Supporting Your Paddling Community
As the NWT’s Sport Organization for paddling, we provide essential governance and safety documents to help clubs operate smoothly and responsibly. All key policies are available here. We’ll keep updating these to stay current and transparent.
Governance
NWTPA Bylaws
Updated in 2025 to include Safe Sport and concussion policies, ensuring safe and responsible paddling activities.
Hosting Safe Events
For canoe, kayak, and SUP events, we work with the Alberta Whitewater Association for approval. Most events in the NWT are organized through the Fort Smith or Somba K’e Paddling Clubs. If you're planning an event elsewhere, email us, and we’ll help you get approval and insurance. For rowing events, contact the Somba K’e Paddling Club.
Competition Sanctioning
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
Our community follows strict Safe Sport policies to prevent misconduct and ensure a welcoming environment for everyone. Learn how we promote safety through training, background checks, and clear reporting processes.
Safe Sport Policies
Registration Systems
Individual athlete and coach registration are typically handled through your local club—either the Fort Smith Paddling Club or the Somba K’e Paddling Club. These clubs have membership processes with the Alberta Whitewater Association for canoeing, kayaking, and SUP. The Somba K’e Paddling Club is also a member of Rowing Canada Aviron and the Alberta Rowing Association.
If you’re not a member of a club but still need insurance coverage for canoeing, kayaking, or SUP, you can join the Alberta Whitewater Association here: Individual Membership.
Alberta Whitewater
The Alberta Whitewater Association promotes paddling across Alberta and the NWT, providing resources and advocacy.
Alberta Rowing Association
The Alberta Rowing Association supports all forms of rowing in Alberta and is a valuable resource in helping the Somba K’e Paddling Club grow awareness and safety.
How to Start a Club
Ready to bring your community together around paddling? Starting a club is an exciting way to grow the sport, connect paddlers, and promote safety and fun in your area. These simple steps will help to get your club up and running, from forming your team to official registration. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Step 1: Set up an executive team (board members or leaders for your club).
Step 2: Create and approve your club’s bylaws.
Step 3: Register your club as a non-profit society with the GNWT’s Corporate Registries.
Visit the GNWT Non-Profit Societies Website for all the information.
Access the required forms and resources on the site.
Step 4: Consider consulting with Lead Dog Consulting for additional resources or guidance (they offer free resources).
Step 5: Review a sample set of CLUB BYLAWS (ADD LINK).
Step 6: Once your club is incorporated, register with the NWT Paddling Association and the Alberta Whitewater Association (or Alberta Rowing Association if applicable).
Step 7: Reach out to the NWT Paddling Association for guidance and next steps in the registration process.
