May 27 – 30 saw instructors from across Alberta, and some from BC through to Manitoba, meet at Canoe Meadows along the spectacular Kananakis River.  Bringing together nearly 40 instructors and skills candidates, Paddle Alberta hosts wanted to create momentum for the new Paddle Canada Moving Water Instructional Program.  The success of the weekend could be measured by the numerous certifications by beginner to advanced skills candidates as well as new Instructors and Instructor Trainers.

 

Our hosts were most generous with lots of delicious food including hot soups which warded off the cold temperatures and accumulating snow.  Undaunted, padders took to the many eddies and roller coaster wave trains with snow capped mountains in the background and paddle wielding snowman in the foreground.

 

The weekend was a terrific success with regard to the new PC program, but most of all I bring home thoughts of new friends and a keen desire to paddle again on the Kananaska River.

AW