River Reels Film Competition

Early Bird Tickets Now Sold Out | Limited Tickets At The Door

over $9,000 in prize value

what is it?

River Reels competition

Since 2009, we've been celebrating the best in paddlesports video content; paddleboarding, whitewater kayaking, canoeing, river surfing - you name it! We'll be hosting an online competition and an exciting live screening event, River Reels Rendezvous, in our Calgary store.

submission 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 AQ Outdoors

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

surprise category

Can you take a guess? Our panel of judges will be reviewing submitted footage (and beyond) and will announce a winner to this to-be-revealed category during the in-person screening event. Stay tuned...

Presented by AQ Outdoors

Thursday, Nov 23, 2023

river reels rendezvous

Our favourite part. We'll be hosting our in-person screening event, with all shortlisted entries, at our Calgary store location on November 23, 2023 at 6 pm MT.

Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 online in advance*, or free if you've submitted a film entry. We have child, youth and family ticket options available.

You can expect an evening packed with laughter, entertainment, refreshments, big raffle prizes, awards and more!

*ADVANCE TICKETS NOW SOLD OUT

The Fine print (Faqs)

We'll be accepting submissions September 15, 2023 through until midnight November 7, 2023.

You can submit your video right here, or simply hit the "submit my video" link at the top of the page when you're ready.

The River Reels Rendezvous live screening event will be happening at the AQ Outdoors Calgary store on November 23, doors open at 6:00 p.m. MT. You can buy your tickets online in advance here.

We will be individually emailing the creators of shortlisted videos. If your entry has been shortlisted, you can expect to hear from us in the second week of November.

We ask that entries be less than 10 minutes in length. Somewhere around the 5-minute mark 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 100% of food & beverage profits and 5% of raffle sales from our screening event to BC Whitewater and Alberta Whitewater Association.

sponsors

badfish river surfing gear