Latest ACA Website

http://www.americancanoe.org/ will never be the same...

• enhanced search capabailities for instructors, clubs & watertrails



• online forms



• even an ACA YouTube Channel!

Once you see the above picture as the website header, you'll know you're on the new and improved ACA website.

If you need any assistance, please contact any ACA staff member.

Surf on!

Please note, it might take some time for the new website to appear in all online browsers.

ACA Canoeing Trip in Oregon

One of Slickrock Expeditions favorite western canoe trips, this is a 100-mile excursion down the fast-flowing Wallowa-Grande Ronde River as it winds through the remote Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington. Western Whitewater describes the Grande Ronde as “one of the most scenic river trips in the Pacific Northwest.” And Oregon River Tours says, “There are few river trips in Oregon that can surpass the Grande Ronde as a wilderness experience.” The Wallowa-Grande Ronde flows north out of Oregon’s Elkhorn and Wallowa Mountains ("the Oregon Alps"), in the northeastern corner of the state, enters Washington, then curves east and joins the Snake River, at Heller’s Bar, on the Idaho border. The Grande Ronde’s water is clear and fast, with a whitewater rating of Class II-II+. While paddling and camping through beautiful western canyons up to 3000’ deep, we’ll see the landscape various dramatically from lush green forests to treeless rimrock. On past trips we have seen deer, elk, bear, bighorn sheep, moose, coyotes, river otters, and eagles. We’ll canoe the river for 5 days, coming out at Heller’s Bar, then settle in for a comfortable night and breakfast at the Reflections Inn B&B, along the Clearwater River, in Idaho. As a “paddling extra,” on the last day we’ll canoe a beautiful Class II stretch of the South Fork of the Clearwater, then drive to Boise along the scenic Salmon and Payette Rivers. Trip starts and ends in Boise. Cost includes transportation from Boise, boats and all paddling gear, all camping equipment, food, shuttling, and the final night and breakfast at the Reflections Inn. Sign up and bring your clothing; everything else will be ready to go when you arrive!

• Dates: July 3-10, 2011


• Cost: $1,675.00 per person


• Registration: Contact Slickrock Expeditions (slickrock@dnet.net / 828-293-3999)

www.americancanoe.org

New ACA Website - launched!

That's right, the new ACA website is now officially live!

Please visit www.americancanoe.org

Once you see the above picture as the website header, you'll know you're on the new and improved ACA website.

If you need any assistance, please contact any ACA staff member.

Enjoy!

Please note, it might take some time for the new website to appear in all online browsers.

Jeremy Oyen Update

The ACA would like to thank Director of Safety Education, Instruction & Outreach Jeremy Oyen for his years of service at the ACA National Office.

Jeremy has recently accepted a position with REI's Outdoor School.

Jeremy’s diverse background includes: canoe guide in Canada, Outdoor Retail Store Manager, and Director of Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors. Jeremy joined the ACA Staff as Director of the SEI Department in 2006. He holds the following ACA certifications:

• ITE Level 3: Coastal Kayaking


• IT Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking


• IT Level 3: River Canoeing


• IT Level 2: Essentials of Canoe Touriung


• IT Adaptive Paddling


• Instructor Level 3: River Kayak

Please wish he and his family all the best in their future endeavors and we hope to see him on the water soon! Letter from Jeremy:

It is with excitement, nervousness and a bit of sadness that I send you this letter to let you know that my tenure with the ACA National Office is coming to a close. I have accepted a position with REI to fill the role of Curriculum and Training Specialist for REI. The past 5 years has been an excellent example of what we can do when we work together. A great deal has been done through the combined efforts of the instructors in the field, the SEIC and the National Office Staff. This is clearly evident when you look at the courses and resources that have been produced and are available to paddlers of all abilities and levels. Please know that I will continue to support the ACA in any way possible and hope to continue the friendship with each of you on a personal and professional level. I welcome any and all correspondence with you via email or in‐person. Thanks and I hope to see you out on the water! Jeremy

Kayaking in the Bahamas

ACA Members Only Trip:

Paddle the beautiful Southern Exuma Cays, the most beautiful place on earth, on our kayak adventure! Seven mile paddle days between secluded beaches await adventurists and relaxers alike. Snorkeling, shelling, fishing, and bird watching are just some of the daily activities that await you on the adventure you'll remember forever. This excursion is a guided island to island sea kayaking adventure in the Exuma Cays. First and last nights' lodging, dinner the night before and all meals and beverages while camping are included, as well as boats, camping and snorkeling gear, round trip airport transfers and internal transportation, and services of O.I.E staff.

• Dates: June 11-18, 2011


• Cost: $1,395.00 per person


• Registration: Contact Out Island Explorers (goexuma@outislandexplorers.com / 256-365-5686)

www.americancanoe.org

RFPs for National Paddlesports Conference

The deadline for RFPs for the 2012 through 2015 ACA National Paddlesports Conferences is one week away.

Want to bring the ACA's signature event to your community? We'd love to hear from you!

