Previous News Items

AWA Upper Red Deer Paddlefest
July 9-10-11 www.albertapaddlefest.ca
Registration is now open!: https://www.zone4.ca/register.asp?id=1196.
This paddlefest is a great time to develop your river and whitewater paddling skills, and enjoy the favorite whitewater river in Alberta! New this year camping and cabins is on the Red Deer River Ranch. Recreational paddlers are encouraged to come and camp out with us. Looking forward to seeing you there. Prices are $85 for the event only and $160 for the event and 2 days of clinics. Registration closes at midnight on Wednesday, July 7.

Slave River Paddlefest
Check out these videos from the 2009 Slave River Paddlefest. This event is a positive protest against the proposed Slave River hydro dam to showcase the Zambezi of northeastern Alberta. Warm water, big rapids and wonderful hosts make the Slave a CAN’T MISS destination. These videos are 1.5 minutes each - perfect for e-mailing - please forward them to paddlers or friends who might be interested. - Kirsten Bradley, Fort Smith, NWT

Slave River Kayaking, Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTE5vEcOwJU

Class V Kayaking on the Slave River, Northwest Territories, Canada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZXEeL1nLw
French: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5QScNebyc0

Here’s an older video, if you haven’t seen Jacqui’s video from last year's Paddlefest, please check it out as well. She included more information about the proposed dam. It’s excellent, but a little longer – around 17 minutes: http://vimeo.com/6712338

ICF and International Events Slated for 2010
National and International Race Schedule (xls format)

NEWS RELEASE - February 2010
Alberta Sport Development Centre – Calgary Region teams up with Alberta Slalom Canoe / Kayak
Download (PDF format)

New Whitewater Kayak Program, Instructors Need to Re-cert - Rapid Magazine Article (Thursday, 15 April)
Click here for more information

Canada Canoe Polo is seeking candidates interested in playing with the national U-21 Women’s team
Download poster ms word format

Summary of the consultation status of the Minor Works and Waters (Navigable Waters Protection Act) Order
NWPA_Feb_2010.PPT

009 Report presented at AWA Annual General Meeting in Calgary, Alberta January 30, 2010
AWA2009AnnualReport.pdf

2010 SWKC Chlorine Cup Pool Kayak Race
SSWKC Waiver Form.pdf
Chlorine Cup Poster 2.pdf
Event Registration Form.pdf

WORLD MASTERS GAMES, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA OCT 10-18TH, 2009.
Write up By Darryl O’Brien, 2009 WMGs participant (pdf format)

PADDLING IN OUR NATIONAL PARKS
Dear Whitewater Paddlers

Please see below, the opportunity for paddlers to give their input to the National Parks about paddling in Jasper, Banff and Kootenay Parks. Due date is Dec 17. <read more>

Report to the 2009 Whitewater Canada Annual General Meeting
Download - pdf format

AWA Organizational Announcement
The AWA Technical Director, Saskia VanMourik, has decided to pursue an opportunity working with youth in Fort Smith. As a result, effective Nov. 28, 2009, Saskia will no longer be providing Technical Director services for the AWA and its affiliates.

Saskia’s contribution to whitewater sport through the AWA over the last 4 years has been significant; building clubs, setting up programs, training instructors and course conductors and building a foundation for our future growth. Saskia will continue to be involved in running NCCP kayak courses and in the Slave River paddling community.

Please join us in wishing Saskia success in her new role and in thanking her for her commitment to kayaking in Alberta.

If you have any questions about participating in, conducting or organizing NCCP kayak courses in Alberta or in AWA activities in general, please contact Chuck Lee, as AWA Executive Director, at 403-628-2336 or at chucklee@toughcountry.net.

