UAPS upcoming events

Intro to Moving Water (7 May 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Intro to Moving Water

At this time, registration is open to all members that are able to wet exit comfortably at the pool, have taken an intro to kayaking course, and have all the required gear and clothing to paddle. We will not have extra boats/paddles/skirts/etc. to use at these sessions.
A minimum of one session is required for all BDP/NPP participants. Please attend both sessions if possible.
You are responsible for bringing your own paddling gear including: PFD, helmet, kayak, float bags, skirt, paddle, and personal cold weather paddling gear (i.e. wetsuit and drytop OR drysuit, closed toe footwear, etc.).
Please be prepared for any weather and very cold water.
Please arrive early to dress, so we can get started by 6:30 pm.
The UAPS Waiver must be signed before this event here.
Please do not park under the bridge. Park in the Fort Edmonton Park parking lot.

Raven Whitewater Rescue Technician – Recreational (9 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Raven | Rescue Safety Medical | Swiftwater Rescue Course

The focus of this 2-day Whitewater Rescue Technician course is on the necessary knowledge and skills for recreational paddlers.

It is tailored to the specific needs of those playing on and around moving water. This very hands-on and practical course is great for those who want to feel more confident while around swiftwater – more confidence = more fun!

Whitewater professionals (eg raft guides, safety kayakers) should take the Whitewater Rescue Technician – Professional (WRT-Pro) course.

Open Session (10 May 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

You must sign up for open sessions ahead of time in order to attend

*Any questions or concerns please email info@paddleuaps.com

Open sessions are available to UAPS members only

UAPS members are not permitted to access the Eastglen facility before 7:15 pm unless they have paid to attend the women and girls-only swim prior to our rental. Please note that if facility staff require additional time to clear the space and change rooms, members may need to wait for approval before entering. Please respect all posted signage and follow the directions of facility staff at all times.

Intro to Moving Water (12 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Intro to Moving Water

At this time, registration is open to all members that are able to wet exit comfortably at the pool, have taken an intro to kayaking course, and have all the required gear and clothing to paddle. We will not have extra boats/paddles/skirts/etc. to use at these sessions.
A minimum of one session is required for all BDP/NPP participants. Please attend both sessions if possible.
You are responsible for bringing your own paddling gear including: PFD, helmet, kayak, float bags, skirt, paddle, and personal cold weather paddling gear (i.e. wetsuit and drytop OR drysuit, closed toe footwear, etc.).
Please be prepared for any weather and very cold water.
Please arrive early to dress, so we can get started by 6:30 pm.
The UAPS Waiver must be signed before this event here.
Please do not park under the bridge. Park in the Fort Edmonton Park parking lot.

Emergency Action Plan

3 River Rendezvous Festival (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

https://www.pinchocrowcreekers.com/copy-of-home-3

Open Session (20 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

You must sign up for open sessions ahead of time in order to attend

*Any questions or concerns please email info@paddleuaps.com

Open sessions are available to UAPS members only

Canoe Meadows Camping (22 May 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Please do not bring any nuts or shellfish to club weekends, as we have a member who is severely allergic.

Potluck on Saturday night is open to all, not just UAPS members

All participants in BDP / NPP / UAPS common adventures must be paid members.

Camping is $29/unit/night. If you are driving, you must have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.

Club weekend 1 - Kananaskis (22 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Please note this weekend is tentative to change based on campground availability and water levels.

This includes Beginner Development Program, Novice Progression Program, and common adventures

Open Session (27 May 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

You must sign up for open sessions ahead of time in order to attend

*Any questions or concerns please email info@paddleuaps.com

Open sessions are available to UAPS members only

Pincher Camping (5 Jun 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Please do not bring any nuts or shellfish to club weekends, as we have a member who is severely allergic.

Potluck on Saturday night is open to all, not just UAPS members

All participants in BDP / NPP / UAPS common adventures must be paid members.

Camping is $17/unit/night

Camping is at the group site at Lions Castle River Campground (previously known as the Castle Rodeo Ground Campground). We will not have access to the flush toilets or the covered stockade, but there is a small group cook-shelter circled in teal in the field, as well as outhouses on site. After exiting Hwy 507, continue down the hill into the campground, and stay left and continue along the red path until you reach the far field labeled "UAPS Group Camping"on the below image. The UAPS flag will be planted (once it arrives!) just off the road in the field to mark the location.

