You're Invited!

On Saturday, June 7th, the ACA will be hosting the 34th annual Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race (GRWCR) and the Paddle Green Event: Celebrate the Rapp! 

The GRWCR kicks off at 8:00am (registration at 7:30am), and includes both whitewater and flatwater canoeing, kayaking, SUP, and canoe poling competitions for all ages. There's even a FUR class this year, so bring your pets!

Afterwards, stick around and Celebrate the Rapp with us. This family-friendly Paddle Green Event lasts from 1:00pm-9:00pm at Old Mill Park, with:

• Live music
• Food and beverages
• On-water paddling instruction
• Environmental programs from local conservation groups
• River clean-ups
• Reel Paddling Film Festival (an outdoor showing of the year's best paddling films from around the world)

We can't wait to celebrate the beginning of summer with you! See you on the river.

BIC SUP Ambassador Update

We're super proud of our ACA Instructors & Instructor Trainers who also represent as BIC SUP Ambassadors! The list keeps growing:

• JOSH HALL - SUP Instruction Guru & ACA Instructor Trainer. Charleston, SC.
• ANNA LEVESQUE - Paddle/Yoga Instruction & ACA Instructor Trainer. Asheville, NC.
• MATT HITE - SUP Instructor and Surfer & ACA Instructor Trainer. Jacksonville, FL.
• JULIE ROACH - SUP Yoga Pioneer & ACA Instructor. Maitland, FL. 
• BEN MOORE - SUP Whitewater Expert & ACA Instructor. Richmond, VA. 
• CASI RYNKOWSKI - SUP Fitness Expert & ACA Instructor. Lincoln, RI.
• NIKKI GREGG - SUP Fitness Pioneer/All-Around SUP Athlete & ACA Instructor. Hood River, OR.
• AMBER SHADWICK - SUP Fitness, Yoga/Nutrition Expert & ACA Instructor. Hilton Head, SC.
• MIKE SIMPSON - SUP Expedition Pioneer & ACA Instructor. Little Compton, RI.
• JUSTIN SCHAAY - SUP Instructor/Racer & ACA Instructor. Charleston, SC. 

Keep up the awesome work, y'all!

ACA Members Save on Subaru Vehicles

Did you know that ACA members can save up to $3,300 with the Subaru VIP Partners Program? 

ACA staff count on their Subarus to deliver them safely to events across the U.S.

In addition to providing discounts to ACA members, Subaru directly supports the ACA's stewardship and conservation programs. When an ACA member purchases a vehicle through the VIP Partners Program, Subaru makes a contribution to support the ACA's Stewardship Department. It's just one of the ways Subaru and the ACA are working together to make the world a better place to paddle.  

Stella appreciates that Subarus are dog tested and dog approved.

Click here to learn more about the Subaru VIP Partners Program today, and see how much you can save.

Want to join the ACA, or have questions about your current membership? Please reach out to our Membership Department. We're here to help!

Looking for adventure?

OutdoorsMex is a Mexican Outfitter Company that promotes paddlesports activities for families and individuals throughout beautiful Mexico!

With over 6 years of excellence in service, OutdoorsMex is your perfect choice for outdoor activities. The outfitter works in partnership with many established tour providers, allowing them to offer clients many different activities in every Mexican state. 

OutdoorsMex staff and guides are certified and knowledgeable in First Aid and Rescue. 

Go on a wonderful adventure through Mayan ruins, jungle, rivers, and hidden lagoons...Paddle your way with OutdoorsMex!

Happy Memorial Day, Paddlers

On this Memorial Day, we remember all those who have lost their lives in military service. 

If you're hitting the water today, please paddle safe. 

Photo Contest for the New ACA App

Send us your best paddling photos! 

Two lucky winners will have their photos featured in the new ACA app--due out this summer. 

Every Piece of Trash Counts

The ACA Stewardship Department's Track Trash Initiative is just one of the ways we're making the world a better place to paddle. But we can't do it without your help!

Click here to see how Track Trash works, and upload your data today. Paddle often, paddle green!

One More Reason to Love Werner Paddles

Werner Paddles is committed to promoting access to rivers, lakes, streams, and ocean paddling. Every time you purchase a new Werner paddle, you are directly enhancing the ACA's efforts to advocate for clean water and increase waterway access nationwide. It's called the Werner Healthy Waters program, and it's an easy way to make a difference with your paddle purchase.

Learn more today.

Need an Excuse to Take a Break From Work?

Join us for a #SafeBoatWeek Twitter Q&A session today from 3-4pm EST! 

Hosted by the National Safe Boating Council, @SafeBoatCouncil, this hour-long Twitter party offers a great opportunity to ask all of your paddling-related questions. Our ACA experts will be standing by, ready to give you answers (and free stuff)!

