Originally a city guy from Toronto, I have been a bow valley resident for over 20 years. My itch for paddling was borne out of a "not so smart" decision to paddle the Kananaskis for the 1st time in a pelican rec boat with absolutely no gear. I was hooked and the rest is history!

Topher originally became involved by taking the zero to hero course. His favorite part about the club is removal of financial barriers for new kayakers.

Will McKeown serves as the current Secretary for the BVKC. His own paddling adventure kicked off with the "Zero to Hero" program, and once he got a taste, he just kept going, signing up for pretty much every course the BVKC offers. That journey hasn't just built up his skills; it's also led to some incredible friendships and countless unforgettable memories. Thanks to those skills and connections, he's been lucky enough to paddle in amazing places around the world, like Ecuador and the Grand Canyon. But if you ask Will, his absolute favorite part of kayaking is the community. There’s nothing quite like spotting a kayak on a roof rack in a parking lot and instantly being able to strike up a conversation, or the way everyone on the river helps each other navigate rapids safely. And those summer kayak festivals? They’re the best for reconnecting with everyone. Plus, for Will, it's always a good day to go kayaking: whether it's scorching hot and you need to cool off, pouring rain (who cares, you're getting wet anyway!), or even snowing – those snowy paddles are where the really special memories are made.

I joined the BVKC in 2021 after my husband introduced me to the sport. You can say I joined for him but stayed for the community. Shortly after joining I participated in the Beyond the Basics course and I’ve been hooked ever since! My favourite part of the club is definitely evening paddles on the Kananaskis river, where you always end up seeing your friends.

Andrei Tkachenko

Mike Roberts

Chris Page

Mark Hornyansky