what is it?
River Reels film competition
Since 2009, River Reels (formerly the AQ Film Comp) has showcased the best in paddlesports film—kayaking, SUP, canoeing, river surfing, and more. Each year we host an online competition and live screening, River Reels Rendezvous, in fall.
For 2025, we’re giving away $8,000+ worth of prizes across five categories. Submit your short film (ideally 5 minutes or less) by October 22, 2025.
submission categories
Storytellers
Community is the glue that binds us together, it’s what makes us paddlers for life. This category celebrates compelling stories about people, communities, events, or programs, connected by water and driven by narrative.
Presented by NRS
Wave Riders
*NEW* Arguably the fastest-growing river demographic of all, this category is dedicated to the community of river surfers and SUPers. Can you capture the magic of soul surfing on a wave?
Presented by BadFish SUP
Whitewater wizards
This category is for the big drops, fast lines, and clean style. Showcase your most impressive whitewater footage, whether you're in a kayak, canoe, raft, or anything in between. We want to see your skill, composure, and river wizardry in action.
Presented by Level Six
Paddleventurers
Expeditions, overnighters, flatwater missions, or remote and rugged journeys. Whether it’s packrafting to an alpine lake, or tackling a seldom-run stretch of river in your kayak or canoe, this is the category to showcase exploration and adventure.
Presented by Aqua Bound
headcam heroes
Submit your best headcam footage, whether it’s floating through a picturesque canyon, nailing your season’s best lines, capturing the calm (or chaos) at the lip of a waterfall, or even capturing spontaneous and shocking river moments. Any place, any craft. Let's go.
Presented by TBC
hero raffle
Some might say the best part. We’ve got three huge grand prizes this year: an NRS packraft, an NRS Ninja Pro PFD, and a Pyranha Ripper 2 Small. Buy tickets online in advance to save. A portion of proceeds supports BC Whitewater and Alberta Whitewater.
Presented by Pyranha, NRS, Rally Crew & AQ Outdoors
2025 event details
river reels rendezvous
The best part! We'll be hosting a showing of all shortlisted entries on the big screen. Expect an evening packed with laughter, entertainment, refreshments, big raffle prizes, awards, and more!
River Reels Rendezvous Event
Where
The Plaza Theatre, 1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary
When
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Doors open at 6:30pm MT | Films 7–10pm MT
The Fine print (Faqs)
Submit your film here, or click on the big orange button at the top of the page.
Enter before midnight on October 22, 2025.
Show details
When: November 12th, 2025 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 by the first week of November.
Aim for 5 minutes or less.
Entries longer than 7 minutes may be trimmed (or just partially shown) for the live event.
Yes. However, there will be a $15 fee per entry. You will also need to submit a new form 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 voted for by staff at AQ Outdoors. You can meet the panel here.
Yes! If you're looking for extra inspiration, or if you just fancy a cosy movie night, be sure to check out our River Reels 2023 and River Reels 2024 playlists on YouTube.
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.
Title event sponsors
event sponsors
