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 at Plaza Theatre, October 2025.
prizing categories
Whitewater wizards
Calling all adrenaline junkies! This category is for the big drops, fast lines, and clean style. Submit your most impressive whitewater footage—whether you're in a kayak, canoe, packraft, raft, or river SUP. We want to see your skill, composure, and river wizardry in action. Show us what you’ve got.
Presented by Level Six
Paddle-venturers
Calling all adventurers! This is your space to share the bold, the remote, and the unforgettable. From alpine lake overnighters to whitewater expeditions and first descents, Paddleventurers is all about exploration by boat—packraft, raft, kayak, or canoe. If it’s off the beaten path, it belongs here.
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
Wave Riders
Dedicated to the growing community of river surfers and stand-up paddlers. Whether it’s finesse on a standing wave or stylish downriver SUP, we want to see it.
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
2025
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: October 2025
Where: Plaza Theatre
The Fine print (Faqs)
Submissions will be opening soon.
Submissions will open soon.
Show details
When: October 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 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
