Legend of Paddling Award

The ACA is proud to announce that this year's Legend of Paddling Award is in the name of Joe Glickman. This award is presented each year to an individual for their legendary contributions to paddlesports. Recipients of this prestigious award are inducted into the ACA Paddlesport Hall of Fame. 

Joe "Glicker" Glickman was the wordsmith of paddlesports. The way he was able to convey the thoughts of all paddlers in an engaging, insightful and comical way was second to none. Joe was a father, husband, athlete, writer, filmmaker, friend, and an all-around good guy. As a two-time member of the U.S. National Marathon Kayak Team, he was an inspiration to all who knew whim and a legend in every sense of the word. The passion he had for paddlesports and ensuring its future success was limitless. His vivacity, kindness, and energy was infectious but it was his selflessness that touched the lives of so many.

In memory of this incredible man, the U.S. Surfski Championships have announced that they will be awarding the "Glicker Inspirational Paddling Medal" to the top non-elite finisher in the long course, who is racing in the U.S. Surfski Championships for the first time. 

As an international advocate, coach and mentor to many paddlers, Joe will be sorely missed but his legacy will last forever. A couple of weeks before Joe passed away, his good friend Russ Anderson jokingly implemented a new policy into his training program nicknamed OMMFG (One More Mile for Glicker) where one extra mile would be added on at the end of each session to pick up a little bit of the slack as Joe couldn't paddle as much. 

Hundreds of paddlers are now donning OMMFG stickers which are dedicated to Joe and the everlasting impression he has left on the international paddlesports community. 

Joe passed away on May 24, 2015 after losing his baddle with Pancreatic Cancer. 

The ACA appreciates monumental efforts and love that Joe gave to the paddling community. 

If you would like more information about the ACA National Awards, please follow www.americancanoe.org/Awards