Your Chance to Influence the Future of Paddlesports Education

The National On-Water Standards Team, funded by US Coast Guard grants, is seeking input from recreational paddling and rowing educators across the nation. Do you have a few minutes? Complete this survey and make your voice heard!

This is your opportunity to impact the development of free recreational paddling and rowing (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, etc) standards/rubrics that can be voluntarily used by educators when developing boating courses. 

Take the survey today! 

For more information, please contact K. Brian Dorval, On-Water Standards Facilitator at 716-994-2842 or brian@thinkfirstserve.com

Calling all Kayak Fishers!

Are you covered? If you're a kayaking group or organization with a fishing component, your group may be eligible to participate in the ACA insurance program as a Paddle America Club or an Affiliate Organization. 

Ready to learn more? Visit our website, or contact the ACA Insurance Department today. 

Volunteers Needed for a Clean-Up in Fredericksburg, VA

Please join us for a clean-up this Saturday in Fredericksburg, VA. Protect the Rapp from marine debris!

What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into our beloved Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

More info here. 

Can't make it to the clean-up this Saturday? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form.  

Telling a New Story About Iraq's Natural Resources

The ACA is proud to support the Rawanduz River Expedition, a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the endangered rivers in Iraq.

Environmental protection in Iraq is complicated by negative perceptions of the country. The Rawanduz River Expedition is hoping to change these attitudes by showing people the true beauty of Iraq's waterways, inspiring stewardship and conservation of the region's last wild rivers. 

The Rawanduz Gorge.

What is the Purpose of the Expedition?

Championed by Nature Iraq, an Iraqi non-governmental organization, the Rawanduz River Expedition has two main goals: 

1. Lead a kayak expedition down the Rawanduz River of Kurdistan, northern Iraq, in the spring of 2014 with a team of professional kayakers, river advocates, and a videographer who will conduct outreach to local communities raising awareness about river threats.
2. Tell the story of the expedition through a short film, which will chronicle this record-setting first kayak expedition down the full length of the Rawanduz River in northern Iraq. The film will be used to raise awareness locally and internationally, showcasing the tourism potential of these rivers and demonstrating how they can be protected and used sustainably. 

How Can I Help?
First, read the full press release here, or watch the video below to learn more:

Then, be sure to visit the expedition's official indiegogo campaign site to show your support for this important project. 

The ACA is proud to be an official sponsor of the Rawanduz River Expedition (as well as its predecessor project, the Tigris River Flotilla.) For more information, please contact ACA International Paddlesports Ambassador, Dave Burden. 

New Membership Benefit - 2 Free Nights of Tent Camping on Sugar Island

Welcome Sign at Sugar Island

Sugar Island is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario, Canada, which is an international tourism destination near the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. The 35-acre island is privately owned by the ACA and is available to all members for year round use - and now, new ACA members receive 2 FREE nights of camping!

The island is rustic with no modern amenities. It is a pristine, pure environment with crystal clear water, clean air, and beautiful night skies.  Swim, snorkel, fish, paddle, sail, or simply relax. Take advantage of this great ACA member benefit and make your reservation today!

Sunset at Sugar Island

Top 3 Reasons to Join the ACA as an Outfitter, Livery or Guide

Our newest membership type is designed specifically for outfitter, livery and guide (OLG) services. 

In addition to the regular benefits of ACA membership, OLGs also receive:

1. INSURANCE - You'll get access to a broad selection of exclusive insurance products, all at a special rate.
2. PROMOTION - All outfitter, livery and guide members receive recognition across the ACA's different social media networks, Water Blog, and Journal of Paddlesport Education monthly enewsletter.
3. RAPID MEDIA SUBSCRIPTION - You'll get a free 1-year subscription to each of the 4 Rapid Media magazine titles. 

Visit our website to read about all the benefits to this newest type of membership, and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. We'll help you decide which type of membership is best for you!

Tell Us Your Story!

ACA membership attracts all kinds of paddlers—from first-timers to seasoned instructors. What inspired YOU to join? What's your favorite part about ACA membership? 

Tell us what being an ACA member means to you (in 200 words or less), and we'll feature our favorite responses on our blog, Facebook page, and/or print publications!

