With turning of the seasons from winter into summer, also comes the planning of the summer, trips, rivers, competitions and festivals. For the last seven or so years I have been frequenting the Kananaskis Whitewater Festival near Canmore Alberta. The festival takes place on the third weekend in May every year, the emphasis is on fun and socializing and less about the competition. The events include a Rodeo, DR (down river) race, Obstacle course, Inflatable race, Boater cross, Surf off and my favorite the Ball race. There are always a huge number of sponsors donations and everyone walks away with something at the end of the weekend.
The Kananaskis river is a great beginner river located 45 minutes from Calgary and 15 minutes from Canmore. It is a class 2 - 2+ run boasting numerous manmade play features and a slalom course which is regularly used for training and competitions. It runs year round at a perfectly consistent flow thanks to Trans Alta and the dam located upstream. Before you go check out to make sure the river is running here.
This years event goes off on the weekend of the 24th - 25th in May, make sure to show up friday night to stake out a campsite and partake in the pre festival festivities. If you have an extra day make sure to check out some of the near by creeks like Sheep, Elbow, or the perfect park and huck of Lundbreck falls.
The Scene at the start of the Ball Race
Billy Harris Looping during the Surf Off
Chaos during the mass start DR
Creeking on the Sheep River
Mikkel and Chris on Lundbreck Falls
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