ACA Awards Deadline

Today is your last chance to nominate someone for an ACA Award! 

Visit www.americancanoe.org/awards for details on how to submit an online nomination. 

Award Recipients will be announced at the ACA Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony at the upcoming Instructor Trainer Conference in Charleston, SC.

Throwback Thursday

Here's a little something from our archives.

The ACA song from 1927:

Click image to enlarge

If you're in the mood for a mini history lesson, click here to learn about how the ACA made its beginnings as the nation's oldest paddlesports organization. 

Feeling nostalgic yet? Send us your vintage paddlesports photos so we can feature you in a future Throwback Thursday post!

We Want to Hear From You

Have something to share? Whether it was the paddling trip of a lifetime, a stewardship event you helped out with, or just something valuable you learned while out on the water, we want to hear about it!

Send your stories, ideas, and photos to Catharine at clloyd@americancanoe.org, and your words could show up right here on the ACA's Water Blog, our Facebook and twitter pages, or our new Paddle emagazine!

In Case You Missed It: Paddle Ready App Updates!

There are two new updates to the ACA's Paddle Ready app: Tide Forecasting and a revamped Float Plan feature!

If you haven't downloaded the Paddle Ready app yet, what are you waiting for? You can get it for free on the App Store and on Google Play.

Please let us know what you think of the recent updates (we love hearing your feedback), and stay tuned for more updates coming in the next few weeks! 

Paddle safe out there.

Making the Case for Kayak Fishing

By Crystal and Tony Keill, the husband and wife duo behind Coastie Culture in Houston, Texas. Tony is an ACA certified kayak instructor and avid saltwater angler while Crystal grew up kayaking with her family and is currently a teacher and coach of a high school fishing team. Together, they hope to promote passion for the Upper Texas Coast through kayak angling adventures.

I've been kayaking sporadically since I earned my first beads for a wet exit at Kamp Kanakuk in 7th grade. But, in January, we snagged a good deal on a 2014 Wilderness Ride 135, and that's when things got serious.

Tony drove all the way to Lafayette, Louisiana to pick up my baby and to add a Tarpon 140 to our fleet. I don't call them our "babies" lightly. When you've got four yaks carefully stowed in your garage and two vehicles parked in the driveway exposed to the elements, it's a huge statement about your priorities. Judge us if you want. 

The amazing thing about kayaks is that they provide a sort of simplicity to the angling sport. Here are a few examples of what I mean:

1) Motorized boats are expensive

The cost of maintaining a motorized boat is out of the question for most people. I believe that we'd have to take out a second mortgage on the house to pay for said boat. We'd spend all of our extra cash paying for gas just to take the boat out. Then you've got to worry about insurance and maintenance on top of that. My dad (a powerboat owner) often reminds me that there are two most exciting days for a boat owner: the day you buy your boat and the day you get rid of it. At this point, we've had zero finance fees, zero fuel costs, and zero maintenance issues with any of our four kayaks.

2) Kayaks are extremely portable

Unlike with motorized boats, no special trailers are necessary when you are ready to drop everything and go kayaking. I've even witnessed my 100-pound friend whip out her tandem kayak, scoot it right on top of her Pontiac Grand Am, and strap it to her roof with ease. We were loaded up and on the water within minutes. 

3) Kayaks provide an added health benefit

I can tell you from experience that with proper paddling techniques, you will get a full body workout from a day of kayaking. It's not just an upper body thing. Your core is constantly working to keep you balanced and aiding in a stronger and more efficient paddle while your legs are helping to brace your position and boost your speed. I don't remember having a single sore muscle on the days I was out on the powerboat.

4) Kayaks are eco-friendly

That's right. No environmentally-damaging emissions given off from these babies. No worries about fuel spills in our bays that will harm the aquatic life. 

5) Kayaks provide the ability to navigate areas that you can't get to any other way

Man, oh man- have we been able to creep into some confined spaces while paddling our kayaks. I've seen some things in an up-close and personal way that I never would have been able to experience from a motorized boat.

