The canoe film Dougie Down the Pet, featuring Rapid and Canoeroots publisher Scott MacGregor and his son Dougie, part of the new DVD This is Canoeing by Justine Curgenven wins the Best Professional Documentary at the National Paddling Film Festival. Here's a 90 second preview.



Writing the above news piece in third person is a little strange. Please allow me to tell you more about this film, as the father of the leading man... Dougie.


When Justine approached me with her idea of creating a true canoeing film, I was hooked and begged her to let Canoeroots sponsor the film. I've seen what she has done to sea kayak adventure films and knew she'd pump the same life and energy into canoeing.

The cast of the 12 chapters of This is Canoeing is a who's who of canoeing. A wonderful cross-section and look into the niches of canoeing today. Birch bark, waterfall creeking, slalom gates, northern expeditions and canoe dance add up you can say to, this is canoeing. Except, I thought looking at the line up of talent and topics, it missed the family camping trip. Perhaps the largest and most popular of all things canoeing. And so, the idea of Dougie Down the Pet was born.

"Seeing the journey though a young boy's eyes reminds us all of the simple joys of adventure and the thrill of spending time in the natural world," says Curgenven after her film won the NPFF award. "I really enjoyed making this film and had a wonderful four days paddling down the Petawawa with Scott, Dougie and their friend Paul. I am convinced that if all parents introduced their kids to the great outdoors at such a young age the world will be a better place in 20 years time."

"Scott McGregor gives parents and prospective parents hope that their outdoor experiences can continue with their kids with just a few modifications, and Dougie's enthusiasm and curiosity is delightful. We can all remember starting out paddling and I hope this film reminds people of the joys and excitement of those first journeys, while inspiring them to get out and have more adventures themselves."

And what did Dougie think of the fact his film has won both our Reel Paddling Film Festival Best Canoeing film and the NPFF awards? He asked if Buddy was in it. Buy the full film (and get 11 more amazing canoe films) to find out. www.cackletv.com