Celebrate British Columbia's Paddling Culture
About The Awards
Paddling in British Columbia isn’t just about spectacular waterways, although we certainly have those. It’s also about the people who care deeply for them. The inaugural Paddle BC Awards are all about celebrating those individuals, as well as the organizations and businesses that help make B.C. one of the best paddling destinations on the planet.
From guides who introduce newcomers to their first ever paddle experience, to organizations that are keeping our waterways clean, these awards are meant to shine a spotlight on those who are shaping BC’s paddling culture. They’re also about sharing great stories from across the province. Outfitters, instructors, community organizers, conservation advocates, and passionate locals all play a role in building a paddling culture rooted in sustainability, inclusion, and respect for the places we float through.
We invite you to nominate a person, group, or company based in British Columbia who play key roles in the following categories. Finalists will be celebrated and winners announced later in the summer.
What we're celebrating
Award Categories
The Paddle BC Awards recognize outstanding contributions across five key areas that reflect the values of BC’s paddling community. Each category helps showcase the diverse ways people and organizations are helping to shape paddle culture throughout BC.
Accessible Paddling Experience
Paddling should be for everyone. This award recognizes an outfitter, guide, organization, or program that is helping remove barriers and open the water to more people. That could mean inclusive programming, adaptive equipment donation, thoughtful instruction, or creating welcoming environments for paddlers of all abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels. If someone is making paddling more accessible in BC, we want to hear about them.
Green Paddling Outfitter
This award celebrates an outfitter or paddling business that is leading the way in environmental stewardship. Whether through low-impact operations, conservation initiatives, education programs, or partnerships that help protect waterways, this organization walks the talk when it comes to sustainability. In short, they help people enjoy BC’s waters while working hard to keep those waters healthy.
Indigenous-led Paddling Experience
Paddling has deep roots in the cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples across British Columbia. This award recognizes an Indigenous-owned or Indigenous-led paddling experience that shares culture, knowledge, and connection to the water. Through guiding, storytelling, and place-based learning, these experiences help paddlers gain a deeper understanding of the waterways and the Nations who have stewarded them for generations.
Local Paddling Hero
Every paddling community has someone who quietly keeps things running. The Local Paddling Hero award celebrates the volunteers, advocates, organizers, and champions who improve local paddling for everyone. Maybe they maintain access points, organize community paddles, teach safety skills, or simply bring people together on the water. They may not seek recognition, but their impact is undeniable.
Youth Paddling Ambassador
The future of paddling in BC is in good hands. This award recognizes a young person who is inspiring others to get out on the water. Whether through leadership, competition, environmental advocacy, or community involvement, they are helping grow the paddling community and showing what the next generation of paddlers looks like. Enthusiasm, initiative, and love for the water are what this award is all about.
Our Judges
Meet the Judges of the Paddle BC Awards
Director: Andrea Miller
Andrea has worked in the tourism industry for two decades. She is a passionate paddler, whitewater Paddleboard instructor, and she owned a paddling outfitter for 19 years.
CCO: Vince Hempsall
Vince is a writer, editor, content creator, marketer, videographer, publisher, social media communicator, and a stoked canoeist.
CTO: Simon de la Salle
Simon serves as the Web Director and Designer of Paddle BC, specializing in digital strategy for adventure tourism.
Featured Photographer: Dave Heath Photography
A Nelson, BC-based photographer, Dave has had his work featured in hundreds of publications and websites over the past three decades.