While the simplicity of kayak fishing is certainly alluring, there are many add-ons that offer convenience and ease. It all boils down to the person in the kayak--- there are plenty of gear options that will enable you to bring out your inner-techie. To simplify or not to simplify? That, my friends, is a balance you choose for yourself.

Happy Stewardship Saturday!

For this week’s Stewardship Saturday, we will take a look at Plastic Tides, a group comprised of dedicated adventure conservationists with a common goal: shedding light on plastic pollution. 

Relying solely on stand-up paddleboards, Plastic Tides' expeditions have taken them to remote locations around the world to both document the beauty and expose the rampant plastic pollution that threatens these wild ecosystems. Combining adventure and hard science, these expeditions bring fresh awareness to the ubiquitous problem of marine debris, at home and abroad.

This year, Plastic Tides will be using their Club Fostered Stewardship grant funds to support their Microbead Free Finger Lakes project. This project combines local research with an effective and professional media strategy to promote a bill banning microbeads from consumer products statewide. 

Plastic Tides will work with volunteers to collect surface samples from Cayuga Lake and neighboring Finger Lakes that will be analyzed for the presence of plastic microbeads. The samples will be collected using a manta trawl that is pulled behind the paddleboard at a steady speed, skimming the surface. Volunteers will be trained in effective stand up paddle sampling methods. The samples will be chemically processed using wet peroxide oxidation before being examined under a light microscope for the presence of microbeads and other plastics, such as synthetic clothing fibers from laundry effluent. Plastic Tides will coordinate with volunteers to document their efforts and facilitate spreading the message through social media, and local news outlets.

Through funds provided by L.L. Bean, the ACA's Club Fostered Stewardship program has provided nearly $130,000 to over 135 different stewardship initiatives since its inception thirteen years ago. 

To learn more about the great work Plastic Tides is doing, please visit their website: 
www.plastictides.org 

Are you inspired to start your own local stewardship project? Apply for some CFS grant funds of your own--you can get more information on that here. 

In the meantine, order yourself a Paddle Green Bag and join the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative today. 

Stewardship Saturday is an ongoing theme of the ACA Water Blog where we we shine a spotlight on organizations and individuals who are working hard to make the world a better place to paddle. Want to be featured? Email ACA Communications Coordinator Catharine Lloyd at clloyd@americancanoe.org to tell her about the stewardship work you are doing in your local community.

Paddle often, #PaddleGreen!

2015 ACA Awards

Do you know a paddler, or an entire organization, deserving of recognition? There's still time to submit a nomination for the 2015 ACA National Awards! 

The submission deadline is Monday, July 31, 2015 for the following awards:

• Legends of Paddling 
• Excellence in Instruction
• Sanctioned Event of the Year
• Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation
• Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year
• Stroke of Achievement
• J. Henry Rushton

Please visit www.americancanoe.org/awards for more details on how to submit your nomination. 

Award Recipients will be announced at the ACA Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony at the upcoming Instructor Trainer Conference in Charleston, SC.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Paddling Crew

Written by Kelsey Bracewell, our very own ACA Safety Education & Instruction Coordinator. Kelsey is an ACA Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking instructor who has spent many years paddling and teaching on the rivers of the southeast.

'Ladies on the Lower Gauley' event in Summersville, WV.

Paddling clubs/groups are a great way to get connected to other local paddling enthusiasts, to enhance skills and experience by way of other paddlers or instructors, to form deeper connections with the waterways nearby, and to build friendships that can transcend into other areas of life.

Just like other communities that form around outdoor living and sports, paddling groups are an experience all their own; traditions, habits, superstitions, frequenting favorite local spots, and secret club handshakes become common practice of those “in the know.” It is quite a special honor to be accepted into a close knit group of paddlers, and it can be an immense learning and growth experience once dialed in to the knowledge and skills that are exchanged in active paddling groups.

Especially for paddlers who recreate in high intensity venues such as the ocean surf zone, open coastal environments, whitewater rivers, and remote wilderness locations, building and maintaining trust between paddling group members is crucial. In the case of an emergency or extreme situation, the trust and skills of each group member often are put to the test.

