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 (details below).
Stay tuned for our 2026 event!
submission categories
hero raffle
Some might say the best part. We've got some insane prizing this year: a NRS 2026 Neutron Packraft, a Werner Powerhouse 200cm Fibreglass paddle, a NRS Ninja Pro PFD and a Pyranha Ripper 2 Kayak (Small), plus some surprise prizing at the event. Buy tickets online in advance to save. A portion of the proceeds supports Alberta River Surf Association and Alberta Whitewater. Other proceeds go back into event costs so we can keep running this and making it bigger and better each year!
Presented by Pyranha, NRS, Werner Paddles, Rally Crew & AQ Outdoors
Wave Riders
River surfing is arguably the fastest-growing river sports discipline, and this category is dedicated to showcasing the community of awesome river surfers and SUPers who crush it on a wave, and/or simply have fun and inspire others to get outside and play.
Presented by BadFish SUP
SUBMISSIONS OPEN DATE: TBD
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
SUBMISSIONS OPEN DATE: TBD
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
SUBMISSIONS OPEN DATE: TBD
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
SUBMISSIONS OPEN DATE: TBD
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 Immersion Research
2026 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!
Where
TBD - Check back soon!
When
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Doors open at 6:30pm MT | Films 7–10pm MT
The Fine print (Faqs)
The 2026 competition is gearing up, so dates will be released soon.
River Reels Rendezvous information:
- When: Wednesday, November 5, 2026
- Where: TBD
- Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM MT (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
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.
5 minutes or less.
Entries longer than 5 minutes will still be accepted, 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.
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 2025, River Reels 2024 and River Reels 2023 playlists on YouTube.
non-profit donations
giving back
At AQ Outdoors, we're committed to preserving and protecting river access for all. We'll be donating a portion of our raffle sales from our screening event to Alberta River Surfing Association and Alberta Whitewater Association.
Title event sponsors
event sponsors
