Hello ,

It's a new year full of opportunities and learning! 2025 promises to bring all of the events that you love, opportunities to enjoy new and improved rivers, and a collection of new projects aimed at growing our sports. Stay tuned for announcements as projects come together.

Club and AWA membership is a critical piece of the paddling ecosystem in Alberta. We have the most clubs in Canada, and that connectedness allows the education programs to thrive, river projects to be viable, and all our events to be successful. From the first-time paddler in the pool, to our up-and-coming athletes, to the seasoned veterans, we find community within the clubs, and share the desire for new people to get to enjoy the sport. 

One example of the clubs connectedness was the Winter Whitewater Cup two weekends ago in Edmonton. We had over 40 youth from10 clubs represented for an amazing weekend of multi-discipline (Kayak Cross, Polo, Freestyle) competition at Kinsmen and West Edmonton Mall. One of the highlights was seeing some of our newest young coaches working with the youth throughout the weekend and developing their teaching skills and the excitement of helping athletes progress.

We are eternally grateful to the board members, and volunteers who make AWA, the disciplines, and the clubs run for our membership.

In this Newsletter:

Membership

Casino

Safe Sport 

Events

Summer Jobs

Please take a moment to renew your 2025 membership and while you're at it, invite a friend!

Club membership directly helps the clubs offer programming, provide equipment, train instructors and ultimately serve its members.

AWA's $5-15 membership fees only cover insurance costs, but the membership numbers help with provincial funding, and give weight to the importance of recreation. This leads to better facilities, better access, and a recognition that river recreation is an important piece of the water management puzzle. 

Alberta Whitewater Association Casino - Calgary - May 3/4 

Alberta Canoe Polo Association Casino - Edmonton - April 3/4 

Subsidies provided by the ACPA for hotel and mileage, plus member clubs's receive funds based on number of volunteers.

Our Vision is Exceptional Whitewater & Water Sports Experiences

This will be accomplished in part by ensuring that everyone understands and follows a Standard of Care. AWA has worked hard to streamline this process while ensuring the Canadian Safe Sport principles are met.

Safe Sport Training

• Every 3 years - recommended for leaders, volunteers, & parents

Screening - 3 tiers

• Annual Self Disclosure Form - Basic volunteers, board members
• E-Pic - Police Checks - Every 3 years - Board Members with financial duties, Volunteers and coaches working with youth
• Vulnerable Sector Check - Once - Head Coaches or Chaperones travelling with youth

Reporting

• Annual Safe Sport Disclosure Form - All Board Members, Leaders and Volunteers

More Information

January 26 - AQ Flatwater Freestyle Comp - Cochrane

February 7-9 - Cup of the North, International Polo Tournament - Edmonton

February 24th 6-9pm - Alberta Whitewater Association - Annual General Meeting

February 28 - March 2 - L2I2 or L3I3 Kayak Course - Vancouver Island

March 8 - Cottonwood Polo Tournament - Innisfail

March 29 - World Paddling Film Festival - Edmonton

April 3/4 - ACPA Casino - Edmonton

April 25-27 - Whitewater Leadership Symposium - Kananaskis

May 3/4 - AWA Casino - Calgary

Want the best summer job you can get? Consider coaching for one of the clubs, or directly with AWA. There are positions open yearly in:

Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, Calgary, Canmore, Rocky Mountain-House, Sundre/Innisfail, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Fort Smith. Some positions come with accommodations and other perks, so consider a new experience. 

AWA applies for more than a dozen Canada Summer Jobs grants for our clubs each year. If you're between 15-30, the clubs get a $15/hr grant. The clubs choose their candidates and do direct supervision, while AWA does the payroll and other admin. Win-Win. 

Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers in Grande Prairie are already seeking a qualified candidate to support their programs in 2025. See the posting below.

If you have any articles to publish or topics you'd like to see in the newsletter, please let us know!