Kelsey paddling on the Potomac River, VA with other ACA Instructors Mike Aronoff, Davia Wilson, & Stefan Greene.

Here is a brief T-R-U-S-T acronym representation of things to remember when choosing your TRUSTed paddling crew:

Time: How long have you known and interacted with the members of this group of paddlers? Before entering into a high intensity trip, it is important to have a solid foundation built between group members – and quality relationships take time to establish. Make sure that you are comfortable with each person in the group and have an understanding of how they perform under stress.

Respect: Nothing has more potential to ruin a trip than interpersonal conflict. Even if particular group members have disagreements or “don’t like one another,” it is important to have a mutual shared respect for the talents and contributions of each member of the trip team.

Understanding: The members of ‘inner circle’ clubs often spend enough time together that they begin to understand the way each other think, and the motivations that lead to certain actions. For example, in the case of paddling a challenging whitewater rapid, tight-knit paddling crews have an understanding of each team members’ comfort levels, general paddling style, and have some degree of insight into the types of decisions and routes that other members are likely to take. In the case where communication is difficult but effective performance is required, it is important to have an understanding of the inclinations and preferences of each group member.

Kelsey enjoys leading the ACA Office Staff on paddles down our local Rappahannock River. 

Skills: Before embarking on a challenging or high-risk paddling trip, it is essential to vet the skills and experience of each participating member of the crew. An inexperienced group member may hold the group back from fully enjoying the complexities of the chosen paddling environment, but may also be in need of rescue or assistance that can create an emergency situation. For the chosen venue, be sure that all group members are personally prepared to successfully navigate the conditions.

Turns: Just as in any other life situation, sometimes changes must be made. Often times, to achieve a desirable goal, a 180 degree turn must be initiated. If a particular group member is causing excessive disruptions, if an upcoming trip does not look or feel well organized and safe, or any of the above trust components are not present, it might be time to reevaluate your participation in this crew and/or this particular trip. Confrontation or making hard choices is a very challenging aspect of group membership, but it may make the difference between a successful trip and a misadventure.

Mistakes happen, and near-misses create learning opportunities – the key is to learn from those mistakes and continue to incorporate the lessons learned into your paddling endeavors moving forward. If possible, learn from the mistakes of others in your paddling crew; TRUST each other and continue to build each other up in terms of knowledge, skills, experience, and fun paddling memories.



Quick tip: Not sure where to find other folks to paddle with? Check out our Paddle America Club search function on the ACA website!

New Addition to the ACA Staff!

Please give a warm welcome to our newest ACA Staff member, Barbara Bendele.

Barbara began her love of water at a very young age. As a toddler, she developed the habit of jumping into the deep end of the pool. Her parents and siblings tired of rescuing her so she was quickly placed in lessons to increase her odds of survival. As a teenager she spent the summer canoeing in the wilderness of Ontario, Canada where the black flies left enough bites to keep her busy the rest of the summer connecting the dots.

At The Ohio State University, Barbara met her soul mate. She married and moved with her Marine husband to Hawaii where she continued her studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Transferred again, Barbara completed her B.A. and also her M.B.A. with accounting/finance majors at Marymount College of Virginia (now Marymount University).

Professionally, Barbara became a C.P.A. in 1986 and practiced in North Carolina and Washington, D.C. until the birth of her third child who was born with significant medical challenges that required Barbara's full attention. Due to the demands of her growing family, Barbara relinquished her C.P.A. certification in 1992.

As her five children grew, Barbara became involved in both Girl and Boy Scouts. She served as Troop Leader and Treasurer and is currently a Committee Chair. She reentered the paid work force as a substitute teacher and as a bookkeeper before joining the ACA in June 2015 as Office Manager / Financial Coordinator.

We're so glad to have Barbara on board!

Whitewater Self Defense Starts With Education

Written by Justin Padgett, M.S., Paramedic, WEMT. Padgett is the Executive Director of Western North Carolina based, Landmark Learning, a nationally accredited school for the education and development of persons who work and recreate outdoors. Justin is an ACA Level 5 Instructor Trainer in Safety and Rescue and a Level 4 Instructor Trainer in Kayak. Justin has been an ACA Instructor since 1997, and currently serves as a member of the Safety and Rescue Committee.

