General
- Open canoeing instruction will be hosted by Paddle Alberta. The focus will be on flatwater and moving water skills. They have limited participant spots available (so register early!)
- We have arranged for access to a backwater channel on the Red Deer River Ranch for our flatwater programs. This location is quite close to our base camp!
- Paddlers will be divided into skill levels by the instructors/organizers.
Participant Expectations:
1. Participants who did not have their waiver accepted electronically must fill out and submit a waiver, or for those under 18, an acknowledgement of risk must be filled out and submitted. A medical form must also be filled out at check in.
2. Paddlers are asked to honestly evaluate their paddling skills and ability.
3. Participants will remain with their group for each day.
4. We ask that each participant be on time for all Paddle Fest events (including meals) to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible.
5. We ask that each paddler be prepared for a full day at the river; bring water, snacks and a lunch for each day’s trip. Dress for paddling in cold water, bright sun, and insects.
6. Paddlers are encouraged to provide their own paddling equipment where possible with the exception of participants registered in the introductory clinics where equipment will be provided.
Event Check-in:
1. Upon arrival at Red Deer River Ranch, follow signs to the Paddle Fest location where you will see our registration area.
2. Check in and fill-out/submit the waiver or an acknowledgement of risk (if not accepted electronically) and medical forms (consider printing and filling this out beforehand.)
3. We encourage you to check-in Friday night, however, we will be available Saturday morning during breakfast time as well.
4. Event information will be posted throughout the Paddle Fest camping area.
Paddling Info
Morning meeting:
- Near the end of breakfast we will call a participant’s meeting.
- Participants will be provided with details as to how the days events will unfold.
- It is at this time we will make any adaptations to the Paddle Fest program should weather or water levels dictate.
Group organization:
- After the meeting paddling groups will meet with their instructors/leaders to organize the day’s events.
- Shuttles will be organized within each group.
- Leaders will provide an itinerary of the day’s events on the river.
- Within each clinic, skill levels and learning areas will be identified.
- Each paddler will been asked indicate two learning areas of interest; instructors will attempt to integrate levels and learning areas to the best of their ability.
- Several learning areas may be blended together by your instructor during each day’s events. This will ensure that each paddler is provided with an opportunity to experience their interest areas.
- Any last-minute changes may be made during this time.
Equipment
- Demo boats will be made available on a first come first serve basis. Please ask about & respect the demo policies of each vendor. Also, promptly return any gear at the end of the day.
- Participants are encouraged to provide their own paddling equipment where possible with the exception of participants registered in the Paddle Sport Demo clinics where equipment will be provided.
- Anyone who does need equipment needs to indicate this when they register online.
- Equipment may be rented in Calgary at Aquabatics, Undercurrents, MEC or U of C Outdoor Centre; in Edmonton at Totem Outfitters or MEC; in Red Deer at Valhalla Sports; Rocky Mountain House at Hela Ventures and in Lethbridge at High Level Canoes and Kayaks prior to the weekend.
Camp Life
Camping at Red Deer River Ranch
- Please consider arriving Friday evening if possible. Campsites are on a first-come first-serve basis.
- We have arranged camping (Fri & Sat night) at the Red Deer River Ranch and have an area on their property designated for Paddle Fest.
- Also, limited cabin rentals are available for the weekend. Cabins can be booked via the APF registration process. For more information regarding the facility please visit their website at www.reddeerriverranches.com.
Breakfast
- Breakfast will be available both Saturday and Sunday morning nearby the registration area. Nearing the end of breakfast we will do a group briefing for that day.
BBQ Dinner
- A BBQ diner will be held on Saturday night under the AWA tent. We will offer vegetarian dishes on pre-request; please indicate this fact during the registration process. As well, please notify us if you have any food allergies.
APF Green Theme
- To minimize the amount of garbage produced, everyone is asked to please bring their own plate, cup and utensils. Dish washing stations and recycling containers will be made available at the campsite.
