Paddling Magazine is inviting the next generation of adventurers to grab a paddle, hit the water and tell their stories. The newly launched Paddling Kids Story Contest is open to paddlers aged 3–17 and aims to celebrate getting outside and exploring from a canoe, kayak, raft or paddleboard.
“Sharing your love of paddlesports is no small task. Especially when you are sharing it with kids,” says Paddling Magazine’s Brenna Kelly, a veteran paddling instructor and mom of two, who dreamed up the contest. “There is a lot to consider and plan for, but the simplest adventures are sometimes the most rewarding.”
Whether it’s a first canoe trip, a SUP session with friends or a kayak adventure they’ll never forget, Paddling Magazine is looking for real stories from paddling kids who made the most of their summer.
“I really want to help our community share our passion for paddlesports because it has shaped us into what I consider to be pretty cool humans,” says Kelly. “One way Paddling Magazine is going to do this is by running a story contest for kids. It is our excuse to interrupt your social scrolling with a reminder to stop what you are doing and go on a paddling adventure with your kids, your friends’ kids or your grandkids!”
Here’s how it works:
- Go paddling.
- Go paddling again.
- Pick your most memorable paddling moment from the summer.
- Tell us all about it—and don’t forget the photos.
Kids can submit their work in either text or audio format, accompanied by photos. The contest opens September 1, 2025, and entries must be received by midnight on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
“In the fall, you can sit around the campfire or dinner table talking about some of the best paddling adventures of the summer,” says Kelly. “I am sure there will be lots of laughs. Any child between ages 3–17 can then submit their favourite memory from their paddling tales for a chance to win prizes and a chance to have their story shared in Paddling Magazine to inspire others.”
Winners will receive cool prizes and the grand prize winner will have their story featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Paddling Magazine.
“I remember my early days as a whitewater paddler and guide watching the Jackson family progress on the Ottawa River where I worked,” says Kelly. “Over time, Emily became my friend, and of course, I thought to call her up to help us put this contest on. Her and the Jackson team were stoked on the idea and jumped in with two feet. As we release the prize pack details, you may not be surprised to see some Jackson and Werner gifts!”
For full contest details and submission guidelines, visit paddlingmag.com/paddling-kids.
