourism Program at 440-6502
Ø at the door

Questions: Call Aquabatics at 288-WAVE or visit online at www.Aquabatics.com
Ø Win a door prize!
Ø All audience members receive a one-year FREE subscription to Rapid, Adventure Kayak, or Canoe Roots magazine
Proceeds to Waterwerks Kayak Club and Mount Royal Ecotourism Program

M!CA Center for Leadership

2007-03-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

For 30+ years MICA has been helping some of the world's most sophisticated organizations enhance their talent management. They come to MICA because their programs are hands-on, interactive and focus on practical business application. All their programs have one overarching theme - to help you accelerate your development as a leader.

Please visit www.mica.com and view the section on workshops and conferences.

Rapid Media National Instructor Conference

2007-03-20T18:01:00.000-06:00

In an effort to grow paddlesports through better instruction, Rapid Media present a new national instructor conference:

The Canadian Whitewater Instructor Conference: May 17-18 at the Paddler Co-op Boathouse in Palmer Rapids, Ontario. This will be held in conjunction with Palmer Fest. For more information please visit www.rapidmedia.com.

AWA: Club Brochures

2007-02-08T01:53:00.000-07:00

All clubs are being asked by the Alberta Whitewater Association to submit their club pamphlets/brochures. If you can either mail this to the Alberta Whitewater Association or e-mail them to myself at awatd@telus.net then I will have them printed and placed on display at the Percy Page Center.

Snail Mail:

Alberta Whitewater Association
11759 Groat Road
Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6
Ph (780) 427-6717
Fax (780) 422 2663

Thanks for your input!