2013
Whitewater Kayak Festivals of Western Canada
Below
is a list of some of Western Canada's Exciting Whitewater festivals
and events. Please leave a comment if you know if any more festivals
that paddlers should know about.
For
the sixth year running, this laid-back social and fun weekend event
has established itself as a kick-off party for Western Canada’s
whitewater enthusiasts. The beautiful Chilliwack Valley offers
several excellent class II – IV river runs with boulder gardens,
pool drops, and surfing waves for paddlers of all interest and skill
levels, including the famous Tamihi Rapid.
Meet
new and old paddling buddies, demo the latest in gear and boats from
our sponsors, and enjoy the free shuttle service to/from the
Chilliwack River. Always a spectator favourite, all paddlers are
invited to compete in the downriver race and other popular on-river
contests. MUSIC by Shane Phillip.
In
addition to the amazing paddling, the festival has been known for its
silent auction and raffle where sponsors have donated some awesome
prizes, such as Ecuador Vacations, boats, spray decks, paddles,
helmets, PFD’s, and other kayaking related products and services.
Festival registration includes two nights camping, one dinner, and
two breakfasts; as well as a free T-Shirt if registered by April
17th. For more info or to sign up follow this link
http://www.vankayak.org/festival/
Endless
Adventure International will be donating a High Roller Ecuador Kayak
Package at this years festival, come on out and make your bid for the
coolest winter kayak vacation around!! for more information on the
trip check out
http://www.endlessadventureinternational.com/tours.html
Three
Rivers Rendezvous Pincher Creek Kayak Festival
May
18-20. Pincher Creek, Alberta
The
EA crew attended this fest for the last three years, it is truly all
about paddling the good stuff in the frigid temps of Alberta. Not for
the light of heart, bring your best puffy jacket and a dry suit.
The
World Famous (in Alberta) May long weekend Pincher Creek Paddlefest
is coming upon as with gusto.There will be opportunities for beginner
groups to get on the water and paddle easier stretches as well as
more advanced trips. We have something special planned for this year,
including more sun, less snow and lots of water for all you big wave
fans. Okay seriously – its always been fun and it will be fun this
year too!
Prices
for the weekend and inclusions are as per below:
The
weekend price includes all entries, 3 nights camping, 2 suppers and 3
breakfasts, plus prize tickets.
Adult/Junior
$80.00
Toddlers
(5 and under) Free
Families
of 2 $120.00
of
3-4 $140.00 - $160.00
of
5 or more $180 + $10 for each additional junior
For
more information click http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/events.html or register HERE
A
whitewater kayaking festival that takes place in Courtenay, BC, on
the famed Puntledge river. Playboating, Creeking and just good old
river running. Spread the word and look forward to having a good time
out here again this year.
Camping
will be held at Maple Pool Campsite. 4685 Headquarters Road.
Courtenay, B.C., V9N 9H3. Tel: 250.338.9386
www.maplepoolcampsite.com
The
Cost for the event;Adult
– $35, Teen
– $10, Local
– $15 (with ID)
VIWPS
– CKBC Membership (Mandatory for Paddlers): $15 per person, $30 per
Family
Fee
Includes – Camping, Shuttles, Insurance for the event, 1 Free
Raffle Ticket
The
campsite is conveniently located at the take-out of the river
providing easy access to do several laps in the day. Shuttles will be
provided.
We
stopped by this fest on our premier voyage across Western Canada and
it did not disappoint!! There is a reason they call it Friendly
Manitoba!! These dudes and dudettes really know how to put on a
festival! Here is the invite straight from the Manitoba Kayak
Club....
Come
join us for our Shindiggg held June 1-3. Our annual summer festival
has been growing in recent years. In addition to the crew from
Manitoba, we are happy to host a number of out of town paddlers from
around Canada and the USA for a great weekend of paddling, games,
fireworks, a great Saturday dinner and party with DJ, and a wicked
Sunday morning breakfast from WAV paddling. We're looking forward to
seeing you all this time around. Can't wait! Who will win the MWC
Shindig Champion championship belt?
Endless
Adventure will be donating an Immersion Week kayak clinic (beginner
or intermediate) this year at the festival.
For
more information click here.
http://www.manitobawhitewaterclub.ca/shindigg.php
The
Kootenay Whitewater Festival, Crescent Valley BC (near Nelson) June
22/23 at Endless Adventure
Back
for another awesome year of festivities this year marks the 9th
consecutive festival. The weekend starts off with river runs to
various local treats followed by lunch, land games and then off to
the playboating competition, “Brilliant or Indy wave World Kayak
comp”. Dinner on your own at one of the restaurants in walking
distance or camp cook your masterpiece then back in action for
evening entertainment-TBA. Pilates Sunday morning, then a river run
on a local river followed by the Team Ball Race and Boater Cross for
the rest of the day.
