ACA Stewardship Initiatives Update

The proposed no-wake zone on the Catawba River has been a subject of contention between paddlers and power boaters in North Carolina. ACA has commented on the issue, urging the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to establish the no-wake zone, allowing North Carolina boaters to safely access public waters. 

Click here to read our letter and check out the other ways that ACA staff, Paddle America Clubs, and volunteers across the country are working on behalf of all paddlers.

Monday Motivation

Emily Jackson is a 2x World Champion Freestyle Kayaker, 7x Teva Mountain Game winner, mother, wife, and team manager for her family's company Jackson Kayak. In this TED Talk, she shares her secrets to becoming a champion and developing an Uncompromising voice in the world.

Paddler Feedback Wanted

The US Coast Guard has asked for input from sea kayakers regarding the possible removal of sound buoys from the Great Lakes.

A sound buoy has either a bell or gong to alert watercraft to its location, acting as an aid to navigation. According to the US Coast Guard, these buoys are no longer used by watercraft and they would like to save money by removing them and eliminating their maintenance cost. Almost all watercraft on the Great Lakes now use electronic means of navigation rendering the sound buoys obsolete.

In favor of removal: The Coast Guard is a huge supporter of paddlesports and sea kayakers. If we aren't using the sound buoys then practically no one is and we should support the Coast Guard in trying to save money.

Against Removal: If sea kayakers are using these buoys to aid in navigation we need to let the Coast Guard know. Kayakers should not rely on electronic devices for navigation. The type of electronic devices we carry need to be recharged which is not always convenient in bad weather conditions. Rain, fog and wind can prevent us from using our electronic devices. Even cloudy days can effect our ability to recharge our devices. None of these conditions affect sound buoys from allowing us to know where we are.

The Coast Guard is giving us an opportunity to make our voices heard and we encourage all paddlers to do just that. Feedback is being accepted until March 30th, 2015.

Responses can be sent directly to Doug Sharp William.d.sharp@uscg.mil

Discount Alert for ACA Instructors

North Water Paddle Sports Equipment has been designing specialized safety products for recreational paddlers and rescue professionals for more than 30 years. Don't miss out on their great offer for ACA Instructors! Receive a 40% discount on all regular North Water products and 30% on all custom products.

Visit www.northwater.com today to take advantage of this ACA Instructor discount.

Not an instructor? Check out these ACA member discounts!

Ready, Set, Paddle!

We're excited to be sponsoring the 48th Annual Missouri Whitewater Championships! This event is hosted by the Missouri Whitewater Association, an ACA Paddle America Club. All canoe and kayak races will take place on the St. Francis River near Fredericktown, MO on March 21-22, 2015. 

If you want to race, please visit www.missouriwhitewater.org to register. This event consists of slalom, downriver, and boatercross races for all ages, kayaks, canoes, and skill levels on class II-III whitewater. Spectators welcome! Viewing and parking are free! We hope to see you there. 

Want to Help Clean Up Our Rivers?

An estimated 6.14 million tons of debris enter marine environments each year. And 80% of this debris is land-based trash that enters oceans via freshwater rivers and streams. As paddlers, we are in a unique position to make a difference! Are you doing your part? 

Join the ACA Stream to Sea Initiative today and help stop marine debris at its source. Whenever you grab your paddle, make sure you grab a Paddle Green Bag, too. 

Click here to learn more about the ACA Stream to Sea Initiative, and become part of the solution. 

Paddle sustainably, paddle often!

Best Wishes, Hillary!

Our amazing Membership Coordinator, Hillary Chesson, has accepted a new job opportunity that will allow her to spend even more time out in the field. We are so excited for Hillary and her new adventure, but we are going to miss her around here!

Please join us in wishing Hillary well and thanking her for all her hard work at the ACA--today is her last day. 

Go get 'em, buddy!