Strainer bar drill during a swiftwater rescue course.

"Safety is no accident." I'll bet most paddlers have heard that a few times over their paddling careers. These are famous words from the grandfathers of River Rescue. Many of us who currently teach Safety and Rescue coursework for the ACA continue to share this phrase with students, as a focus on prevention. It's hard to come back from death, ya know. Certainly, none of us go to the river boating with the plan to die or get hurt; however, many of our friends, relatives, and members of our boating communities do die on whitewater rivers each year. 

While working on this article for the ACA blog, a kayaker fatality was reported in one of my favorite spots - the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon outside Gatlinburg, TN. It is likely that our access to stellar modern equipment, youtube, helmet cameras, complacency, and maybe some ego has led to experienced boaters adding their names to Charlie Walbridge's Annual Accident report in recent years. In the past, drowning victims were rafting participants, tubers, and folks that knew nothing about hydrodynamics. Now it’s us……river people! Thanks to American Whitewater you can see reporting by year yourself here in the American Whitewater Accident Database.

This year was a revision year for the ACA Safety and Rescue curriculum, and as a proud member of that committee I can tell you that we made changes based on instructor surveys, committee experience, annual reporting on whitewater deaths, and accident trends. With the information age, we talk to each other more, we report more through social media and other electronics, and in the end we learn a lot. It is through sharing stories, strategies, and lessons learned that we are able to grow. This has always been part of our education in the outdoors. Although many of these stories start with “No joke….there we were” or something similar, the end message, whether good or bad, is always important to our development as river people.

Education is a big part of prevention. The ability to evaluate and navigate hazards along with the ability to adequately assess your own paddling skills is key. 

Safety and Rescue education is offered throughout the United States and around the world by talented and well-educated ACA Instructors. Look for these courses; they are available to you. In addition, this year in October the ACA will host the 2nd National ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference in Dillsboro, NC. There will be something there for everyone, from boaters of all levels to firefighter and rescue workers and swiftwater rescue instructors. You can find out more about this conference and the speakers on the ACA's Swiftwater Rescue Conference website.

Are You Getting The Most Out of Your ACA Membership?

When you join the nation's oldest paddlesports organization, you're joining a community of people who love what you love! You're also directly supporting safe paddling programs, stewardship initiatives to clean up our nation's waterways, top notch paddlesports education, and so much more. 

As a nonprofit, member-based organization, the ACA relies on support from members like you to fulfill our mission. 

Here are some other great benefits to ACA membership:

Subaru VIP Program

Public Policy Representation

Gold Standard in Educational Resources

Choice of one of 4 magazine titles from Rapid Media:
-Canoeroots, Adventure Kayak,
Rapid, Kayak Angler

Additional Rapid Media Subscriptions at a Discount

Exclusive Access to:
-Sugar Island on the St. Lawrence River
-Camp Sebago in New York

Support of Amateur Paddlesports Competition

Member Rewards Program
-Discounts on car rentals, hotels, restaurants, phone plans, even Disney World

Reduced admission to thousands of ACA sanctioned events and races each year

Discount on ACA merchandise

ACA Paddle eMagazine delivered to your inbox every other month, covering local, regional and national paddlesport issues

Pro Deals for certified Instructors

Members Only Discounts

Thanks for your support! If you have any questions about any of the membership benefits above, please contact the ACA Membership Department at 540-907-4460 ext 109 and we will be glad to help you. 

Not a member yet? Join today!

Paddle safe, paddle often. 

ACA Instructor Trainer Conference - Registration Opens Soon

As part of our leadership role in the paddlesports community, the ACA has initiated this Instructor Trainer Conference to provide a resource for currently certified Instructor Trainers, and those aspiring to become ACA Instructor Trainers and Instructor Trainer Educators. 

Online registration will open on August 11, 2015. 

Visit www.americancanoe.org/ITConference for more information. 

