ACA Job Opportunities

Interested in working in paddlesports?

The ACA, the nation's oldest paddlesports non-profit organization, has just announced two job position openings:

• Competition Coordinator
• Paddlesports Training Grant Coordinator

Please visit www.americancanoe.org/employment for complete information.

Adirondack Canoe Symposium

              The Adirondack Canoe Symposium 2013 
                      July 7-13, Ray Brook NY 12977

The 2013 Adirondack Canoeing Symposium is on scenic Wolf Pond in Ray Brook New York. For 2013, the Symposium expands to seven days to allow participants to explore the mountains and split course studies with a rest day.  

Mornings focus on solo coursework emphasizing competent paddling; extreme heels and stances relegated to specific courses.  Paddlers may mix courses in Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday groupings. 

Tandem coursework occurs afternoons to allow solo paddlers to experience FreeStyle’s duality in two groupings.  Afternoon Special Solo Topics include Paddling the Inside Circle, Sit & Switch Touring, Creek Running, Canadian Style Solo, High Kneel Thrusts, Gimbals and Private sessions with an Instructor of choice.  

The expanded format allows paddlers to pick two separate instructional tracks and combine courses with recreational options. Opt for the day-long paddle trip including instruction with NYS Guide Griz Caudle and others of the Instructor corps or spend a day hiking, golfing, shopping or site seeing in the High Peaks.  The Symposium is a relaxed vacation opportunity for paddlers and their non-paddling family.  

Email charliewilson77@gmail.com with questions or to register.

The Adirondack [Technical] Canoeing Symposium offers a relaxing immersion in the skill intensive sport of Canoeing.  Come tune-up your canoe!

Outdoor Alliance for Kids

It's Great Outdoors America Week!  The Outdoor Alliance for Kids and their partners are hosting the Kids, Youth and the Great Outdoors Festival and Walk on the National Mall today from 1:00-4:00 pm.  The festival will be a fun-filled afternoon of nature-based recreation and learning opportunities including kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes, birds, hikes and more!  It will be followed by a press conference and a fun walk along the National Mall to the Capitol Steps for a Great Outdoors America Week group photo.

The ACA is very excited to partner with the Outdoor Alliance for Kids in their efforts to expand the number of opportunities for children, youth and families to connect with the outdoors.

Kayak + Fishing = Fun

Kids just want to have fun!

This past Saturday, the ACA partnered with Outdoor Nation and other local organizations and put on a kayak fishing event for underserved youth from the Greater Richmond Virginia area. The event was held at the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Warsaw, Virginia. 20 youth from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Greater Richmond & Tri-Cities were taken fishing along the pond banks and on kayaks. The day was filled with fun and excitement as many children experienced the joy of fishing and kayaking for the first time. The program was designed to encourage youth to explore the benefits of a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle through human powered recreation and sustainable fishing practices. The educaiton they received in regards to safe boating - for example, wearing a life jacket - can be transferred to any future boating activity, whether its paddle, sail, or power based. 

The kayaks and fishing equipment used were donated to Blue Sky Fund, a youth engagement organization, with the intention of replicating the event in the future and exposing more youth to the joys and benefits of kayak fishing. The youth who participated this past Saturday and their chaperones were connected with local resources for paddling, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities at the end of the event.

Western North Carolina River Rescue Rodeo

Save the date! The Western North Carolina River Rescue Rodeo is September 29!

10 teams of five members with either canoes or decked boats will compete in a variety of river rescue events for over $1,000 worth of prizes.

The event is based at the Dillsboro River Company's put-in.

For more info, click here.

Steve Scherrer, an ACA Instructor Trainer

Looking for something to enjoy with your Saturday morning coffee? Check out this video from the "We are Confluence" series that features Steve Scherrer, an ACA Instructor Trainer. 

Steve began working with Confluence in 1986 as a dealer and now he is their Training and Technical Specialist. 

So get to know Steve while you enjoy your cup of Joe!

Finger Lakes Paddle Fest & Skills Week

Finger Lakes Paddle Fest and Skills Week

Please save the dates (June 29 – July 7, 2013) and plan to join us for all or part of the Finger Lakes Paddle Fest and Skills Week, which will be held in the spectacular setting of Cayuga Lake near Ithaca, NY.  The Paddle Fest is a multi-disciplinary event that will be fun, exciting and informative. There will be full-day and half-day classes and trips offered in sea kayaking, canoeing and SUP. The range of classes will meet the needs of paddlers at all ability levels.  There will also be classes designed just for kids (ages 7-12).  