Google maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MLn6VJ44JArTvHYN7

Club weekend 2 - Pincher Creek (5 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Please note this weekend is tentative to change based on campground availability and water levels.

This includes Beginner Development Program, Novice Progression Program, and common adventures

Open Session (10 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT

You must sign up for open sessions ahead of time in order to attend

*Any questions or concerns please email info@paddleuaps.com

Open sessions are available to UAPS members only

Private UAPS AQ Intro to Creeking Course (12 Jun 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

AQ Outdoors has offered us a private intro to creeking course June 12 -14. Cost is a club discounted $329.95 + GST.

GOALS

The aim of this program is to introduce participants to the 'big picture' of creek boating. It is a super intensive course with very long days on the water full of drills, coaching and running rapids. Paddlers will be put through many drills on boat control, using water features for efficient paddling, boofing, river reading, communications, safety and much more. The Friday and Saturday are in your face skills sessions and Sunday ties it all together with a run on a local creek, where all participants are expected to be part of the group decision making, safety etc.

OUTCOMES

After completing this course participants coming to the program with the correct skillset can expect to have a good understanding of the mechanics of boofing, how creek boats paddle, the importance of edging, speed and boat control in a good creek boat progression. They will also have a good understanding of the equipment, mindset and communication required to do this sport safely.

NOTE: To get the most out of this program participants should have paddled a lot of days on Class III and felt like they had good boat control and a bomb proof roll. Some experience on Class III+/IV- is certainly a benefit.

Pre-Requisites:

UAPS Membership required
Intermediate Skills Course (or equivalent)
Participants should have lots of days on a variety of Class III/III+ rivers, good boat control and a bomb proof roll

Duration

2 full days and 1 x 3-hour evening session
Friday: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am - 4:30pm
Sunday: 7:00am - 4:30pm

Location

Friday: Meet at Canoe Meadows on the Kananaskis River
Saturday: Highwood River (TBC)
Sunday: Ethrington or Cataract Creeks (TBC)

To book, please email info@paddleuaps.com for the secret code!

River Leader 3 Training (13 Jun 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Target Audience: Club, school, commercial instructors or guides/leaders who wish to lead advanced whitewater trips; safety boaters, other professional paddlers, etc.

Course Duration: Two days

Prerequisites:

AWA Member
Minimum age 18 years
Class III-IV (advanced) whitewater paddling skills
Swiftwater Rescue and Safety Certification
Certified as a NCCP River Leader 2
Active instructors must have Standard First Aid and CPR certification

Environment: Class III whitewater

Course Outline: This course follows the same format as the Kayak Leader 2 course, but for trip planning and leading on Class III water. It includes:

Risk management: liability, waivers, standards of care, emergency action planning
Planning and preparation; remote runs, map analysis, GPS
Paddler screening
Risk assessment and decision making
Advanced leadership skills
River hazards and hydrology
Group management, scouting & communication techniques including river signals
Demonstration of rescue and paddling skills

Course Fee: $295 +$120 in NCCP Reinvestment Fees if not already paid for 2026.

Board Meeting (17 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

All active UAPS members are welcome to attend.

Join the virtual meeting by clicking the link below:

meet.google.com/bma-ctxc-mjf

Whitewater Wilderness First Aid (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Join Dr. Lee Green for a weekend of whitewater wilderness first aid. This course covers leadership and organization, scene evaluation, injury identification, treatment, egress, first aid kits, and more. River levels depending, participants should bring warm weather paddling gear, helmet, boat, skirt, paddle, PFD, float bags, and outdoor paddling experience. Participants should also have warm clothes to wear outside during the day.

Do not purchase a first aid kit for this course (Dr. Green will show you what you should get during the course).

Brierlies Whoop Up (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Details at: https://www.rockycanoeclub.org/ and on RCC Facebook page

Freestyle clinic and competition at the Brierlies!

Open Session (24 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT

You must sign up for open sessions ahead of time in order to attend

*Any questions or concerns please email info@paddleuaps.com

Open sessions are available to UAPS members only

Grande Cache River Rendezvous (26 Jun 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

GRande Cache River Rendezvous 2026

The Grande Cache River Rendezvous is back for 2026! June 26 (evening only) - June 29. The Rendezvous is generously sponsored by the Grande Cache Hotel and hosted by UAPS.

