About

June 10 - 18, 2017

What is National Paddling Week?

Paddling Week was created in 2013 by Rapid Media, Paddle Canada, and our now retired partner, the Canadian Canoe Museum.

The mission is to promote recreational paddling through individuals, groups, families, events instructors, industry, clubs, communities and other recreational paddlers.

What began as a week-long event has grown into an extended week with a year-round support site. Current partners are Rapid Media who provides print and operational assistance, and Paddle Canada offering support such as promotional items, online event planning, management, and promotional resources across Canada during National Paddling Week.

Special mention: Our youth prize partner, the Canadian Canoe Foundation, has also been with us from the beginning. And continues to blend skill, safety, and environmental awareness into a new prize for a lucky young paddler every year.

What are we celebrating?

This is the fourth annual national celebration of paddling safety, skill development, recreational sport, and heritage!

New Partner Initiative!

National Paddling Week now twins with PaddleSmart water safety training for new or would-be paddlers. We encourage activities at events and in the communities across Canada and have free resources to assist you in joining the Get Informed and get Outdoors initiative of Adventuresmart.

How do you join the celebration?

Double the fun! Invite co-workers, family, or a non-paddling friend to you at an event!

Challenge your community watersport, charity, or business competitors to a friendly contest!

Who hosts these events?

You do! Plan a group, family, or solo paddle and post it on the calendar to be counted! 

Plan a community event or host a PaddleSmart!

Paddle Canada members in each area or community may host an event, community clubs, groups, organizations, families, and/or individuals are welcome to host events independently and post on the shared calendar (which will run year round).

Who benefits from these events?

Recreational and would be paddlers will enjoy increased access to all sorts of paddle sports, safety and awareness training, and exposure to recreational  paddle sports & their benefits. The paddling community, certified instructors, and paddling partners will also benefit from the increased public interest in paddle sports, general publicity and access to potential new members.

What help does the umbrella organization/partnership offer?

Free to events: Web / social media based outreached and advertising Support documents re: event organization and safety. Online access will be provided to advertising templates, medias plan and press templates. Instructors and industry members are equally encouraged to list workshops, lessons, events, and/or demonstrations.

Money matters - who is paying for what?

Events and their related expenses are the responsibility of the hosts and as such, budget will reflect the monetary commitment of those hosts.

Is anyone making a profit?

Events may choose to charge fees or admissions as they see fit. Many events will run at cost, by donation or be held for free.

*Life Jacket Challenges may be run as a marathon by individuals and events with non-tax receipt-able donations to local search and rescue partners or charities and are the responsibility of the individuals running them.

*Paddle Canada Instructors/members may charge the standard fees minus the transfer (administration funds) which are normally sent to Paddle Canada who absorb this loss as an in-kind donation to the event.