Top 5 Reasons to Attend Paddlefest 2014

This year's CKS Paddlefest is expected to be bigger and better than ever. From May 23-26th, paddling enthusiasts from all over the country will gather in beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado for an action-packed weekend full of outdoor fun!

Here's why you need to check it out:

1. BV Pro Kayaking Rodeo - Watch the best freestyle kayakers from around the world compete in the Buena Vista Whitewater Park in South Main.
2. Gear sales - Get huge savings on the latest gear for 2014.
3. Something for everyone - Are you a flatwater paddler? Kayak fisher? Whitewater enthusiast? Paddlefest has it all. And you may even be inspired to try something new!
4. Evening fun - The fun doesn't stop at sundown. Live music and various film screenings will continue into the night. And the whole event is family-friendly.
5. For a good cause - Registration for CKS Paddlefest supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chaffee County and the Buena Vista Optimist Club. 

The ACA is an official sponsor of this event. If you decide to attend, please stop by our booth to say hello! We look forward to seeing you.

Are You Using This Free Service For Paddlers?

Even the most cautious and experienced boaters run into unexpected problems on the water. That's why the US Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters, paddlers included, take advantage of the FREE Vessel Safety Check program. 

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers non-law enforcement vessel safety checks to paddle crafts. There is no charge to these checks and you will not suffer any consequences if you don't pass. The only purpose is to keep you safe! 

Learn more about this life-saving service here, and request a vessel safety check today through this simple online form.

How does it work? A certified vessel examiner will come to you, and the inspection only takes 30-45 minutes. If you pass the examination, you'll receive a distinctive VSC decal to show off your safety smarts. 

The ACA would love to see more paddlers taking advantage of this free program. 

New Membership Benefit - 2 Free Nights of Tent Camping on Sugar Island

Welcome Sign at Sugar Island

Sugar Island is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario, Canada, which is an international tourism destination near the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. The 35-acre island is privately owned by the ACA and is available to all members for year round use - and now, new ACA members receive 2 FREE nights of camping!

The island is rustic with no modern amenities. It is a pristine, pure environment with crystal clear water, clean air, and beautiful night skies.  Swim, snorkel, fish, paddle, sail, or simply relax. Take advantage of this great ACA member benefit and make your reservation today!

Sunset at Sugar Island

Sugar Island - A Spectacular Member Benefit!

Getting to Sugar Island is an Adventure

Sugar Island offers all ACA members the opportunity for an exceptional paddlesport camping experience. Arriving at the island is as much a part of your trip as your stay. The island is located approximately one mile from the Canadian mainland. You can paddle out to the island, or you can have the unique experience of using the water taxi offered by the Misty Isles Lodge in Gananoque, Ontario!  

The 35-acre island is primitive, with no modern amenities but is a wonderful place for families to enjoy a paddling/camping vacation. Sugar Island is a pristine, pure environment with crystal clear water, clean air, and beautiful night skies.  

Sugar Island is privately owned by the ACA and is available to all members for year-round use. New ACA members receive 2 FREE nights of camping! Take advantage of this great ACA member benefit and make your reservation today!

What Kind of ACA Member Are You?

ACA membership is as diverse as the paddlers we serve. For starters, there are many different membership types. You can join as an individual, family, instructor candidate, organization, and now there's even a membership type specifically for outfitter, livery and guide services. 

Like the others, this membership category comes with its own set of perks. Here are just a few of the reasons to become an outfitter, livery and guide member of the ACA:

• INSURANCE - You'll get access to a broad selection of exclusive insurance products, all at a special rate.
• PROMOTION - All outfitter, livery and guide members receive recognition across the ACA's different social media networks, Water Blog, and Journal of Paddlesport Education monthly enewsletter.
• RAPID MEDIA SUBSCRIPTION - You'll get a free 1-year subscription to each of the 4 Rapid Media magazine titles. 

Visit our website to read about ALL the benefits to this newest type of membership, and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. We'll help you decide which type of membership is best for you!