Besides the educational component of the conference, it's designed to be FUN for attendees as well as the local community.

Learn more...

ACA National Paddlesports Conference

National Paddlesports Conference - Presenters

Be a part of the ACA's signature event, and give back to the paddlesports community all at once...send in a proposal.

• Deadline for all proposals is Friday, April 29th

Save the Date

Save the date:

• September 30 - October 2, 2011


• Louisville, KY


• 
  
  ACA National Paddlesports Conference

Guiness Book of World Records - Canoe & Kayak

CLEVELAND METROPARKS "GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS CANOE & KAYAK CHALLENGE" HAS BEEN CHALLENGED!

Flashback 10 years ago….gas prices were $1.72, number one song was “All for You” by Janet Jackson, “Shrek” was the top movie, and Cleveland Metroparks set a new Guinness Book of World Record with 776 canoes and kayaks held together to form a giant raft on water at one time! Seven years later, Inlet, New York broke the record with 1,104 boats, and Pittsburgh holds the current record set June 2010 with 1,800 boats.

In a little over two months, Cleveland Metroparks will attempt to RECLAIM the Guinness Book of World Records with the “Canoe & Kayak Challenge” on Saturday, May 21 at Hinckley Lake in Hinckley Reservation.

With that being said, representatives from Inlet, New York have called to wish Cleveland Metroparks good luck, but to also be made aware that they plan on challenging any record Cleveland Metroparks might set, as they plan to set a new record in September 2011. So, Cleveland Metroparks needs your help to not only break the record, but to set the record so high, that other cities will need hundreds more to just even tie the record!

Don’t just read about history, help make history with Cleveland Metroparks.

Registration information is available at the official website: canoeandkayakchallenge.blogspot.com

ACA Job Openings

Two Job Openings at the ACA

Job Announcement: ACA Stewardship Coordinator

Application Deadline: May 13th

Description: The Stewardship Coordinator position has primary oversight of the development and management of the ACA’s new nationwide water clean-up program. In addition, this position will serve as the primary point of contact for all paddlesports related stewardship questions, development and promotion of WaterTrails and will manage the ACA’s Club Fostered Stewardship Grant program. This position will work with other staff, volunteers, the general public, and the appropriate committees and councils of the ACA. The Stewardship Coordinator must work with a high level of diligence and courtesy while enforcing a national standard of care.

Job Announcement: ACA Safety Education & Instruction Coordinator Position

Application Deadline: This Monday - April 18th

Description: The Safety Education & Instruction Coordinator position has primary oversight of the day to day management of the National Paddlesports Instruction Program. This includes working with other staff, individual instructors, the general public, and the appropriate committees and councils of the ACA. The SEI Coordinator must work with a high level of diligence and courtesy while enforcing a national paddlesports standard.

For complete information, download either job description from http://www.americancanoe.org/

ECCKF - This Weekend

Looking for something to do?

Consider driving to Charleston, SC this weekend for the annual East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival...sponsored by Subaru and the ACA.

ECCKF

Oregon Rivers

Photo credit to Dave Jensen.

Great news for the upcoming ACA Excursion to the Grande Ronde River in Oregon:

Read access article

Go to http://www.americancanoe.org/ and click on 2011 Excursions to learn more about this ACA member's only trip with master guide Burt Kornegay of Slickrock Expeditions.

Stewardship Coordinator position

New Position Created

Job Announcement: ACA Stewardship Coordinator

Application Deadline: May 13th

Description: The Stewardship Coordinator position has primary oversight of the development and management of the ACA’s new nationwide water clean-up program. In addition, this position will serve as the primary point of contact for all paddlesports related stewardship questions, development and promotion of WaterTrails and will manage the ACA’s Club Fostered Stewardship Grant program. This position will work with other staff, volunteers, the general public, and the appropriate committees and councils of the ACA. The Stewardship Coordinator must work with a high level of diligence and courtesy while enforcing a national standard of care.

For complete information, download either job description from http://www.americancanoe.org/

East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival

Charleston, SC

Join the ACA Staff and a wide range of ACA Instructors and Instructor Trainers at the East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival this weekend in Charleston, SC.

Come out to James Island County Park and immerse yourself in a full weekend of the history, technique, hands-on experience, and fun of canoeing and kayaking. The East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival includes lectures, on-water classes, and demonstrations directed to the novice and the experienced paddler. The heart of the festival is 4 classrooms run simultaneously throughout the 3-day event. Refine your skills in a master class presented by many of the leading experts in the paddling world. Learn new strokes, rescues, or rolls with expert instruction.

Meet other knowledgeable paddle sport enthusiasts. Dozens of commercial exhibitors will be on-hand to give you a chance to try before you buy. At the East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival, you will be able to test boats, paddles, and accessories on the water at the festival site. You will also have the opportunity to speak with equipment designers and manufacturers throughout the weekend.

ECCKF

Virginia Collegiate Canoe & Kayak Race

Five schools competed in the ACA Virginia Canoe & Kayak Collegiate Championships over the weekend on the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg.

