what is it?
River Reels film competition
Since 2009, we've been celebrating the best in paddlesports short films; paddleboarding, whitewater kayaking, canoeing, river surfing - you name it!
The competition has grown over the years and so has the prizing. Enter your film in one of five categories (see below) for your chance to win big. Entries should be around 5 minutes in length.
We'll also be hosting an exciting live screening event, River Reels Rendezvous, on Weds, October 23, 2024 at the Plaza Theatre in Calgary, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm MT (doors open at 6:45pm).
prizing categories
Whitewater wizards
Calling all Adrenaline junkies! We want to see your whitewater wizardry. Submit your most impressive whitewater and river surfing footage, showcasing your skills, composure and best achievements.
Presented by Level Six
Paddle-venturers
Calling all adventurers! Share your epic paddling expeditions, from serene lake day adventures to multi-day epics and everything else in between, in any craft.
Presented by Werner Paddles
Storytellers
Community is the glue that binds us together, it’s what makes us paddlers for life–and we want to hear your stories. Whether it's heartwarming, hilarious, or awe-inspiring, let your storytelling skills shine.
Presented by NRS
Local Legends
Calling all Alberta locals: Seize the spotlight with your unique footage of local paddling adventures and captivating local stories, capturing the essence of your region in every frame.
Presented by Aqua Bound
headcam heroes
Submit your best headcam footage, whether it's a serene moment at the edge of a waterfall, an adrenaline-pumping launch from a towering wave, or a snapshot of a chaotic swim – all moments are welcome, from any time, any place, and any type of craft.
Presented by Kokatat
mega raffle
Some might call it the best part--the raffle! We have two huge grand prizes this year; an NRS whitewater kayak gear bundle and a SUP from BadFish! Buy raffle entries for $10 at the event for your chance to win. A portion of the proceeds will support two local non-profit organizations.
Presented by AQ Outdoors
october 23, 2024
river reels rendezvous
Our favourite part. We'll be hosting our in-person screening event, with all shortlisted entries in Calgary in late October.
You can expect an evening packed with laughter, entertainment, refreshments, big raffle prizes, awards and more!
Show details
When: Weds, October 23, 2024. Event runs from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm MT.
Where: Plaza Theatre, Calgary
The Fine print (Faqs)
We'll be accepting submissions from July 25, 2024 through until midnight October 1, 2024.
Submissions are now closed.
Show details
When: Weds, October 23, 2024. Event runs from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm MT. Doors open at 6:45 pm MT.
Where: Plaza Theatre, Calgary
We will be individually emailing the creators of shortlisted videos. If your entry has been shortlisted, you can expect to hear from us in early October.
5-minutes or less is ideal.
Yes. However, there will be a $15 fee per entry.
No. Please pick one category to submit your video in. If you would like to submit multiple entries in various different categories, you can do that. There will be a $15 fee per entry.
Absolutely not! We welcome (and encourage) anyone with any experience level to enter. We are truly looking for the most creative and entertaining entries, not necessarily the most polished.
Unfortunately, at this time, we are only accepting entries from Canadian citizens or residents.
Winners will be selected by the staff team at AQ Outdoors. You can meet the panel here.
non-profit donations
giving back
At AQ Outdoors, we're committed to preserving publically accessible and free flowing rivers in BC, AB, and beyond. That's why we'll be donating a percentage of our raffle sales from our screening event to BC Whitewater and Alberta Whitewater Association.
sponsors