Come learn basic, intermediate or advanced strokes and rescues; discover the art of navigation; learn to roll or learn new rolls; enhance your Greenland skills, try SUP Yoga and much more.
In addition to the classes, there will also be a series of FREE evening events that will include:
• A rolling demonstration by Greenland champion Alison Sigethy
• A “hands on” Outrigger Canoe demonstration
• Sunset and 4^th of July fireworks paddles and
• Slide show presentations on paddling in Baja and Greenland
The Finger Lakes region is a great paddling destination with rolling hills, spectacular waterfalls, wineries all over the place and easy access to the great shops and restaurants in the nearby, very vibrant city of Ithaca.  And there is a huge paddling community in the region, so you’ll have the opportunity to make a lot of new friends.
We’ve pulled together a great team of instructors for this event, including Alison Sigethy, Rick Wiebush, Jennifer Miller, Mike Cavanaugh and more!  These folks are not only top-notch paddlers, but also very patient and supportive instructors.
You can view the full schedule, course descriptions, and instructor profiles by using the following link. The link can also take you to the registration page.
http://www.crosscurrentsseakayaking.com/#!paddle-fest
Please also visit the Paddle Fest page on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finger-Lakes-Paddle-Fest-and-Skills-Week/377274165718650?ref=hl
The Paddle Fest is jointly hosted by local outfitter Paddle-N-More (Lansing, NY) and Cross Currents Sea Kayaking (Baltimore, MD). We hope you can join us. If you have any questions or need more information, contact Rick Wiebush at rwiebush@gmail.com or call 410.788.1241.

A Paddle Green Event

The ACA is teaming up with Maine Island Trail Association for their 25th anniversary. Join us for family-friendly events, boat demos, instruction by ACA instructors, and a short paddle to Fort Gorges. Clean the shorelines, attend workshops, listen to guest speakers, view the exhibits and enjoy an evening party!

The event takes place on Saturday, August 31 on the East End Beach in Portland, Maine.

Email events@mita.org for full details! 

SUP With Your PUP

A paddleboard would be a lot more exciting than this.

Learning how to stand up paddle with your dog can be a rewarding experience for both of you, if it's done with care.  How to SUP With Your PUP guides you through simple training and is designed to make the learning process smooth and safe for human and pup.  It includes everything you and your dog need to SUP  - from types of gear to a full training plan.

Maria Christina Schultz, outdoor enthusiast and ACA certified Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor, lives in Virginia with her husband and two Australian shepherds, Riley and Kona.  Shultz, who works as a graphic designer, also has a degree in education and hands-on experience in animal training.  She created this "how to" guide so that others can enjoy similar adventures with their best friends.  How to SUP With Your PUP is her first book and can be purchased from the ACA eStore.

Welcome Wet Planet Whitewater

Wet Planet Whitewater, conveniently located on the banks of the White Salmon River in Washington has become the ACA's newest Pro School!  The Wet Planet facilities host an on-site rolling pool and provide the perfect classroom for any level kayaker.  They can even provide all the necessary equipment.

In addition to kayak instruction, Wet Planet also offers rafting day trips, multi-day river trips, river rescue classes and international river adventure trips.  

Learn the tricks of the trade from Wet Planet Whitewater's professional instructors.

Location:  White Salmon, WA
Contact:  reservations@wetplanetwhitewater.com, or email:  jaco@wetplanetwhitewater.com
Phone:  800-306-1673
www.wetplanetwhitewater.com

Happy Father's Day!

From all of us at the ACA office, we wish our father's and yours a very happy day!! Here are some pictures of our staff with the people who matter most to them on this special day.
 

 

Kokatat Instructor of the Month - June

 

 The ACA is pleased to announce our June Kokatat Instructor of the Month is Steve Busch from Binghampton, New York!

Steve has been involved in paddling since the 1970's and was first certified as an ACA instructor in 1987. He was influenced early on in his paddling career by legendary paddler, Tom Foster. Steve's favorite river run is New York's Fish Creek, which has over 10 miles of class three play. Steve is a retired Physical Education teacher and aquatics director, and with the help of the ACA, grew his school's paddling program to include kayaking rolling, canoe instruction, and introductory whitewater trips to nearby rivers. Steve still teaches kayaking, canoeing, and SUP as an adjunct professor at Binghampton University and ZOAR Outdoor Programs. 

Do you know someone who should be a Kokatat featured Instructor? Click here and nominate them to be next month's Kokatat Instructor of the Month!

South Platte RiverFest, June 22 & 23

Don't forget next weekend is Denver's South Platte RiverFest.  The Greenway Foundation's new signature event, the Coors Light South Platte RiverFest presented by REI, will be held on June 22nd and 23rd at Confluence Park in downtown Denver, CO.  This free two-day event will feature Stand Up Paddleboarding lessons and demos, live music, food, and drink while highlighting local businesses and non-profits.  

The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 22nd; and from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 23rd.

