UAPS upcoming events

Combination Pool and Lake Kayak Instructor. Course fee includes the $120 CKC/AWA reinvestment fee. If you have already paid this fee for 2026, please email info@paddleuaps.com to reduce your course fee.

Prerequisites:

Minimum Age: 14 years old to take the training course, 16 years old for the evaluation following the course.
Must have intermediate flatwater skills
You must be an AWA member (Please note if you are a UAPS member, you have already paid your AWA membership fee for the year). If you are not an AWA member through a local club, you can become a member here. Ceyana members are not AWA members by default.

Date/location:

Friday, May 1 - Grand Trunk Pool, 7-9 pm, classroom session
Saturday, May 2 - Grand Trunk Pool. There will be a classroom session from 11-3pm, and pool from 4-9pm. Bring lunch for the classroom session.
Sunday, May 3 - Hermitage Pond, start time tbd

Environment: Teaching beginners in the pool and on outdoor flatwater, such as lakes canals, ponds or non-moving water sites (flow less than 10 metres/minute)

Course Outline: This course combines the basics of the pool course and the technical review of the Lake course. It includes:

NCCP overview
Basic pool safety
Pool and paddling equipment
Boat fit
Getting in and out of boats on dryland and wet exits
Basic strokes; forward and reverse; sweeps, draws, hip flicks, high and low braces, flatwater roll, and hand of god
Practice routines
Games
Making ethical decision training
Professionalism, ethics, and promotion
Teaching methodology
Risk management
Site selection and group management
Environment monitoring â€“ weather and water conditions
Common paddling injuries
Basic rescue techniques
Professional issues and administration

Check out these video clips for a reference of the paddling skills required for certification as a Lake Kayak Instructor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr2MvSMJ7zA&list=PLmdJ_UnnshFfdYxRay5kpPJEZjMIhufSs

Kids Open Session (3 May 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Please ensure that our Waiver of Claims and Liability is signed by each attending adult and child.

Paddler's Boat and Gear Swap (3 May 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Drop in Polo (3 May 2026)

Mon, 04 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Drop In Polo

We look forward to having you all out for a fun, recreational game of polo in whitewater kayaks, open to anyone who has completed our Intro to Kayaking course (or has equivalent experience and a calm wet exit)

When you arrive, please help set-up the 2 nets starting at 7:30pm. We will break into 2 teams. Each team can have up to 5 players on the water at once, and sub players in at any time. Each player on the water must wear a helmet with a facemask (you are welcome to use your own helmet as long as it has a facemask).

Objective: The aim is to score in the net on the other side of the pool! The team with the most goals wins!

RULES (for our fun game!)

The game begins with a sprint. Both teams line up at their goal lines, and a referee throws the ball into the center of the pitch. The first player from each team races for possession.

After a goal is scored, the team that scored the goal must return to their own half as quickly as possible, at which point play can restart

You can hold the polo ball for up to 5-seconds only (then you must pass, dribble, or shoot)

A player must not maneuver their kayak with their hands or paddle while the ball is resting on their spray deck (the ball can never be on someone's deck during active play - even just sitting in one spot)

Paddles must not be used to contact other players, or be used in any way that endanger other players

Players must be careful not to T-bone other players

No illegal tackles. This includes: tackling someone who does not have ball possession, hacking, paddling within 1m of an opponent's body or hand, or deliberately causing an opponent to capsize. You are not allowed to impede/hold on to a player with your body or kit. You can also not lean on other players.

No paddle fouls. See rules for safety and fairness here.

No dangerous boat tackles. See rules for safety and fairness here.

If you foul another team, they get possession and space to make a pass.

If you are curious, there is a good overview of basic polo rules here: https://warwickcanoe.uk/polo/rules For those super keen to pursue it beyond UAPS, you can checkout the ICF rulebook here, and EWP's competitive polo program here.

Happy Paddling!

Basics Course (4 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

This course is currently full. Our next basics course will be offered in Fall 2026. Please email info@paddleuaps.com to be added to our Fall 2026 waitlist.

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.

Emergency Action Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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