See you on Twitter! 

The 34th annual Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race

Nothing marks the beginning of summer like the Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race (GRWCR)! This classic Fredericksburg event takes place every year on the first Saturday in June. Races are open to participants of all ages and include both whitewater and flatwater canoeing, kayaking, SUP, and canoe poling championships.

When: Saturday, June 7th, 2014
Where: Fredericksburg, VA (Old Mill Park)
Registration: Online, or on-site starting at 7:45am on race day at Old Mill Park.

The GRWCR is part of the ACA's annual Paddle Green Event: Celebrate the Rapp! This all-day, stewardship-focused event features environmental education programs, on-water paddling instruction, river clean-ups, and an outdoor showing of the year's best paddling films from around the world (courtesy of the Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour).

See you June 7th on the river!

2013 Recreational Boating Stats Are Out

The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2013 Recreational Boating Statistics Wednesday, revealing that boating fatalities that year totaled 560--the lowest number of boating fatalities on record. 

"We are pleased that there have been fewer accidents on waterways in recent years and thank our partners for their work," said Capt. Jon Burton, director of inspections and compliance at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. "Together we will continue to stress the importance of life jacket use, boating education courses and sober boating."

The report states alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 16% of deaths. Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and machinery failure ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. 

Where the cause of death was known, 77 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned; of those drowning victims, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket. 

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters (paddlers included) to boat responsibly while on the water: wear a life jacket, take a boating safety course, get a free vessel safety check and avoid alcohol consumption. 

Join us on Twitter for #SafeBoatWeek, starting today through May 23. We'll be posting safe boating/paddling tips all week long, and we're even giving away a few goodies--so stay tuned!

Are You Getting The Most Out of Your ACA Membership?

When you join the ACA, or renew your membership, you'll get a free subscription to one of Rapid Media's four magazines:

• Canoeroots - the canoeing and family camping magazine
• Adventure Kayak - the kayak touring and expedition magazine
• Rapid - the magazine with a whitewater focus
• Kayak Angler - all things fishing related

You choose how you want the magazine delivered--mail, online, or to your iPad/iPhone. And ACA members receive additional print or digital Rapid Media subscriptions at a reduced price, so you don't have to choose just one!

Take advantage of this exclusive offer from Rapid Media - a valued partner of the ACA and paddlesports.

If you are a current ACA member, and you'd like to change to a different title for future issues, or switch to a print/digital subscription, please contact our Membership Department. 

Happy Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day!

We're wearing our life jackets at work today! Are you? Send pictures to clloyd@americancanoe.org. 

HOORAY LIFEJACKETS!

And don't forget--National Safe Boating Week starts tomorrow. Be sure to follow us on Twitter to get in on the fun! 

13 of the Silliest Paddling Questions

Are you an outfitter, livery, or guide? If so, you've probably had to deal with some pretty quirky questions from your clients. Kevin Callan of the Happy Camper put together this list of the most foolishly asked questions posed to outfitters. Take a look and see if any sound familiar! We're still laughing at #4.

At the ACA, our newest membership type is designed specifically for outfitter, livery and guide (OLG) services like you. We may not be able to help you with those baffling client questions on the daily, BUT we can help you with things like insurance, promotion for your company, and so much more.

Learn about all the benefits of becoming an OLG member of the ACA today. 

Going Paddling? Read This First!

Photo credit: Tom Archer

After your vessel and gear are squared away, remember to avoid toxic algae and paddle safe. Be on the lookout for:

1. Paint-like scum on water surface (may be green, brown, or red)
2. Low visibility
3. Bad smell
4. Dead fish
5. A history of Harmful Algal Blooms, or HABs (check with your local department of environmental quality or public health)

Unfortunately, dangerous toxic algae outbreaks, or Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a widespread problem in waterways across the U.S., but few states have programs dedicated to monitoring or reporting on these outbreaks. That's the top finding in the 2014 Harmful Algal Bloom State Survey, a new 50-state survey from Resource Media and the National Wildlife Federation. 

Nearly three-quarters of the responding states reported that HABs are either a "somewhat serious" or a "very serious" problem, and we know from our research that many states are making significant efforts to address toxic algae. Yet too often, their efforts are stymied by a lack of funding or other resources. To understand how pollution that feeds toxic algae starts upstream--check out this infographic.

-Written by Aileo Weinmann, Senior Program Director at Resource Media

Photo Contest!

The ACA Safe Paddling App is almost ready to launch--but first, we're holding a photo contest for the app's main images! 

We'll pick two winners. One winner's photo will appear on the loading screen of the app, and the other winner's photo will appear on the app's main landing/menu screen. Both winners will also receive ACA T-shirts and stickers. 