The RiverFest will be an inclusive event, with a little something for everyone.  For a detailed schedule visit: South Platte RiverFest website.

Swiftwater Rescue Conference - Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for the ACA's Swiftwater Rescue Conference this fall.

Speakers include:

• Les Bechdel
• Slim Ray
• Charlie Walbridge
• Mike Mather
• Jim Coffey
• Justin Padgett
• Sam Fowlkes
• Robin Pope
• Aaron Peeler
• Ken Kastorff
• Walter Felton
• Will Leverette
• and more...

  

Space is limited to the first 100 people, so reserve your place today.

WWOCD Competition this Weekend!

The 2013 Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver Competition is this Sunday, June 17 - Wednesday, June 19 on the Nantahala River in North Carolina! 

The downriver race course will be the full eight miles of the Nantahala, from Patton's Run through Nantahala Falls. The sprint races will be on the top mile of the river, from above Patton's Run to the Winding Stairs Road bridge. It is estimated that competitors will take approximately 50 to 75 minutes to complete the downriver course and eight to 10 minutes to complete the sprint course. 

The location of the races for the younger age group classes will be determined at the time of the event.

Click here to register for the event. 

Click here for more information on the event and a full schedule. 

Worldwide Voyage Update!

Over the weekend, the Polynesian Voyaging Society launched its Worldwide Voyage. Two voyaging canoes set sail on a 36-month expedition, navigating 46,000 miles of waterways going to 21 countries with 65 planned land falls.
On the Pacific leg of the journey, the crew will sail without  any modern instruments or technology and use only traditional Polynesian navigational techniques.

The mission of the voyage is to "navigate toward a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves, our home (the Hawaiian Islands), and our Island Earth through voyaging and new ways of learning." 

The ACA staff and Board Members were in Hilo, Hawaii to help launch the voyaging canoes on their journey. ACA Executive Director, Wade Blackwood, and ACA Board Member, Kirk Havens, gave the Polynesian Voyaging Society a commemorative plaque at the Worldwide Voyage ceremony. 

The ACA will continue to support the Worldwide Voyage and will be assisting in the coordination of the canoes east coast landings along the United States in 2016. 

For more info on this amazing voyage, click here. 

PVS Worldwide Voyage Update!

Hōkūle‘a passing Pololu and heading towards Hilo

The Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia, two voyaging canoes getting ready to set sail on a 36-month voyage around the world, landed in Hilo, Hawaii late last night. The two canoes were in Kawaihae for several days waiting out rough conditions. Fortunately, the Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia were able to travel to Hilo for a ceremony that will kickoff the Worldwide Voyage. 

During their 36-month expedition, the crew of the Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia will navigate 46,000 miles of waterways going to 21 countries with 65 planned land falls. 

The ACA Board of Directors and staff will be attending the kickoff ceremony tomorrow showing their support of the Worldwide Voyage. 

For more information on this historic voyage, click here. 

Register for the First Annual Sea Kayak Georgia ACA Paddlesport Week

This could be you!

The 2013 SKG ACA Paddlesport Week is designed to allow paddlers to come together as a community to give and receive knowledge, to see old friends and welcome new ones.

Courses are conducted from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Full day courses allow the student to immerse himself in the skills progression each course offers. Courses are available for all skills levels and everyone is invited.  

For detailed information about courses being offered and registration, visit:  Sea Kayak Georgia.

2013 Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver Competition

  
The 2013 Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver Competition will take place June 16 - 19 on the Nantahala River in North Carolina.

This exhilarating race is sponsored by the ACA, CBoats.net, and the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

To register online, click here. 

For more information, contact the Race Director, Keith Havens. 

SWR Conference - Online Registration Approaching

Next Wednesday, June 12th, online registration will open for the SWR Conference, space will be limited.

A list of speakers and topics is already on the ACA website.

Mark your calendars, only the first 100 people get to attend...

Polynesian Voyaging Society's Worldwide Voyage

On June 9th, the Polynesian Voyaging Society launches its Worldwide Voyage. Two voyaging canoes will set sail on a 36-month expedition, navigating 46,000 miles of waterways going to 21 countries with 65 planned land falls.
On the Pacific leg of the journey, the crew will sail without any modern instruments or technology and use only traditional Polynesian navigational skills.

The mission of the voyage is to "navigate toward a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves, our home (the Hawaiian Islands), and our Island Earth through voyaging and new ways of learning." 

Map of the canoe's route

As part of the ACA's heritage and stewardship program, the ACA will be assisting in the coordination of the U.S. east coast leg of the Worldwide Voyage.

The ACA Board of Directors and staff will also be part of the historic launch in Hilo, Hawaii.

Click here to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime trip.  To watch a short video on the voyage, click here.