How Do You Paddle Green?

For those who know the joys of paddling or love being in or around water corridors, nothing is more important than the stewardship of our waterways. The unique connection between paddlers and the natural world is what drives the ACA’s stewardship program. 

Michelle and Jayson Huston are ACA members who frequently paddle the Potomac River near their home in West Virginia and use their Paddle Green Bags to pick up any trash they encounter along the way.

Here's what Michelle had to say about the photo of her husband above:

"Some of the last accessible water on the upper Potomac (Taylor's Landing) turned out to be an area that's going to take a lot more clean-up effort to make a dent in. With our fish/safety gear, we ran out of room in the boat hauling this load back up river for pack out, sadly. Really impressed with the ACA Paddle Green Bags, though; each weighted a good 60-70lbs and took both of us to lift. We were afraid they'd rip, but neither one even popped a stitch!"

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 can make a difference! 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. 

Do you have a Stewardship story to tell? Email clloyd@americancanoe.org for a chance to be featured on the Water Blog and ACA social media. 

ACA Adaptive Paddling Program Keeps Getting Stronger

Following the great success of the 2014 Adaptive Paddling Summit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the ACA has compiled a promotional video to highlight some of the equipment, venues, and faces of the ACA’s adaptive paddling program.

Since 1990, the ACA has been at the forefront of adaptive paddling issues, technology, and trends. ACA’s Adaptive Paddling Workshops have reached thousands of paddlesports instructors and students across the country by providing cutting-edge teaching methods and equipment modification techniques. ACA Adaptive endorsed instructors can now be found at almost every adaptive sport discipline across the country, and are continuing to make a splash in the paddling community.

For more information on how to get involved in this life-changing program, please visit www.americancanoe.org/AdaptivePaddling or contact ACA Education & Outreach Coordinator, Joe Moore: jmoore@americancanoe.org

Heads Up South Dakota Paddlers!

ACA Chief Operating Officer Chris Stec will be presenting at the upcoming South Dakota Canoe & Kayak Association Annual Conference this Saturday in Sioux Falls.

Date: Saturday, January 31

Time: 11am – 3:30pm

Location: The Outdoor Campus – 4500 S. Oxbow Ave. Sioux Falls, SD

For additional information, please visit: http://sdcka.blogspot.com/

Topics Chris will be covering:

• Adaptive Paddling 
• Latest in paddlesports education 
• Updates on Stewardship / conservation opportunities 

For those of you in the area, we hope you can make it! 

Prone Kayaking Curriculum Discussion

At the upcoming Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC) meeting, Instructors and Instructor Trainers will be discussing whether or not to add a Prone Kayaking Curriculum to the ACA's National Paddlesports Instruction Program.

Before then, the SEIC wants to hear what you think on the matter! To make your voice heard, call the ACA conference line on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at 7pm ET and participate in the conversation. 

For more information, and instructions for joining the conference call, please click here. 

New Water Trails

Whether you travel north or south this year, two new national water trails provide the opportunity to explore and connect to America’s waterways.

Recognizing the achievements of federal, state, and local partners, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell has designated the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail and the Huron River Water Trail as the 17th and 18th trails of the National Water Trails System. 

“Expanding water trails nationwide improves the environment and adds value to local economies,” said Secretary Jewell. “The National Water Trail System helps people discover the natural beauty and history of local places and provides fun opportunities for families to explore the world around them.”

Click here to read the full news release from The National Park Service.

Looking for water trails near you? Check out the ACA Recommended Water Trail Directory. 

Funding For Your Stewardship Efforts

We are thrilled to announce that we will be offering the L.L. Bean Club Fostered Stewardship (CFS) Grants for the 13th year in a row! 

The CFS Grant Program provides funding to local and regional paddling clubs and organizations that undertake stewardship projects on waterways in their area. The purpose of the program is to encourage paddling clubs to take an active role in protecting and improving the nation's waterways. 

CFS grants are available for projects that utilize volunteers in efforts to protect, maintain or restore recreational waterways, to provide for or improve public access, or to enhance safe navigation. Eligible projects include: cleaning up waterways, clearing in-stream safety hazards, maintaining access areas, erecting signs and controlling erosion, establishing and maintaining paddle trails, acquiring threatened access points, and providing sanitary facilities. Grant amounts range from $100-$1,000.

Applications will be available online starting February 2, 2015, so be sure to check back then!

In the meantime, you can learn more about the CFS Grant Program here. 

Life Jackets for All!

The Sea Tow Foundation is now accepting applications from non-profit organizations and state boating agencies around the country to host a life jacket loaner program in their local areas. The application and additional information can be found on the front page of the Sea Tow website: www.boatingsafety.com

If you know of a boating agency in your area that would benefit from having a life jacket loaner stand and a set of life jackets from the Sea Tow Foundation, please feel free to pass this information on to them. Our goal is to make sure that everyone has access to life jackets that they can borrow for free and will wear while spending time on or around the water.