About Paddle Alberta

Paddle Alberta promotes and supports safe, sustainable recreational canoeing and kayaking in Alberta.

Paddle Alberta was formed in 1973 by paddling clubs in Alberta to address the needs of the recreational paddlers of Alberta. Over the years the Paddle Alberta has developed many programs to meet these needs.

Paddle Alberta is a provincial not-for-profit association with the mandate:

• To promote recreational paddling
• To serve the needs of recreational paddlers
• To advocate the sustainability of the paddling environment, and
• To promote the teaching of safe and enjoyable paddling

Paddle Alberta memberships are for paddling instructors, paddling clubs, not-for-profit groups, commercial organizations and interested individuals. Membership benefits include access to subsidies and grants, networking opportunities with clubs and organizations across the province, competitive liability insurance and participation in environmental issues.

Objectives

Paddle Alberta 's objectives include:

Promotion

Paddle Alberta promotes recreational paddling through introductory paddling clinics and information dissemination. Our toll-free number and Alberta River Guide paddling maps enable paddlers from across North America to obtain current information on paddling in Alberta. 

Education and Instructor Certification

In conjunction with Paddle Canada (formerly CRCA) Paddle Alberta facilitates the training, development and certification of new and developing paddlers as well as instructors and instructor trainers in canoeing, kayaking, canoe-tripping and sea kayaking. Paddle Alberta maintains a detailed instructor registry database and promotes paddling employment opportunities across the province. Paddle Alberta provides public education on paddling safety, canoe routes and preservation of the environment.

Leadership Development

Paddle Alberta provides financial assistance for instructor development and certification programs for existing instructors through after market programs. Paddle Alberta offers educational seminars for its organizational members.

Preservation

Paddle Alberta facilitates and offers strong voice for the protection and conservation of our paddling environment. Various Paddle Alberta environmental programs & activities are: Paddle Alberta Depository Program to install/maintain outhouses at popular remote riverside paddling locations; Leave No Trace Canada Program; Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up; and, Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day participation.

Club Development

Paddle Alberta encourages the development of recreational paddling clubs with physical, administrative, educational and financial support.