All active UAPS members are welcome to attend.
Join the virtual meeting by clicking the link below:
meet.google.com/bma-ctxc-mjf
** This basics course is offered during women-only facility time at Eastglen Pool, and is taught by women. Men are not allowed in the facility before, during, or after this class to respect the privacy of all participants. We will also be pausing the class for prayer. **
Our goal is to introduce you to the sport, and give you the confidence and tools to get out on the water safely and comfortably. No prior experience in kayaks is required, nor is the ability to swim (lifejacket required and provided for those that cannot swim).
In this 6 hour course you will progress from learning the basics for getting onto the water:
to learning the basic paddling strokes that will get you where you need to go:
And finally, you will start to combine these strokes to paddle, and play lots of games!
All kayak related equipment is provided. This course takes place indoors, in a heated pool. You will need to wear your usual indoor swimming gear, and if you tend to get cold, consider wearing a rashguard. A nose plug and goggles are recommended, but not required.
Please find the location of Eastglen Pool here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to info@paddleuaps.com.
Are you looking to improve your paddling technique? The UAPS Stroke Improvement Course aims to tune up your paddling, correct bad habits, and allows you to work smarter rather than harder. This is a great way to tune up your skills over the winter, and give you drills to work on at open sessions, so that you can move onto those bigger rivers that you’ve been waiting for!
This concentrated clinic will get you working toward that bomber combat roll you want to show off on the river. If you’ve just started paddling and want an introduction to rolling, or you’ve been trying to nail down your roll and need a bit of fine tuning this course is definitely for you.
A low student to instructor ratio ensures that whatever your skill level, you will get personalized attention in this clinic. You will also benefit from receiving different instruction styles that may clear up a confusing aspect of the rolling process.
** Applications open on Feb 1 2026! **
What to know before applying for BDP
Whitewater Safety Session April 14 7-9pm, Downtown MEC
Intro to Moving Water Late April/Early May (TBD)
Weekend 1 - Canoe Meadows, Kananaskis May 22-24 Weekend 2 - Cowley Lions Castle River Campground (Near Pincher Creek) June 5-7
Weekend 3 - Near Sundre July 17-19
Weekend 4 - Canoe Meadows, Kananaskis August 14-16
Whitewater Rescue Pool Session February 28, 3-5pm, Eastglen Pool
Cost: $65 for the 1st child and $45 for siblings
Feb 1, Feb 15, Mar 1 from 8:30 AM-10:00AM
Please email us at info@paddleuaps.com if you are under financial burden. All kids must have a paid active UAPS membership to register.
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
Please ensure that our Waiver of Claims and Liability is signed by each attending adult and child.
BDP applicants are encouraged to attend this pool session dedicated to getting comfortable with safety practices, rescues, and self rescues.
We will practice T-rescues, H-rescues, swimming with gear, and self rescue scenarios. This will help prepare you for whitewater in BDP, and familiarize you with our protocols before you're getting dunked in glacial river water!
All paddling gear will be provided. Please come dressed as if you were coming to an open session or course at the pool. If you tend to get cold, you may want to wear a rash guard or neoprene. If needed, please bring a nose plug and goggles.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mo at bdp@paddleuaps.com!
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!)
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!
All paddlers attending must have a solid 5c wet exit (comfortable, chill, calm, confident, complete, cool, collected, casual ... - pick any 5 you like). A t-rescue and roll is recommended but not required. UAPS Basics training or equivalent is required. A whitewater helmet and PFD are required to be worn at all times. This event is open to open boaters and kayakers only.
Equipment (boat, PFD, helmet, paddle, skirt, float bags) can be provided if needed to UAPS members, but must be organized by registering atleast 2-weeks in advance. We will contact you via email to arrange pick-up / drop-off.
Arrive at door C for 6:30pm, which is on the south side of the waterpark. For those of you that haven't been, door C is not a main entrance, it is a back entrance to the waterpark located in the parking lot. The door is beige, (at least it was) and has a big "C" on it. Try to get there in advance to give yourself ample time to get changed and ready to go. This door will be locked for the remainder of the night, so it is important to arrive and be ready to enter at 7pm.
The wave pool will be turned on at 7:00pm and shut off at 9:00pm, nobody is allowed in the pool beforehand.
Surfing etiquette is staging up and at the right side (north) of the waves, with 3 paddlers per set of waves. Please clear the wave zone immediately after your ride.
All users ARE required to wear a helmet and PFD at all times, so please don't forget. Have fun!
Map to door C: https://goo.gl/maps/mupy9tMRB9KiM4qf7
Please note: We do not offer refunds if you cannot attend, but we can transfer your ticket to a friend if you email us.
This course is designed for paddlers with a roll, looking to learn to playboat! Bring your own playboat (and if you don't have one, indicate your size during registration).
Please note we will also be hosting an instructor's only course later in the year!
UAPS Whitewater Safety Talk
Wed April 14, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm (MDT) at MEC Edmonton (Downtown location), 11904 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 0G6
This event is free and open to all UAPS members. It is mandatory for all BDP participants.
