Paddle Alberta Recognition Award – to recognize the efforts of a person of group who volunteer to contribute significantly to PA activities or recreational paddling in Alberta in a given year. Nominees might have participated in major promotional events or made a special effort at something that advances Paddle Alberta and/or the Alberta paddling community. Examples of actual activities that might be appropriate are volunteering a substantial amount of time to a major trade show, organizing a group to establish toilets on much-used paddling sites, extensive volunteer work in developing paddlers.

Paddle Alberta Service Award – to recognize a medium degree of volunteer service over more than two years. Typically, the recipient will be an individual who has served on more than one executive position on the Paddle Alberta executive or the executive of a member club, and who during that time has contributed significantly beyond formal expectations, and/or who has made a major contribution to recreational paddling in Alberta through work in a particular region or with a particular program or member organization.

Paddle Alberta Long Service Award – to recognize long (generally ten or more years) dedication and exceptional volunteer service to Paddle Alberta and/or to the development of recreational paddling sports in Alberta.

Paddle Alberta Patron or Professional Award – to recognize organizations, groups or individuals who have made significant contribution(s) to paddling, often going beyond typical obligations. This award is intended for those nominees that do not meet the volunteer criteria, as they may be a commercial organization, group, or individuals who received compensation for their endeavours. Examples of contributions by Nominees include monetary funding, equipment, services, program support, resource development, facilitation or administration or other such activities deemed appropriate by the selection committee and approved by the Paddle Alberta executive.