Please email all submissions to: clloyd@americancanoe.org 

Don't forget to include a picture or two. 

Influence the Future of Paddlesport Education

The National On-Water Standards Team, funded by US Coast Guard grants, is seeking input from recreational paddling and rowing educators across the nation. Do you have a few minutes? Complete this survey and make your voice heard!

This is your opportunity to impact the development of free recreational paddling and rowing (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, etc) standards/rubrics that can be voluntarily used by educators when developing boating courses. 

Take the survey today! 

For more information, please contact K. Brian Dorval, On-Water Standards Facilitator at 716-994-2842 or brian@thinkfirstserve.com

An Easy Way to Support the ACA

Amazon Smile is the same Amazon site you know, with one difference--it donates a portion of proceeds to the charity of your choice. 

The ACA is registered through the site, so all you have to do is start shopping from this link and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the ACA. We recommend bookmarking the above link so you can easily access it every time you need to make an Amazon purchase. 

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. Thank you!

Florida Canoe Symposium

Want to improve your paddling skills? Sign up for the Florida Canoe Symposium scheduled for March 21-24, 2014. 

The FCS offers courses in a range of skill levels, all taught by ACA certified instructors! 

Get your paddle wet before the ice melts. Learn more about the FCS today!

ACA SUP Instructor Circumnavigates Puerto Rico

Today is the day ACA certified SUP instructor, Mike Simpson, embarks on his 273 nautical mile circumnavigation of Puerto Rico! 

Best known for his epic 2,000+ mile self-supported paddleboard expedition from Florida to Maine, Mike's latest adventure is something he's been planning for over a year. He hopes to raise awareness about ocean pollution during his voyage.

"I'd heard the stories about large amounts of garbage in the ocean, but until I saw it first-hand along the entire eastern seaboard I really had no idea how serious it was," said Mike. "Plastic bottles are so convenient, but it's important for people to realize that convenience comes at a cost. I just ask that people seriously consider using reusable bottles whenever possible instead of disposable bottles."

The ACA wishes Mike a safe and happy journey. Stay tuned for more updates from his trip! 

ACA Members, You're the Best!

Happy Valentine's Day to our passionate and dedicated members! You're the water beneath our paddles. 

If there's anything we can do to make your ACA membership more meaningful, please let us know. Thanks for your continued support!

Why Wearing a Life Jacket is a Big Deal

This Maggie Award winning DVD addresses the importance of life jackets in a fresh, entertaining way. The host of Life Jackets Float. Do You? helps viewers discover the many challenges moving water presents - vertical currents, holes, strainers, foot entrapments, cold water. 

As the host so effectively proves, a properly worn life jacket is THE essential tool for having fun on (and in) the water!

Buy your copy of Life Jackets Float. Do you? from the ACA eStore today.

ACA members, don't forget to log in to receive your member discount on your purchase!

Contest!

This Valentine's Day, break up with your disposable plastic water bottle for good! Think of it as a Valentine's Day gift to yourself. 

We've even pre-drafted the break up letter for you: 


Dear Disposable Plastic Water Bottle, 

Look, we both knew this day was coming. We've been together now for (length of time) and let's face it--you just aren't (adjective) enough for me. 

You're a drain on my wallet, full of BPA and (noun), and I can't even count the number of times I've found you on the beach just acting trashy with your friends. I hate the way you (verb), and all my friends think you are (adjective).

Good things are built to last, and this relationship isn't one of them. You poison me with your use-and-toss mentality. That's why I'm (verb ending in -ing) you for good.

It's over. I'm moving on to a greener future full of (something sustainably awesome).

Don't call me. 

Bye,

(Your signature)


Simply copy and paste this letter into an email, fill in the blanks, and then send it to us at clloyd@americancanoe.org. 

Be creative! We'll choose our favorite submission on Friday afternoon and the winner will receive a Klean Kanteen water bottle and one of the new ACA Paddle Green Bags! 

Need some inspiration? Check out this infographic, and learn more about how we can work together to keep ALL kinds of marine debris (plastic water bottles included) out of our waterways!

Now THAT'S how you paddle green. 