AWA Board of Directors

2009 Provincial Championships, September 18-20, 2009
Results: Download (pdf)
Many thanks to our Sponsors:

Aquabatics, Confluence, Integral Designs, Calgary, Undercurrents, Paddle Performance, Galasport Distributor, Hi Level Canoes and Kayaks, Lethbridge, MEC, Calgary, Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge, Canmore, Stoney Nakoda Resort, SMS Sports, Ottawa, Wholesale Sports Outfitter, The Fudgery, Banff, The Outdoor Outlet, Pincher Creek, Level 6, Ottawa, Glenmore Sailboats, Safeway, Hi Jinx Toy Shop, Gracie and Gruff

Harvie Passage

Parks Foundation Calgary Stakeholder Update, 20 July 2009 (pdf format)

AWA hires Chuck Lee as Executive Director

The Alberta Whitewater Association is very pleased to announce that Chuck Lee has been hired as our Executive Director.

Chuck has been an active member and volunteer within the paddling community for many years in various capacities. Some of the highlights of his contributions include:

• AWA Executive member for 20 years
• Chuck has led 2 major river enhancement projects at the Kananaskis River, as well as spearheaded the building of a slalom course on the Old Man River and supported other facilities related initiatives in Alberta.
• National Slalom Team member for 5 years, in C1 & C2.
• Chuck has also been on the executive of Whitewater Canada (4 years), most recently as Vice President-Domestic where he led development of a competency based approach to the NCCP certification program.
• In 1997 Chuck founded the Pinch-O-Crow Creekers (POCC), an AWA club. He continues to champion whitewater paddling in southern Alberta.
  • POCC hosts much loved 3 Rivers Whitewater Festival
  • POCC has developed a highly respected camp model where many paddlers from across Alberta have been introduced to kayaking.
• A Coaching Recognition Award was presented to Chuck by the Alberta Sport, Recreation and Wildlife Foundation in 2009 to acknowledge his long commitment and dedication to the development of sport.
• When he’s not on the water, enjoys the backcountry all year long and he is an avid skier.

AWA is looking forward to offering our members more comprehensive and consistent service through Chuck’s work. Welcome Aboard, Chuck!

Chuck can be contacted at: chucklee@toughcountry.net, 403-628-2336

Congratulations to Chuck Lee, chosen as one of 4 deserving recipients of the
2009 ASRPWF's Coaching Recognition Award. Chuck was nominated by the Town of Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Committee and the Alberta Whitewater Association for his commitment and dedication to the development of sport.2009 03 16 --Bill C10 was passed. One MP's view & Chuck Lee's response.

Thanks to Bruce Waldie for uploading the documentary.
Click here to view Chuck's report on this project.

Click here for more information on the True Sport movement.

2008 02 28 -- For those who missed it, here is the article Eric Albert wrote for Rapid Magazine last Fall, regarding the possible development of the Slave.

Construction of the Harvie Passage is underway - click here for details

2009 03 10 Note from Chuck Lee on Hansard debate, Senate/Hansard Debate

2009 03 08 NWPA Update, How to help

2009 02 25 Letter from CKC to the Federal Government regarding concern about impacts to the safety of Canadians paddling on Canada’s waterways due to changes in the NWPA.

2009 02 23 CKC's Submission to the standing Committee on Finance in regard to Bill C-10  (specifically changes to the NWPA)

2009 02 23 - Update from Canadian RIvers Network, Bill Allen's Letter

2009 02 22 Message from Chuck Lee,  AWA Director of Facilities & Venues, regarding changes to the NWPA

2009 02 07 - Terwillegar Park Update

2009 01 30 Terwillegar Park Notice

2009 01 20 - Message from Canadian Rives Network, additional information: Background Information, Globe & Mail article, National Post Article, Briefing Notes, Speaking Notes, About Canadian Rivers Network

Feb 20 - 22, 2009 - Cup of the North International Canoe Polo Tournament

January 2009 - I Speak for Canadian Rivers Update

Impact Magazine Sept/Oct 2008 - article by Connor Curson, photos from Lynn Jobe

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