Swiftwater Rescue Lesson: Unpinning a Canoe or Kayak

Take a look at this video featuring ACA Instructor Trainer Educator, Walter Felton, as he explains proper techniques for unpinning a canoe or kayak. 


Want to learn more? Don't miss the 2nd ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference happening in North Carolina this October.

Online registration will be available in August. Find more information here: www.americancanoe.org/SWR_Conference

Nominate Your Favorite ACA Instructor

The ACA is proud to partner with Kokatat for the ACA Instructor of the Month recognition program. 

Do you know someone who deserves props? Nominate them today!

Check out the Instructor of the Month winners for June and July in the latest issue of Paddle. 

Virginia Makes Moves to Increase Water Access

State officials hope to establish 300 new locations for public access to Virginia's waterways over the next decade, according to Governor Terry McAuliffe.

McAuliffe joined three other state agencies, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Virginia Department of Transportation, on Thursday at Gloucester Point Beach Park to sign a memorandum of understanding.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe greets ACA Stewardship Coordinator Zane Havens after he arrived at Gloucester Point Beach park on Thursday to sign a memorandum of understanding in support of recreational water access. (Frances Hubbard/Daily Press)

The document asks the three agencies to work together to identify new potential public access projects, particularly at bridge crossings and roads across the state.

"Where ever we have VDOT next to one of our state parks and [there is] a bridge or an opportunity for us to build at that waterway and allow people to access the water I want that done," McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe said he hopes to see many of the new locations identified before his term as governor is up in two years. He said the concept should increase money spent in the state through tourism and create jobs.

"We want to give our Virginia residents the ability to get on the water and enjoy the water and encourage them to take advantage of our state park system," McAuliffe said.

Carol Steele, Gloucester's director of parks and recreation, said Thursday that Gloucester Point Beach Park was a good example of how the agencies had worked together in the past to increase water access by building the boat landing there on the York River. That's why the location was chosen to sign the memorandum.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe signs the memorandum of understanding in support of recreational water access. Next to him is DCR Director Clyde Cristman and VDOT Commissioner Charles Kilpatrick, who also signed the memorandum along with Gaming Commissioner Larry Hart (not pictured). (Frances Hubbard/Daily Press)

"We need more access for recreational boating," Steele said. "It is tremendous that everyone is trying to work together to utilize existing resources and look at additional resources to meet that need. We our proud of our facility. It is extremely popular."

The agreement between the agencies could also bode well for state parks. McAuliffe has set a goal of visiting all 36 of Virginia's state parks during his tenure.

He said in addition to hiking and camping, park visitors want to get on the water.

After the signing Thursday he said he planned to stop by the site of a potential state park that has been in development in Gloucester County for several years.

"The Middle Peninsula does not have a state park and I don't think that is right," he said.

Funding for a state park on the York River and Aberdeen Creek that's been nearly nine years in the making has been a hurdle. The park is expected to include trails, campsites and cabins, and water access.

A 2010 park master plan, renewed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, estimated the total cost of the park to be around $28.2 million.

McAuliffe said Thursday he is hopeful they can get the park moving forward.

This story was written by Frances Hubbard and originally published on Daily Press.

It's Stewardship Saturday!

For this week’s Stewardship Saturday, we will take a look at Paddle Without Pollution (PWP), a group that uses volunteers in kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to restore and protect the waterways of Western Pennsylvania.

PWP’s mission is to restore and protect the health of the rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands of Pennsylvania through hands-on stewardship and education, thereby benefiting the region's communities, economy, and quality of life. Over the past three years, the PWP Water Warriors have removed more than 42 tons of illegally dumped debris and litter from waterways in Western Pennsylvania. Approximately 300 volunteers participate in their organized watershed stewardship events annually.

This year, PWP will be using their Club Fostered Stewardship grant funds to support their 2015 Watershed Stewardship Campaign, which will include at least 12 cleanups of local creeks, rivers, and lakes through October 2015. If you're in the area and you would like to help out, please fill out their Water Warrior volunteer form. 

Through funds provided by L.L. Bean, the ACA's Club Fostered Stewardship program has provided nearly $130,000 to over 135 different stewardship initiatives since its inception thirteen years ago. 