Meet the Newest ACA Pro School

Coastal Kayak SUP & Sail has been teaching paddlesports for 19 years. They have an ideal teaching location on the Delaware Coast only minutes from Ocean City, Maryland with conditions from flat, calm and protected bay waters to rough surf, current and everything in between. 

Let the professional staff of more than 9 ACA certified instructors show you how much fun paddling can be, while you learn at your own pace. They offer everything from beginner classes and kids camps to Instructor Certification Workshops in both kayaking and stand up paddling. 

Coastal kayak staff members are experts in the coastal region with over 30 years of paddling the area's waters which are convenient to Baltimore, DC, and Philadelphia. They are one of the few schools authorized by permit to operate at Assateague Island National Seashore! 

Coastal Kayak also offers all types of kayak rentals including sit-on-tops, recreation and touring kayaks, as well as many different types of paddle boards available to rent right off their bayside beach. In addition, Coastal Kayak has been running guided eco-tours since 1997.

To learn more, visit coastalkayak.com or send an email to info@coastalkayak.com.

ACA Pro Schools are some of the best organizations across the country to find top quality ACA certified instruction. Find a Pro School near you and provide your ACA membership number during registration to receive a discount!

Introducing our New Member Rewards Program!

ACA members now have access to thousands of discounts from great companies like Amazon, 1-800-Flowers, AMC Theatres, Target, BestBuy, Sprint, Macy's, and more. 

Want to see what it's all about? Log in at americancanoe.org and click on the Member Rewards link from your profile menu.

There's an annual fee of $19.95, but we think this program pays for itself. Plus, a portion of proceeds will benefit the ACA.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Please Tell Us What You Think

There are just a few days left to participate in the ACA's National Water Trails Improvement Survey. Your feedback has the potential to influence your future paddling experience!

Survey for general membership and public. 

Survey for outfitters, liveries, and guides.

(Closes February 9, 2014.)

Part of the ACA's mission is to enhance paddling experiences by providing decision makers with solid data. With this survey, we are gathering information about how water trail users plan their trips and like to experience the water. This information will help the National Park Service and its partners create materials and experiences better suited to your needs. 

Thank you for your input!

Congratulations to February Kokatat Instructor of the Month, Don White!

Don started paddling over 20 years ago but didn't get serious until his wife and partner, Fern, arrived on the scene. Today, the couple lives in Charleston where they are devoted to coaching and instructing, both as a team and as individuals with their own specific areas of interest.

Learn more about Don...

The ACA would like to thank Kokatat for sponsoring the Instructor of the Month program. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Submit a nomination here! 

Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and EcoVentures

The highlight of your Florida vacation! Guided kayak tours. Rentals. Lessons. Manatees. Dolphins. The best wildlife viewing and birding in Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island. 

Happy Paddler offers all this and more! 

Grab a paddle and go: happypaddler.com

Calling All Paddlers!

The ACA needs your help in supporting Utah's House Bill 37! 

House Bill 37 represents a reasonable compromise between public recreational rights and private property protection. It will remove the threat of criminal trespass citations for water recreationists who touch privately owned stream beds without written permission to do so, and it will allow the public to once again use and enjoy the public waters of Utah. 

First, get the facts. Then, contact one (or all) of Utah's legislators to urge them to vote in favor of House Bill 37. Click here to send a pre-drafted letter!

Join the Rally on Tuesday, February 11

• Time: 9:45am
• Location: South Steps of the Utah Capitol Building

The ACA is proud to support the best interests of paddlers and the waterways we cherish across the country. Our ongoing public policy involvement is driven solely by members like you.

There's Still Time!

In response to numerous requests, we are pleased to extend the deadline for the Adaptive Paddling Summit's Call for Presentation Proposals. The new deadline is 5pm on Monday, February 10, 2014. 

Learn more about the first-ever Adaptive Paddling Summit, and please help us spread the word!

Protect the Rapp From Marine Debris

Fast fact: 
Approximately 6.14 million tons of debris enter marine environments each year, and 80% of it originates as land-based trash.

Our Membership Coordinator Amy Ellis picks up trash like a boss.

Become a part of the solution! Join us for a clean-up in Fredericksburg, VA. 

Who: The ACA staff & awesome volunteers like you
What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into the Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

Can't make it? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form.