Both whitewater and flatwater sections were raced on in both canoes and kayaks.

Participating teams:

• University of Virginia


• Viginia Commonwealth University


• Sweetbriar College


• Hollins University


• University of Mary Washington

Choose Your Magazine - Tomorrow!

ACA Members, tomorrow, April 12, is the next deadline.

Choose which one of Rapid Media's four titles you would like delivered to your mailbox or inbox!

Choose your magazine...

Paddlesports Education - Job Announcement

Job Announcement: ACA Safety Education & Instruction Coordinator Position

Description: The Safety Education & Instruction Coordinator position has primary oversight of the day to day management of the National Paddlesports Instruction Program. This includes working with other staff, individual instructors, the general public, and the appropriate committees and councils of the ACA. The SEI Coordinator must work with a high level of diligence and courtesy while enforcing a national paddlesports standard.

Deadline for cover letter and resumes: Monday, April 18th

For complete information, download the SEI Coordinator Job Description from http://www.americancanoe.org/

From Scott MacGregor

Dear ACA Member,

CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR ACA MEMBERHIP BENEFIT MAGAZINE

Last fall the American Canoe Association announced they were suspending the publishing of Paddler magazine and are now offering our Rapid Media magazines as a membership benefit. ACA members now have the choice of Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots or Kayak Angler magazines and you have the choice of how you’d like to read them—print or digital.

If you haven’t selected one (if you have please ignore this message) of our titles you’ve probably received an issue of Canoeroots. We hope you enjoyed Canoeroots, but if you’d rather receive Rapid, Adventure Kayak or Kayak Angler please click here to choose before Tuesday, April 12, 2011.

To give you a better idea of what each title and to help in your decision making, follow the links to digital versions of Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots and Kayak Angler.

You may also choose to purchase additional (at a special ACA discount, save $3 each) magazine subscriptions.

But again, please due so before Tuesday. Please take a minute to complete the simple form so we’re able to send you the paddling magazine(s) you’re most passionate about.

Sincerely,

Scott MacGregor

Founder and Publisher

Rapid Media–We Paddle, We Care

NOTE: If we don’t hear from you by next Tuesday, we’ll keep sending you Canoeroots magazine.

Reminder RFPs Due this month

Don't forget, if you would like the ACA to bring it's signature event to your community...

...submit a Request by Friday, April 29th.

Learn more about the National Paddlesports Conference.

William Nealy - Holly Wallace

April 5, 2011

Menasha Ridge Press is saddened to report that Holly Wallace, wife and inspiration of paddling legend William Nealy died at the age of 56 on April 1st of complications following abdominal surgery. Holly was a co-founder of Menasha Ridge and served as its national sales manager during the 1980s. Diagnosed in her early twenties with rheumatoid arthritis, a progressive, painful, and debilitating disease, Holly appeared on the cover of Newsweek in 1987 as a spokesman for those suffering this condition. Disease notwithstanding, no one embraced life more, or lived it more fully than Holly Wallace.

Her courage and positive attitude in the face of great adversity were an inspiration for all who knew her.

-Rachel Freytag

Menasha Ridge Press

New ACA Website Update

It's coming soon...

Later this month the ACA will be launching a completely redesigned website.

A few of the improved features:

• Easier navigation


• Enhanced event calendar


• Ability to search for paddling clubs, instructors & watertrails


• Online forms for instructors


• Ability to clubs and divisions to communicate with their members via custom eNewsletters, blogs and forums

Stay tuned to www.americancanoe.org

If you need to join or renew, please call or email the ACA Membership Department.

New ACA Member Benefit

Ever in western North Carolina near the famous:

• Looking Glass
• Sliding Rock
• Davidson River
• or the Dupont State Forest

If so, drop in Looking Glass Outfitters in Pisgah Forest as they now offer a discount if you show your ACA Membership card.

One of many ACA Member Benefits.

ACA Job Announcement

Job Announcement: ACA Safety Education & Instruction Coordinator Position

Description: The Safety Education & Instruction Coordinator position has primary oversight of the day to day management of the National Paddlesports Instruction Program. This includes working with other staff, individual instructors, the general public, and the appropriate committees and councils of the ACA. The SEI Coordinator must work with a high level of diligence and courtesy while enforcing a national paddlesports standard.

For complete information, download the SEI Coordinator Job Description from http://www.americancanoe.org/

Congratulations to Paul Sanford

The ACA announces the departure of our Director of Stewardship & Public Policy, Paul Sanford.



Paul joined the ACA Staff in 2004 and has been a driving force in representing paddlers and the environment on a range of initiatives, from access to the Chattooga River to TMDL's in the Chesapeake Bay to the BLM's western recreation policies.



In addition, Paul also served as the ACA's General Counsel, providing guidance on a wide range of issues.



Paul has taken a position as the new Recreation Director at the Wilderness Society.

We wish him all the best in this new endeavor and look forward to crossing blades with him on the water soon.