To learn more about the great work Paddle Without Pollution is doing, visit their website:
www.paddlewithoutpollution.com

Are you inspired to start your own local stewardship project? Apply for some CFS grant funds of your own--you can get more information on that here. 
In the meantine, order yourself a Paddle Green Bag and join the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative today. 

Stewardship Saturday is an ongoing theme of the ACA Water Blog where we we shine a spotlight on organizations and individuals who are working hard to make the world a better place to paddle. Want to be featured? Email ACA Communications Coordinator Catharine Lloyd at clloyd@americancanoe.org to tell her about the stewardship work you are doing in your local community.

Paddle often, #PaddleGreen!

Paddle Ready Updates!

We are thrilled to announce two new updates to the ACA's Paddle Ready app. Introducing Tide Forecasting and a revamped Float Plan feature!

If you haven't downloaded the Paddle Ready app yet, what are you waiting for? You can get it for free on the App Store and on Google Play.

Please let us know what you think of the recent updates (we love hearing your feedback), and stay tuned for more updates coming in the next few weeks! 

Paddle safe out there.

ACA National Paddlesports Awards - Nominations Now Open

Every year, the ACA recognizes several individuals and organizations who exemplify outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to paddlesports. Nominations for the 2015 National Awards are now open!

• Legends of Paddling 
• Excellence in Instruction
• Sanctioned Event of the Year
• Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation
• Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year
• Stroke of Achievement
• J. Henry Rushton

If you would like to nominate a paddler for one of the honors above, please visit www.americancanoe.org/awards for more details on how to submit your nomination. 

The submission deadline is Monday, July 31, 2015.

Award Recipients will be announced at the ACA Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony at the upcoming Instructor Trainer Conference in Charleston, SC.

July Issue of Paddle Out Now!

We have a new digital magazine called Paddle and it's full of great content! But you don't have to take our word for it, click here to see for yourself. 

You can also visit www.americancanoe.org/Paddle 
to download the magazine as a PDF. 

Have something to say? We're all ears! Send feedback, story ideas, and photos to ACA Communications Coordinator Catharine Lloyd at clloyd@americancanoe.org.

5 Things to Remember Before You Hit The Water This Summer

By Heather Herbeck, ACA Level IV Instructor Trainer and owner and coach/trainer for "Fitness & Sport Evolution" in the Columbia River Gorge. Heather and her husband also own "Sheer Madness Productions," a film and photography company. Together, they make a priority of playing in the outdoors with whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, running, and more.

Boating season is in full swing right now. The weather is HOT, the days are long, and the water is flowing with rejuvenating waters.

Before you hit the river, here are 5 things to remember that will make your trip more enjoyable and safe.

1.  Bring your iPhone + waterproof case, or a POV action camera mounted somewhere on YOU or your BOAT. 
With all of the social media outlets these days, “if you don’t have proof (picture or video) it didn’t happen!” So make sure you have some device with you that makes sure to document your days’ adventure.

2.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 
Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your outdoor paddle adventure. It can be deceiving when you’re on the water, whether you’re thirsty or not, but make sure you take a couple of sips of water every 20-30 minutes. Even though we may not be sweating or thirsty, because we are in cool, refreshing water, we ARE exerting energy when we kayak.

3.  Bring your safety kit. 
Don’t rely on other people in your group to bring their safety gear. What’s in YOUR kit? Here is what I consider your safety gear:
- First Aid Kit (with all the kayak/water specific pieces included, along with sunscreen during the summer months)
- Pin Kit
- Snacks - Like a KIND Bar for “quick energy” if needed
- Throw Rope in your boat
- Knife and whistle on your PFD

4. Dress wisely.
It might be HOT, but always dress for a swim or for a rescue. Wear the appropriate shoes so that portaging or rescues aren’t done in flip flops. I have to admit, it’s awesome when the opportunity arises to wear a shorty drytop and shorts, but when I’m out paddling with my friends or paddling a challenging river, I’m always in either my drysuit or long sleeved drytop/pants and river shoes.