This festival is best suited for intermediate and advanced paddlers (minimum Class 3 paddler with a reliable roll), as many of the rivers in the area have difficult or non-existent egress, must make ferries to avoid wood, and rivers difficulty increases drastically with higher water levels. Beginner paddlers are welcome to join for the weekend if they are keen to get out hiking, for a flat water paddle on Grande Cache Lake, or book a rafting trip down the Sulphur or Sheep with Wild Blue Yonder Rafting (ages 8+). In addition, if your club would like to bring leaders to support your beginners on some of the class 2 or 3 runs, we highly encourage you to do so, but won't have support for the festival for these runs.

-Family - $45
-Individual - $30
-Staying in a room at the Grande Cache Hotel - $10 event fee

You must be an AWA member through a club (UAPS, Wapiti, etc), or directly. Please note registration includes free camping at the Grande Cache hotel, and free entry to the Grande Cache Pool at the Rec Center on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm to swim, soak in the hot tub, dive off the high board, race Olga down the slide, and have a warm shower.

If you prefer to stay in a nice cozy hotel room, you can book one directly at the Grande Cache Hotel (780) 827-3377 and ask for the sport rate. There will be a fire pit all night, and washrooms and potable water available inside the hotel. There is a family restaurant for breakfast/lunch in the hotel, and High Country Steak & Ale for dinner - meals are not included with registration.

Rivers map for the weekend: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1Qtbkke63I_FugcX_JOgg3qpZT5fI9OM&usp=sharing

Emergency Action Plans for the Weekend (please download for offline use) https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KJ4lU20SXGNjsyAeWiThvsqXUIUh7Fdu?usp=drive_link

River Levels & Runs

Run options for the weekend in increasing difficulty include the Upper Muskeg, Lower Muskeg, Sulphur, Middle Muskeg, and Sheep Creek. For those not ready for the river, there is nice flatwater paddling at Grande Cache Lake and Pierre Grey Lakes. People will likely be running the Upper or Middle Muskeg river and Sulphur river on Saturday, Sheep or Muskeg on Sunday, and Sulphur on Monday.

Private UAPS AQ Class II Skills Progression Weekend (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

AQ Outdoors has offered us a private class II skills progression weekend.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The UAPS Class II Skills Progression is a 2-day course to help paddlers progress with confidence in class II/II+ moving water.

GOALS

The aim of this program is to continue in the development of paddling skills for participants. At this stage, we are looking to have paddlers be more self-directed in performing skills in Class II whitewater and introducing basic maneuvers in straightforward Class II+ rapids. There is a strong leadership and safety component with the goal of having participants comfortable picking lines and performing rescues in Class II whitewater

OUTCOMES

After completing this course, participants coming to the program with the correct skill set can expect to be able to paddle Class II rivers as a confident and competent team member. Able to scout, choose lines, perform basic safety and rescues. After this course paddlers can also expect to know what Class II+ whitewater is like and to have a good idea of the next steps to continue to improve their personal paddling

Pre-Requisites:

5 - 10 days paddling Class I/II whitewater.
Ability to perform eddy turns, ferries etc in Class I with little guidance.
Able to complete a T-rescue and attempt a roll in flatwater

Duration

Two days:
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (approx)

Location

Saturday: Harvie Passage, Calgary
Sunday: Harvie Passage or another location, TBD.

To book, please email info@paddleuaps.com for the secret code!

Sundre Paddlefest (3 Jul 2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

For more information, please visit: https://www.albertawhitewater.ca/d8-calendar

Open Session (7 Jul 2026)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:00:00 GMT

You must sign up for open sessions ahead of time in order to attend

*Any questions or concerns please email info@paddleuaps.com

Open sessions are available to UAPS members only

KanFest (10 Jul 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Details at https://kanfest.ca/

Board Meeting (15 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

All active UAPS members are welcome to attend.

Join the virtual meeting by clicking the link below:

meet.google.com/bma-ctxc-mjf

Women's Whitewater Festival (17 Jul 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Registration and more details: https://www.cochranepaddlers.ca/womens-whitewater-weekend-2026

Red Deer Camping (17 Jul 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Please do not bring any nuts or shellfish to club weekends, as we have a member who is severely allergic.

