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Short Film Awards 2025

Published on janvier 29th, 2026 | by Kayak Session https://www.kayaksession.com/img-current-issue/upload-your-video.png

Short Film of the Year Awards 2025 – Final Results Announced

The Short Film Awards 2025, presented by PaddleOut and Kayak Session, was full of amazing entries! What stands out this year is the depth and range of the entries. The overall quality made judging especially demanding, a clear sign of how high the bar has been set. Beyond the action, more films are leaning into strong narratives and purposeful themes, using paddlesports as a lens to explore culture, environment, and human connection. And while we still get as excited about action-packed videos, that balance between kayak porn and meaning is what gives the awards their relevance today. As the event moves forward, it is encouraging to see filmmakers using their craft not only to entertain, but to inform, challenge, and inspire audiences in 2026.

1st place: Against the Current – Ashish Jatiani ($750 Prize)

This film follows a dedicated 14-year-old boy as he strives to reach new heights in kayaking while balancing his day-to-day responsibilities. It explores the sacrifices and challenges he and his family have faced along the way. Congrats, Ashish!

Tied 2nd place: Team HAM & A Voice from Sesia ($500 Prize equally split)

Team HAM (Zane Gardner, Emmett James, Owen Pope, Judah Harms, and Sawyer Wolfe) and friends had a blast this first school year in Bellingham. Everyone was having fun and pushing their limits, now we’re all stoked for the next one!
In the heart of Valsesia, a group of kayakers embarks on a journey through wild waters and family memories, seeking the fragile balance between humans and nature. Videography: Marco Montori.

3rd place: Power of the Stikine – Zane Gardner ($250 Prize)

Watch Zane Gardner run the Canyon of the Stikine. This year the flow window arrived early, yet 30 paddlers across four groups still managed to catch it at the same time.

4th place: JermXStakeout – Jeremy Nash

« It was such an experience chasing waves on the Mistassibi. Can’t wait to return to this skatepark of a river. There are truly no better waves for catching air and throwing tricks. Huge thanks to Leif Anderson for the motivation to drive across North America and for capturing these moments of airtime! »

5th place: A Trip To The USA – Felix Lalonde

“Dirtbaggind with these boys is always all time!”

6th place: What Does It Take – Emile Lalonde

What Does It Take reveals the hidden side of class V kayaking, the moments that never make it to social media. While the world watches perfect lines and celebrates the thrill of Class V rapids, the film explores the price behind the performance: the fear, the discipline, the injuries, the isolation, and the constant pressure to push harder. It’s a look at the sacrifices required to pursue a passion at the highest level, and a reminder that greatness is shaped as much by struggle as by success.

7th place: Nordic Flow – Daniel Rudolph

A group of friends set out on a summer journey to Northern Norway, aiming to paddle the legendary multi-day runs of Glomåga and Lomsdalen. Relentless rain, however, closed the door on those plans. The upside: countless tributaries around Trofors and Mo i Rana came alive, offering powerful slides, waterfalls, and endless whitewater. The highlight came above the Arctic Circle, where two rare days of sunshine revealed pristine rivers and unforgettable runs.

8th place: A Dying Breed – Jack Rawding

Kayakers from Canada, the States, and from all over seas gather for a season on the Ottawa River. What started as a fun hobby turned into something bigger than could have ever anticipated for.

9th place: Zamsteezy – Benny Convery

The Zambezi is probably one of the greatest big water playgrounds in the world and being able to spend 7 weeks there was a dream come true.

Special Prize: Railroaded: Rebuilding in the Nolichucky Gorge – Trey Moore

This film tells the story of a river and the community that refused to give up. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, residents, guides, and volunteers along the Nolichucky came together to restore their river, rebuild livelihoods, and protect the place they love. Through stunning footage and powerful interviews, this short documentary captures resilience, recovery, and the enduring spirit of the Nolichucky Gorge.

The four prize winners will be contacted by email to receive their prizes.

The top 10 was selected by the Editorial Team at Kayak Session. Short films were judged on number of views, cinematography, editing, image quality, storytelling, creativity, and, of course, kayak performance.

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