Returning to Rivers

Click on photo for larger 980 px image

Returning to Rivers

from Calgary Outdoor Centre-University of Calgary

As the waters recede, basements start to dry and our communities begin to recover after the largest flood in memory, paddlers across the province are starting to get back on our rivers and waterways.

With roads closed and many bridges still out, the paddling community is left with large gaps in our knowledge of river runs that only weeks ago we knew like the backs of our paddles.

At Paddle Alberta we are looking forward to getting on the water and discovering these new changes, but before we do we are taking care to make sure that safety is our primary concern.

We urge all paddlers to return to the rivers when levels are safe, but to treat every run like it is your first time out. Expect big changes in the water province wide, even your local run could be very different from the last time you were out.

This is a time to collaborate and share knowledge. If you paddle in Alberta, please share any information you have on changes with Paddle Alberta, Alberta White Water Association, Paddling ABC and other organizations that can spread the news within our community. Take pictures, write notes and be safe.

Let’s return to the rivers with the knowledge we need to recreate, teach and learn the safest way we can.

Returning to the River,

Finlay MacNeill
Paddle and Cross Country Ski Programs Coordinator
The University of Calgary
Outdoor Center
Vice President Paddle Alberta