Potluck on Saturday night is open to all, not just UAPS members

All participants in BDP / NPP / UAPS common adventures must be paid members.

Camping is $26/unit/night

Camping is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2QUgLusKr5HVEdq6

Cartier Creek North Campground

If you google it, it will take you to the wrong campground. Use the google maps link above. We are camping North of the road.

Club weekend 3 - Red Deer (17 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Please note this weekend is tentative to change based on campground availability and water levels.

This includes Beginner Development Program and common adventures

Open Session (21 Jul 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 02:00:00 GMT

You must sign up for open sessions ahead of time in order to attend

*Any questions or concerns please email info@paddleuaps.com

Open sessions are available to UAPS members only

River Leader 2 Training (24 Jul 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 03:00:00 GMT

River Leader 2 Training

Target Audience: Club members who wish to lead river trips
Course Duration: Two Days
Prerequisites:

UAPS Member
Minimum age 18 years
Class III (intermediate) whitewater paddling skills
Swiftwater Rescue and Safety Training

Environment: Class II whitewater
Course Outline: This course is risk management-focused and covers the details of trip-planning and leading a group down the river on Class I and II water. It includes:

Risk management: liability, waivers, standards of care, emergency action planning
Planning and preparation
Paddler screening
Risk assessment and decision making
Leadership skills
River hazards and hydrology
Group management, scouting & communication techniques including river signals
Demonstration of rescue and paddling skills

Please email info@paddleuaps.com if you are interested in taking this course.

Slave River Fest (31 Jul 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Details at: https://slaveriverpaddlefest.ca/

Jordan - Perry Fest (1 Aug 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Registration and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/893785003631384

Clearwater Kayak Fest (7 Aug 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterKayakFestival/

CKC Swift Water Rescue Training (7 Aug 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Jim MacDonald is hosting a swift water rescue course on the Red Deer and Panther rivers. We will be camping friday evening, with the course starting early Saturday morning.

CKC Swiftwater Rescue and Safety

Target Audience: This Whitewater Canada course is recommended for all paddlers

Prerequisites: Must be a UAPS or AWA Member

Environment: Class I-III whitewater

Course Outline:

Risk, incidents, and liability
River dynamics (hydrology)
River hazards
Trip safety and planning
Throwbags
Wading and swimming
Tow systems and in-boat rescue techniques
Knots and anchors
Tag and snag lines
Mechanical advantage systems
Leading rescues and organization of rescues

Board Meeting (12 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

All active UAPS members are welcome to attend.

Join the virtual meeting by clicking the link below:

meet.google.com/bma-ctxc-mjf

Club weekend 4 - Kananaskis (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Please note this weekend is tentative to change based on campground availability and water levels.

This includes Beginner Development Program, Novice Progression Program, and common adventures

Canoe Meadows Camping (14 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Please do not bring any nuts or shellfish to club weekends, as we have a member who is severely allergic.

Potluck on Saturday night is open to all, not just UAPS members

All participants in BDP / NPP / UAPS common adventures must be paid members.

Camping is $29/unit/night. If you are driving, you must have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.

Elkfest (21 Aug 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Facebook Group

Locations for Camping, put-in, take-out:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=18PMUgwrKlYjvmEXedzFEPcFAAjsdBH4H&usp=sharing

UAPS AQ Big Water Course (22 Aug 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Clearwater River Weekend is an advanced kayak program for those looking to improve their big water paddling abilities.

GOALS

The aim of this program is to introduce paddlers to the nuances and differences of big water paddling vs smaller rivers. In this course, the instructors will put participants through their paces on bigger pushier features with a strong focus on technical skill development and safety in this style of whitewater. We talk a lot about power vs finesse, scouting on the fly, line selection, rescues, and much more in this exciting and dynamic program.

OUTCOMES

After completing this course participants can expect to have had a safe and well-directed introduction to running larger volume whitewater, also to have practiced and understood a wide range of skills used in running big water.

Course Price

$389.95 + GST

Registration link will be send to 2026 BDP/NPP leaders

Fraser Fest (4 Sep 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Brierlies Club Classic (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Details at: https://www.rockycanoeclub.org/ and on RCC Facebook page

Family paddling and activities at the Historic Site