We will review basic whitewater safety, as well as essential whitewater gear. MEC has also graciously offered us a club discount for anything in store, in-person only. More details to come.
Please see up to date event info at www.paddleuaps.com/film-festival
PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
POLARIS MORTGAGE PLANNERS & PADDLE UAPS
The United Albertan Paddling Society, with the support of Polaris Mortgage Planners, is excited to host the Paddling Film Festival World Tour in Edmonton on April 18, 2026! Since 2006, the Paddling Film Festival has been a highlight in over 130 cities around the globe, showcasing the finest paddling films. It motivates audiences to cherish their local waterways, venture into rivers, lakes, and oceans, and fully embrace the paddling lifestyle. The 2025 film line-up included whitewater paddling, canoeing, outrigger-canoeing, fishing, rafting, SUP, adaptive paddling, hiking, adventure, travelling, repelling, split boarding and more. The 2026 lineup will be announced in the new year! There are lots of door prizes to be won & silent auction items to be bid on!
We invite you to join us for the World Tour screening at the NAIT Shaw Theatre on Saturday, April 18. Doors will open in the lobby at 5 pm, with the film screening scheduled for 6:30 pm. Before the show, take part in our paddling fair in the lobby, where you can explore local retailers, discover how to safely start your paddling journey, learn essential skills for river outings, connect with local paddling clubs, and find out more about our provincial paddling associations. There will be local craft beer, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
We are thrilled to introduce our Platinum Sponsor for this year’ festival: Polaris Mortgage Planners! At Polaris Mortgage Planners, they believe home-ownership is about more than finding a mortgage—it’s about building your future. From your very first pre-approval through to paying off the last payment, they’re committed to guiding you at every step, offering clear communication and expert support every time. Locally based in Spruce Grove and Edmonton, their team is dedicated to helping their clients achieve financial freedom through smart mortgage planning. They’re proud to support the UAPS Film Festival and be part of this community-driven celebration of creativity and connection on the water.
We would also like to thank our Gold Sponsors, Benke Real Estate, Excalibur Executive Planning, and River City Repair for their generous support in making this event possible. Adam at Benke Real Estate is a dedicated realtor who puts you first and comes highly recommended by numerous satisfied UAPS members. Excalibur Executive Planning is proudly supporting the UAPS Film Festival as a Gold Sponsor, guiding business owners from workplace wellness to lifelong wealth — through employee group benefits, insurance, and retirement planning. River City Repair specializes in repairing paddling equipment, rafts, SUPs, plastic welding and more). They will help keep your dry suit and boat dry year after year.
Your support in attending this event will contribute to the vibrant paddling community in our region. Proceeds from this event will support both our children’s and adult paddling programs by funding essential equipment purchases and training to certify our volunteer instructors, ensuring they are fully insured to teach paddling at local pools, ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsors
Bronze Level Sponsors
Please meet at the White Rowhouse shown below, in the parking lot located the furthest east at 3pm (8438 129St), and we will walk to the seacan together. Bring straps or rope to secure you boat to take home. If you arrive late, call Mo (number given in BDP/NPP email).
This gear pickup is for BDP & NPP Participants only. Please register so we are aware you are picking up gear on this date.
If you have been to the UAPS seacan previously, feel free to make your way there. Map below.
Please meet at the White Rowhouse shown below, in the parking lot located the furthest east at 6pm (8438 129St), and we will walk to the seacan together. Bring straps or rope to secure you boat to take home. If you arrive late, call Mo (number given in BDP/NPP email).
https://www.albertawhitewater.ca/awa-leadership-symposium-0
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:
Date/location:
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:
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
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.
Register and more info at: www.ravenrsm.com/course/whitewater-rescue-technician-recreational/
https://www.pinchocrowcreekers.com/copy-of-home-3
Please note this weekend is tentative to change based on campground availability and water levels. The date will be finalized by February.
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:
Duration
Location
To book, please email info@paddleuaps.com for the secret code!
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
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:
Join Dr. Lee Green for a weekend of whitewater wilderness first aid. 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).
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.
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
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
5 - 10 days paddling Class I/II whitewater.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
For more information, please visit: https://www.albertawhitewater.ca/d8-calendar
Details at https://kanfest.ca/
Date subject to change, added to calendar based on 2024 date.
See https://www.albertawhitewater.ca/d8-calendar for updated dates/registration once entered.
Target Audience: Club members who wish to lead river trips Course Duration: Two Days Prerequisites:
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:
Details at: https://slaveriverpaddlefest.ca/
Registration coming soon! Email info@paddleuaps.com if you would like to be notified when registration opens.
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:
Facebook Group
Locations for Camping, put-in, take-out: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=18PMUgwrKlYjvmEXedzFEPcFAAjsdBH4H&usp=sharing
The Clearwater River Weekend is an advanced kayak program for those looking to improve their big water paddling abilities.
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.
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
Special thanks to InMotion for their ongoing financial support and encouragement, which has helped increase women’s leadership in our club since 2023.
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