We are dedicated to serving the needs of recreational whitewater paddlers and to promoting the sport to those who aspire to be whitewater paddlers.

Values and Beliefs

1. We believe that all activities should be fun and foster social bonds for all members including leaders and executive. We also believe that by encouraging all to participate, assist, and even lead at the earliest stage that our leadership group will continually grow in depth and width.

2. We believe that safety is always a prime concern and safety is best achieved by developing a strong sense of self reliance in individuals and encouraging individual skill development in all areas of recreational paddling.

3. We value all our members, regardless of their ability. We will strive to act professionally towards them and be sensitive to the reasons for which they have joined our organization.

4. We believe in financial independence, that government handouts will not make us strong but will rather weaken us. We will manage our resources well and be accountable to our members.

5. We believe cooperation with similar organizations will benefit all. We will strive to continually learn to do things better and to learn from those who have achieved greater heights.

6. We believe in fairness and cooperation with our suppliers.

Bylaws (PDF)

WHO ARE WE?

The Mistaya Paddling Club, based in Edmonton, was founded in 1997. We are dedicated to serving the needs of recreational whitewater paddlers and to promoting the sport to those who aspire to be whitewater paddlers.

Mistaya is the name of a river originating from Waterfowl Lake in Jasper and flowing into the North Saskatchewan River. The name ‘Mistaya’ is the Stoney word for grizzly bear; hence, our logo is a bear in a kayak.

We have a broad membership, with about 100 members, including a few families. The club consists of recreational canoeists and kayakers, competitive freestyle and slalom kayakers, creek boaters, beginners and people with over 25 years of experience! A newsletter is sent out six times a year to keep our members up to date on upcoming events.

Scheduled trips are every weekend from early May to early October on rivers for all levels of paddlers. We paddle rivers in Alberta and BC, including the Mistaya (of course!), Fraser, Highwood, Clearwater, Sunwapta, North Saskatchewan, Red Deer, Muskeg and more! We also have a couple of weeklong trips – in February we head to the Chilliwack river to escape the cold Edmonton winter, and in July we spend a week in BC  running various rivers. We also offer beginner river courses, whitewater rescue courses and equipment rentals.

Off the river, we get together for activities such as cross-country skiing, potluck dinners, and other social gatherings. In the winter we are in the pool, with beginner courses, rodeo clinics, gate clinics, open sessions and canoe polo. We also get in some surf practice in the wave pool in West Edmonton Mall’s World Waterpark.

If you would like to join the club or sign up for courses head to our Membership Page. If you would like more information see the Contact Us Page.