Frequently Asked Questions
You must reserve your paddleboard + shuttle online directly through the website. We sell on a first come first serve basis. Hit the Book Now button and follow the prompts.
If you book a shuttle only reservation you can bring any deflated watercraft that will fit on the seat beside you. Including deflated paddleboards, floaties, tubes, rafts. Pretty much anything that deflates. We do not accept any hardboard SUP or watercraft that is not able to deflate.
You are also permitted a bag or cooler that can fit on your lap for all reservation types.
*Pumps are available for use at Laurier Park
Staff safety demonstrations are provided before entering the river. Life jackets, safety gear and paddles are given to all renters and are required for everyone. All rentals must exit the river at the designated exit point (Dawson Park) and are responsible for doing so. There are no lifeguards on site, and all floaters enter and exit the river at their own risk.
This activity would not be recommended for non-swimmers and anyone not comfortable around open water.
It depends what package you purchase (see our pricing page).
Paddleboard + shuttle includes shuttle service, premium paddleboard, life jacket, paddle and staff safety demonstration/assistance. Shuttle only allows for ticking on our shuttle that you can bring your own flotation watercraft.
Our long term rentals 24h+ include our paddleboard, paddle, pump, lifejacket and carry case.
We also have group rates and always a ton of fun.
Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions about our reservation types.
It is highly likely that you will be getting wet especially when entering and exiting the river, we recommend wearing river/beach appropriate clothing and footwear. Drinking water, and sunscreen are encouraged. Some nice to haves are snacks/beverages, coolers with ice, music and a towel.
Edmonton Paddleboarding’s home base is at Dawson Park. You will see our flags and staff right beside the restrooms. Even if you’re not paddling with us, come by and say hi! This is where everyone must check in, and meet the shuttle. Please arrive at Dawson Park 15min before your scheduled shuttle. The shuttle brings floaters up river to Laurier Boat Launch. This is where you will enter the river. Exiting the river back at rafters landing.
*Long term rentals are picked up at Laurier Boat Launch
You are required to book online. If you reserved a shuttle you must show up at Dawson Park 15min prior to your scheduled shuttle. This will give you time to check in, ensure documentation is completed, and board the shuttle. Also allow time for parking, especially on weekends.
Long term rentals (24h+) pick up will be coordinated at Laurier Park.
There is parking right at Dawson Park. If the lot is full, you can use residential parking in the neighborhood and walk over to the check in tent. There is also a lot across the Dawson Bridge, across the street from the golf course.
Other options are to get dropped off, taxi, bike, car share or scooter down to Dawson Park.
Paddle times vary depending on a number of factors including river flow, and amount of paddling done during the adventure. The average paddle time from Laurier Park to Dawson Park is around 2.5 hours, plus the 20-30min shuttle and the time to get prepared to enter the river.
We love our furry friends, but unfortunately pets are not permitted on the shuttle or paddleboards at this time.
At this time we do not offer long term rentals.
You are required to arrive at check in 15min prior to your shuttle to prevent delays. If you miss your scheduled shuttle, you will not be able to paddleboard with us that day. No credit or refunds are provided for missed shuttles.
EVERYONE that is floating is required to fill out a waiver. You will receive a waiver link in your confirmation email, you must forward this to everyone in your group that will be participating to be completed. Paddleboarders 18 years or younger, will require a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for them.
It is recommended that you have some paddleboarding experience, even if minimal, and is highly recommended that you have some paddling experience. Ex. Canoe or kayak. The route is not challenging or difficult but you will need to feel comfortable navigating the river and exiting at Dawson Park. If you don’t have paddleboarding experience, but consider yourself to have athletic ability and coordination this activity could work for you.
You must have swimming ability.
Our paddleboard+shuttle trip is not guided.
Everyone will be provided a life jacket and anyone under 18 must wear it for their entire time on the river. If you are over 18 you are not required to wear the life jacket, but you must have it with you (you can strap it to your paddleboard) If you are over 18 and choose not to wear a life jacket, we expect you to be a strong swimmer.
We would love to paddleboard every day, but we understand the weather is unpredictable and some days just aren’t river days. Our general rule is that we don’t head out on the river if it is going to be cold and/or rainy, we may head out with light rain if its hot enough. If our team deems it not a paddleboard day, we will reach out to you up to 2hrs before your reservation to reschedule, provide a credit or a refund.
We only go out on the river when river flows are deemed safe by EPS. But like any water activity, no matter how safe the water, you must be alert at all times. Main things to be aware of on the river. Other water crafts, we share the river with many others including motor boats and other paddlers. Be aware of other boats, and try to give them lots of room. The next thing we want to be aware of are the bridges, during the route, you will go under many bridges. Do your best to paddle through the middle of the bridges and keep away from the bridge pillars. The North Saskatchewan River is generally considered a safe waterway in the summer months. We prioritize safety, so if you have any questions or hesitations please speak with staff or contact us.
Please contact us for a copy of our terms and conditions.
Once you pass under the Dawson bridge, floaters need to make their way over to the left side of the river (north west side). There will be an Edmonton Paddle Boarding flag on the side of the river right at the Dawson Park boat launch. If you miss this point it is at your own risk, and you are required to exit the river at a safe location, and return gear to staff. Gear that is returned late will be assessed a fee depending on the length.
Children under the age of 12 can accompany an adult on the same paddleboard, with a maximum weight capacity of 350lbs. To do this book a paddleboard + shuttle AND shuttle only reservation. Children and anyone under 18 must wear their lifejacket the entire time on the river and be considered strong swimmers. Also be mindful that you will be on the river for 2.5-3.5 hours, please ensure children are prepared.
A parent or guardian must sign the waiver on their behalf.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Those canceling 48 hours prior to their reservation will receive a full refund. Those canceling under 48 hours prior to their reservation will receive a credit that can be used at a later date. “No Shows” or same day cancellations will not be refunded or provided a credit.
To cancel, please email info@edmontonpaddleboarding.com or call us.
The manufactures weight capacity for our paddleboards is 350 lbs.
We do permit children under 12 to accompany an adult on one paddleboard, but the total weight between the two cannot exceed 350 lbs for safety reasons.