Will Winter Ever End?

We're dreaming of warmer temps, sunny days, and the 34th annual 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 competitions.

When: Saturday, June 7th, 2014
Where: Fredericksburg, VA (Old Mill Park)

Online registration will be available in early May, or you may register on-site starting at 7:45 on race day at Old Mill Park.

The GRWCR is part of the ACA's annual Paddle Green Festival--Celebrate the Rapp! This all-day, stewardship-focused festival 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).

Trash Begone!

The clean-up this weekend in Fredericksburg was a huge success thanks to our wonderful volunteers. We'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all who came out and devoted their Saturday morning to the clean-up. You rock. Every single one of you. 

ACA volunteers trump trash. 

Volunteers Needed for a Clean-Up in Fredericksburg, VA

Please join us for a clean-up this Saturday in Fredericksburg, VA. Protect the Rapp from marine debris!

What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into our beloved Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

More info here. 

Can't make it to the clean-up this Saturday? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form.  

Two Thumbs Down: VA 'Freedom to Float Bill' Sinks in the Senate

Virginia Senate Bill 629, also known as the "Freedom to Float Bill," was defeated by the Senate yesterday (10-Y 30-N). 

The ACA believes this bill was a smart approach to allow non-motorized vessels to use non-tidal rivers, streams, and creeks for the purpose of recreation. SB629 would have allowed paddlers to float on drainage areas of at least seven square miles. These paddlers would not have been held liable for civil or criminal trespass for travel upon non-tidal rivers, streams, or creeks within this strict drainage area solely for recreation. 

We have been an outspoken advocate for SB629, and we're sorry to report its defeat. The ACA is proud to support the best interests of paddlers and the waterways they cherish across the country. Our ongoing public policy involvement is driven solely by members like you.

History of SB629.

The ACA's update on the bill.

Contact your Senator.

Go Outside and Play!

Virginia Outside and Virginia Fishing Adventures offer day and overnight mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and adventure travel camps for kids starting as young as six years old.

They offer day camps in Richmond, Fredericksburg/Stafford, and Northern Virginia. 

For more information, please visit www.virginiaoutside.com