The Canoe & Kayak Awards is a forum for the paddling community to recognize excellence in our sport. Winners are nominated by their peers and chosen by everyday paddlers. The Canoe & Kayak Awards celebrate all aspects of our sport, with a very simple bottom line: Which paddlers, expeditions, films and causes most inspire our readers to seek out their own paddling adventures.

C&K editors polled 30 accomplished paddlers, adventurers and filmmakers with deep experience in every paddling discipline. We asked this nominating committee to name the paddlers, expeditions and films that they feel best represent the sport of paddling, based on their accomplishments during the year ending July 1, 2012.

C&K staff and contributors finalized the nominees, based on the number of peer nominations, consultation with the committee, and some very difficult discretionary calls.

Then, we put it to the people. We invited the paddling community to go to CKAwards.com to vote for their favorite paddlers, and the most inspiring expeditions, worthiest causes and best paddling films. You, the reader, decide. That is what the Canoe & Kayak Awards ultimately is all about.

Male Paddler of the Year
The year’s most-inspiring male paddler. This award is given irrespective of discipline; it’s about going big, going often and inspiring others.

Female Paddler of the Year
The year’s most-inspiring female paddler. This award is given irrespective of discipline; it’s about going big, going often and inspiring others.

Expedition of the Year
The wildest, toughest, most-committing and historically significant paddling expedition of the year. This award is given irrespective of discipline. Multisport expeditions are eligible if paddling is integral to the mission.

Paddle with Purpose
The most-inspiring paddling effort, organization or expedition devoted to a philanthropic cause.

Movie of the Year
This award is given irrespective of genre, and with no strict limit on length or format. The year’s best film paddling, period.

Reel of the Year
The best trailer, highlight reel or film clip produced exclusively for the web.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded for lifelong contributions to the sport of paddling and the rivers, lakes and oceans where we paddle. This award is determined by C&K staff in consultation with the Nominating Committee.