See The World's Best Paddling Films

The RPFF World Tour is an international film tour screening in 110 cities. At its first showing in Toronto in March, the 9th annual RPFF drew the largest premiere audience in festival history. 

Click here for a list of this year's award-winning films, and be sure to attend the RPFF at our ACA Paddle Green Event in June!

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.

New Green Affiliate - Wind and Water Learning Center

The ACA is pleased to welcome our newest Green Affiliate, the City of Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center!

The Center provides on-water educational opportunities for the community including kayaking, canoeing, SUP, and sailing.

For more information, or to get out on the water with the newest ACA Green Affiliate, please visit www.windandwaterlearning.com

New Kayak Fishing Excursion for 2014

Have you participated in one of the ACA's Members Only Backcountry Paddling Excursions yet? If so, then we don't need to tell you how much fun they are. For those who haven't taken advantage of this membership benefit yet, we hope you'll consider joining us for our NEW Kayak Fishing Excursion scheduled for this summer. 

This trip will take you to Sugar Island, Ontario and the famous West Brand of the Ausable River in upstate New York. During the 8-day excursion, you'll enjoy fly fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even canoe sailing (if you're so inclined).

Please visit our website for a sample itinerary and to request additional information about the 2014 Members Only Kayak Fishing Excursion. 

Original Paddlesport Artwork

Target Rock Kayaking

The original oil painting "Target Rock Kayaking" (above) was painted by the ACA's very own Office Manager, Cireena Katto. Cireena used a photo of a paddler on the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, VA taken by SEI Coordinator, Kelsey Bracewell as a reference for the painting.  

Cireena also entered her painting "River Reflections" (below) in the Fredericksburg Fine Arts Exhibit last week, taking first place in the Oil Paints category and earning Best in Show. 

River Reflections

Prints of Cireena's paintings, as well as other custom artwork, is available in the ACA eStore.  

Support the ACA, sustain a local artist, AND get cool paddling-related artwork all with one purchase!

Calling all Kayak Fishers!

Are you covered? If you're a kayaking group or organization with a fishing component, your group may be eligible to participate in the ACA insurance program as a Paddle America Club or an Affiliate Organization. 

Ready to learn more? Visit our website, or contact the ACA Insurance Department today. 

Please Tell Us What You Think

There are just a few days left to participate in the ACA's National Water Trails Improvement Survey. Your feedback has the potential to influence your future paddling experience!

Survey for general membership and public. 

Survey for outfitters, liveries, and guides.

(Closes February 9, 2014.)

Part of the ACA's mission is to enhance paddling experiences by providing decision makers with solid data. With this survey, we are gathering information about how water trail users plan their trips and like to experience the water. This information will help the National Park Service and its partners create materials and experiences better suited to your needs. 

Thank you for your input!

Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and EcoVentures

The highlight of your Florida vacation! Guided kayak tours. Rentals. Lessons. Manatees. Dolphins. The best wildlife viewing and birding in Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island. 

Happy Paddler offers all this and more! 

Grab a paddle and go: happypaddler.com

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!

Did You Know?

ACA insurance covers kayak fishing! 

If you are a kayaking group or organization with a fishing component, your group may be eligible to participate in the ACA insurance program.

Ready to learn more? Visit our website, or contact the ACA Insurance Department today!

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 

New Members-Only Kayak Fishing Excursion

Daydreaming about summer? Start planning an adventure! Sign up for our new Kayak Fishing Excursion scheduled for July 26-August 2, 2014.

This trip will take you to Sugar Island, Ontario and the famous West Brand of the Ausable River in upstate New York--the scenery in this area is spectacular to say the least. During the 8-day excursion, you'll enjoy fly fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even canoe sailing.

Please visit our website to learn more! 

Sugar Island - New Registrar

The ACA would like to recognize Marcia Banholzer for volunteering to take over the registration for tents and cabins for Sugar Island in 2014.

This is a unique benefit for all ACA members to enjoy. Spectacular camping, great paddling opportunities, and even canoe sailing for those so inclined!

Stay tuned to ACA social media for an upcoming new member benefit that involves your island.

Learn more about Marcia...

Congratulations to December Kokatat Instructor of the Month, Dan Cox!

Dan has been paddling for the past 15 years, and began "messing about in canoes" when he was young. After being inspired by video footage of rafts on the Zambezi River, and after watching whitewater paddling in the Olympics, Dan was hooked on kayaking.

Learn more about Dan's story...

The ACA would like to extend a big thank you to Kokatat for sponsoring our Instructor of the Month program. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Submit a nomination here!

Check out Sundance Kayak School

Founded in 1973, Sundance Kayak School was created for one specific reason: to be the nation's premier whitewater kayak school by offering the most thorough introductory program possible, consistently improving their teaching methods, demonstrating professionalism both on and off the water, and having tons of fun!

Sundance offers both camp-based and lodge-based kayak schools on the Rogue River as well as other rivers around the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a first-time beginner, or an expert looking to perfect your technique, Sundance courses are ideal for helping you reach your paddling goals. 

The company also offers rowing schools, ACA instructor certifications, and SUP.

Learn more about Sundance Kayak School...