5. Remember to paddle with people who you feel comfortable and confident with. 
In my opinion, the crew makes all the difference in your paddling experience. Find a group that you feel pushes you, but not too much. Find paddling people who emphasize safety instead of just ‘hucking your meat.' Ifyou're with the right folks, you'll find your experience way more enjoyable and fun.

These are just a few things to remember before you head out on the water.

Recap:

• If there is NO documentation, it didn’t happen. 
• Drink water even though you have to “de-gear” to go pee a lot and that’s really annoying. 
• Always put safety first . . . it’s no different in kayaking. 
• Dress for success on the water. 
• And, find your Tribe. Paddle with people you trust and feel confidently challenged with. Find your Paddle Posse. 

Now get out there this summer, have fun and be safe!

Penobscot River Whitewater Nationals Regatta, July 23-26

Great Works Rapid, Old Town Maine.Photo: RW Estela.

The Penobscot Nation and communities of Old Town, Bradley, Orono, Veazie and Eddington are pleased to welcome paddlers to the 2015 Penobscot River Whitewater Nationals Regatta. Four days of paddling events for open canoes, kayaks, decked canoes and SUPs will crown American Canoe Association downriver racing National Champions and celebrate this newly free-flowing section of the Penobscot River, and long time home to the Penobscot Nation. 

Official practice and opening ceremony will be on Wednesday, July 22. Downriver racing will commence Thursday morning with the Open Canoe Mixed and Jr./Sr. classes, and the K1 Short Men and K1 Long Women kayak races. Races will start in Old Town, with the longer downriver races ending in Eddington. Kids races will start in Orono and end in Veazie. Saturday will feature “Sprint” racing through the Class 3 Great Works Rapids near Old Town.

Paddlers are encouraged to register by July 10 and save $25 in registration fees!

Father/daughter team Bob and Karoline Bass during a practice run of the Basin Mills Rapid near Orono, Maine (May 31, 2015). Photo: Tammy Kelley.  

Old Town has meant paddling to generations of canoeists and Race Chair Scott Phillips is very pleased with the enthusiasm and support for the event provided by the Tribe, local communities and volunteers, and strong corporate and community sponsorship. 

“We expect over a hundred boats for the downriver races, and there will be races for kayaks, decked canoes, standup-paddle boards, and special events for kids,” says Phillips. “Paddlers are in for an exciting racing experience. This is a big river and it will be a challenge to pick fast lines while staying dry!”

For more information:
Scott Phillips, Race Chair
207-852-0680
scott@waterwaysports.com
Facebook page 

Happy 4th of July & Stewardship Saturday!

We hope you are having a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend out on the water!

For this week’s Stewardship Saturday, we will take a look at the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), a 740-mile recreation corridor connecting Old Forge, New York to Fort Kent, Maine. 

The Trail cuts across the Northern Forest Region connecting 22 rivers and 56 lakes and ponds. The NFCT is a Paddle America Club, fostering paddler development and stewardship of our waterways through our Adopt-a-Segment Program, group led trips, and river events.

This year, using their Club Fostered Stewardship grant funds, the NFCT will be creating a new portage trail and a lean-to for paddlers at a site in Derby, Vermont. 

Through funds provided by L.L. Bean, the ACA's Club Fostered Stewardship program, has provided nearly $130,000 to over 135 different stewardship initiatives since its inception thirteen years ago. 

The NFCT is currently celebrating its 15th year as an organization. In that time, they improved paddler access and camping opportunities, as well as developed programs that get youth out on the Trail.

Inspired to start your own local stewardship project? Apply for the CFS grant of your own! Get more information here. In the meantine, order yourself a Paddle Green Bag and take it with you the next time you hit the water. 

Stewardship Saturday is an ongoing theme of the ACA Water Blog where we we shine a spotlight on organizations and individuals who are working hard to make the world a better place to paddle. Want to be featured? Email ACA Communications Coordinator Catharine Lloyd at clloyd@americancanoe.org to tell her about the stewardship work you are doing in your local community.

Paddle often, #PaddleGreen!