Photo Requirements:

• Loading screen: 1080 x 1920 (Portrait)
• Landing/menu screen: 1920 x 1080 (Landscape)

All photos must be original. The submission deadline is Monday, May 26, 2014. Please email all photo submissions to clloyd@americancanoe.org.

Happy picture taking, paddlers! 

Adirondack Canoe Symposium

The Adirondack Canoe Symposium 2014

July 13-18, Ray Brook, NY

The 2014 Adirondack Canoe Symposium is on scenic Wolf Pond in Ray Brook, New York. This year, our Symposium runs six days to allow participants time to explore the Adirondack Mountains. 

Please visit the ACA Calendar for more information on the Symposium, and email charliewilson77@gmail.com for additional information, course offerings, and registration materials. 

We hope to see you on Wolf Pond!

Your Ticket to Alaska

ACA Instructor Tom Pogson is looking for volunteers for the Tugidak Island Community Marine Debris Clean-Up this summer. Here are the dates when more help is needed:

• 8-14 July: 1 hardy volunteer may be needed to help re-establish camp. 
• 18-27 July: 3 volunteers needed to help with marine debris clean-up activities. 
• 3-10 August: 3 volunteers needed to help with marine debris clean-up activities.
• 10-17 August: 1 hardy volunteer needed to help stockpile marine debris and help break camp and wrap up the project. 

Flights from Kodiak, tents, food, and great company are all provided. Just bring your enthusiasm, rain gear, camping stuff, and favorite mug!

This is the volunteer opportunity of a lifetime, and a chance to see part of coastal Alaska few ever get to see! 

More information about the 2014 Tugidak Island Community Marine Debris Clean-Up can be found here.

ACA Pro School Spotlight

University of Minnesota Duluth - Recreational Sports Outdoor Program is dedicated to promoting healthy, active lifestyles and connections to the natural world through personal and professional experiences. 

ACA Pro Schools are some of the best organizations across the country to find top quality ACA certified instruction. Current ACA members also receive discounts on certain Pro School instructional programs. 

To see a full list of ACA Pro Schools, click here. 

New Kayak Fishing Excursion for 2014

Have you participated in one of the ACA Members Only Backcountry Paddling Excursions yet? Join us for the NEW Kayak Fishing Excursion scheduled for this summer!

This trip will take you to Sugar Island, Ontario and the famous West Brand of the Ausable River in upstate New York. During the 8-day excursion, you'll enjoy fly fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even canoe sailing (if you're so inclined).

Please visit our website for a sample itinerary and to request additional information about the 2014 Members Only Kayak Fishing Excursion. 

Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day is Friday, May 16!

Participate in the National Safe Boating Council's Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day and help kick off National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23)! 

The ACA Staff looking sharp on Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day 2012.

Snap a photo of you and your coworkers wearing your lifejackets at work on May 16 and post it to the "Ready, Set, Wear It!" facebook wall or email the photo to outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org. 

While you're at it, email your photos to clloyd@americancanoe.org and we'll post them on the ACA's various social media outlets, as well. Let's spread the word about the LIFE-SAVING power of lifejackets!

River City Challenge & Eco Fest

Come out and enjoy Jacksonville's annual environmental music festival and paddlesports race on May 17, 2014! 

This is a family-friendly event, featuring:

• National recording artists
• Interactive KidZone
• Vendor market
• Newly added Eco-Village
• Awesome local food from a variety of Jacksonville food trucks 
• Tasty libations from Sweetwater Brewing Co.

Find more information here. See you in Jacksonville!

ACA Pro School Spotlight

A premiere educational resource for kayakers and canoeists, Cutter Aquatics has been delivering water safety education programs in Texas since 1996. The pro school teaches high-level technical paddling skills in an encouraging atmosphere and helps ACA Instructor and Instructor Trainer candidates discover and enrich their program organizational skills and personal coaching strengths. 

Cutter Aquatics has a legacy of quality, safety, and fun in paddling instruction and also leads guided trips around the world. 

ACA Pro Schools are some of the best organizations in the world to find top quality ACA certified instruction. Current ACA members also receive discounts on certain Pro School instructional programs. 

To see a full list of ACA Pro Schools, click here. 

Congratulations to May Kokatat Instructor of the Month, Ryan Keyes!

Between raft guiding, kayaking, and working as a Recreational Therapist at the Grand Junction VA Medical Hospital in Fruita, Colorado, ACA Instructor of the Month Ryan Keyes is always on the go. Check out our exclusive interview with him and see how he uses paddlesports to help others. 

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized as the next Instructor of the Month? Submit a nomination here!