The
Kootenay Whitewater Festival is for the beginner to advanced paddler
and clinics are available for those that want to brush up on their
skills with top notch instructors. Endless Adventure will be hosting
a Playboating clinic on Saturday, a Creeking clinic on Sunday, and
the Basic skills and rolling clinic both days. The clinics are an
additional $30 each.
World
Kayak Hometown Throwdown- Harvies Passage. June 23.2013.
Join
Eric Albert and the crew from Alberta in the first competition to be
held at Harvie Passage, Calgary BC. Check out this link for more
details......
contact:
WK Alberta Ambassador Eric Albert.
Second
Annual Kootenay SUP race! Endless Adventure BC July 6th
Stand
up Paddling is sweeping the nation and the Kootenays is on the map
thanks to our first annual SUP race last year in Robson BC on the
Columbia River. Over 20 competitors from as far as Vernon BC came
out to challenge the Columbia in a two race format that hosted a FREE
SUP demo in between races. Come out this year to see what all the
fuss is about in this one of a kind race!
Contact
Endless Adventure for details.
Elbow
River World Kayak Hometown Throwdown CreekFest, July 6th / 2013.
The
inaugural Elbow CreekFest will be held just West of Bragg Creek in
the beautiful Rocky Mountains on July 6th / 2013. The event will
begin at the Elbow River Provincial Recreation Area, and end
downstream at a small boat launch where the festivities will
conclude. This event will feature intermediate and advanced races in
class IV-V whitewater, surely a venue which will attract all sorts of
patrons and passer-bys! Proceeds from this event will be forwarded in
honor of one of our fellow paddlers and youth developers, Peter
Thompson. Funds will be allocated to the Rocky Mountain Adaptive
Sports Centre.
Creek Freak Week, July 1-7, Nakusp/Arrow Lk.
An unofficial week long boatin' festival dedicated to all of those who like their creeks steep and a little scary. Kuskanax, St.Leon, Cape Horn, Caribou, Barnes, Upper Whatshan, Wilson, Silverton, Carpenter and more. We hit them high for 7 days in July! Class 4+/5 need only apply. For more info, cj(at)daintydeathy.com
Brierley's Hometown Throwdown! July 14, 2013-- Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Alberta's finest playboating spot in lovely Rocky Mountain House. It doesn't get any easier then Brierley's, put in on the lovely North Sask river and float down to a series of catch on the fly waves until you get to the hole that will make you fell like a hero!
Great sponsors, amazing food, fun for the whole family with JK Dynamic Duo rides!
to register click the above link and get in touch with Eric Albert.
The
fourth annual Callaghan Race, July 2013. Date TDB (once we get a
better idea of the state of the 2012/2013 snowpack)
The Callaghan
Creek Race is proving to be one of the stoutest, most gruelling races
on the west coast. The previous 2 years have delivered high
adrenaline, high water flows to challenge the rowdiest class V
boaters - stay tuned for more info on this exciting downriver race.
Some
trivia:
We
race in teams of two, from the put in to the take out.
The
winners usually pull through in just over 15 minutes.
The
after party is awesome.
The
more the merrier so come join the fun.
The
Kananaskis Festival, August 9-11
This
is one of Western Canada's biggest kayak festivals and we will be
there year after year. KWF is a gathering of whitewater kayaking
enthusiasts for a weekend of total FUN. It’s a chance to get out on
the water, take a clinic or go on a guided run. If you’re
interested in a little friendly competition you can enter events such
as the freestyle rodeo, boater cross, team ball race and much more.
There’s also lots going on off the water as well; BBQ, throwbag
toss, live music, massage, demos, yoga, auctions….. Oh there are
always some surprises….!! Look out for team koot kayak this year
focused on crushing the competition in the ball race!
For
more info http://www.calgarykayakclub.com/kanfest/
For
some video on the ball race check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9maVR3HUm38
Kootenays
SUP race #2, Slocan River BC August 26.
Endless
Adventure's second race of the season takes place on the beautiful
upper section of the Slocan River. The race will be around 12-15 km
of slow moving water with safety kayakers to ensure a fun loving race
even for the novice boarder. Beginner and Intermediate levels
welcome as there will be two races to accommodate all skill levels!
Creek Freak Week, July 1-7, Nakusp/Arrow Lk.
ReplyDeleteAn unofficial week long boatin' festival dedicated to all of those who like their creeks steep and a little scary. Kuskanax, St.Leon, Cape Horn, Caribou, Barnes, Upper Whatshan, Wilson, Silverton, Carpenter and more. We hit them high for 7 days in July! Class 4+/5 need only apply. For more info, cj(at)daintydeathy.com