Become an ACA State Director

ACA members who are truly passionate about our mission for paddlesports now have an opportunity to apply for a State Director volunteer position. This is your chance to make a positive difference for paddlers in your state!

Applications will be accepted through April 15th.

Details can be found here: State Director Program

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Announcing the New ACA State Director Program!

In an effort to better understand paddling issues across the country and help your local paddling community, the ACA is seeking members who are interested in volunteering for our brand new State Director Program.  

State Directors will help the ACA be more effective at the state level, whether it's through assistance with an educational activity, supporting an environmental action, or providing tools for a clean-up.

State Directors can also assist new or potential ACA members locally with things like finding paddling clubs or instruction, organizing a stewardship opportunity, or helping people contact the ACA if there is an issue that needs national attention.

The ACA will begin accepting applications for State Directors on March 14. In the meantime, please read about this important new volunteer program here:  State Director Program. 

Conservation Newsroom

Check out the Conservation Newsroom!

The Conservation Newsroom is the newest section on the Stewardship webpage.  Click on the link to check out the new articles relating to NOAA Marine Debris Program, the White River being designated as the second National Blueway, and the Chesapeake Bay Executive Order Report.

Sugar is Sweet

Did you know that ACA members have an exclusive vacation benefit? It's called Sugar Island, in the heart of the Thousand Islands chain on the St. Lawrence River. You may visit any time during the season, but you'll get to know about the ACA--and the "Sugar Islanders"--more by visiting during the annual encampment, this year taking place July 26 through August 9. Prices are very affordable, but you have to be an ACA member to visit.

The beauty of the island is that it's entirely rustic, and about as primitive as you can get when it comes to camping. Still, the islanders know a thing or two about good times, especially the Thursday night pot luck. You're also within a mile or two of shore, where the Misty Islands Resort provides many amenities (and a place to park so you can drive into Gananoque, Ontario, when you need a dose of urban life, or a few groceries).

For beginners, there's plenty of gentle-water coves to explore. Or you can opt to take a lesson in canoe-sailing from a friendly islander. The wildlife is astounding, and I hear the fishing is great, too.

I visited last year with my family, and my oldest daughter keeps asking when we're going back. I'm just about to make a call to reserve a spot.

Happy paddling!

Martin A. Bartels
ACA Executive Director

How we work for you

This has been an inspiring weekend for Americans, but especially so if you live in the DC region (ACA offices are in Fredericksburg, Virginia, about an hour south of DC). 

Regardless of your political persuasion, if you paddle, you're probably well aware of the many issues that combine to create pressure on our recreational waterways. Environmental concerns, world energy needs, and development all influence your experiences in canoes, kayaks, and rafts. It doesn't stop there: motorized boating regulations, navigability, and even Homeland Security concerns all have impacts on where you paddle.

You may not be as aware of the long, proud history of the American Canoe Association in advocacy and stewardship. The ACA works with local paddle clubs to establish water trails that increase paddling opportunities and help protect fragile waterway environments. We work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other legislative bodies at the national, state, and local levels to help mitigate the impact of regulations, while keeping our mission of paddler safety as a priority. We work at the federal level to help influence government spending on critical environmental protection initiatives. And, we partner with other like-minded nonprofits around the country to represent the millions of people who love outdoor recreation.

When you support the ACA, you not only support our daily mission and operations. You help make your back yard a better, safer place to paddle.

Happy paddling!

Martin Bartels

ACA Executive Director

New things @ americancanoe.org

ACA staff members are excited about our new website. We've made everything easier to navigate, and raised the profile of some of our great membership benefits. Did you know, for instance, that ACA members have exclusive access to ACA's Sugar Island (pictured above) on the St. Lawrence River? It's an incredible experience, and the local canoe-sailing and kayaking is phenomenal.

We've also added new pages on all of the various paddling disciplines, from surf kayaking to the elegant freestyle canoeing. You can access some awesome videos through that page, too. In fact, keep your eyes open over the next couple of months: freestyle canoeing will be featured on the Discovery Channel program, "Wreckreation Nation" (Tuesdays at 10pm)!

Happy paddling!

Martin A. Bartels

ACA Executive Director 

 

New Year, New Website, New Blog

Welcome to the American Canoe Association Water Blog. We'll take a slightly different approach to the usual blog in the sense that these entries will be written collectively by ACA staff.

For those of you who know us, we hope you'll visit our blog often for event updates, tips, and favorite paddling spots.

For those of you who don't know us, we're located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, along the Rappahannock River. Founded in 1880, the ACA is one of the most enduring outdoor recreation nonprofits--501(c)(3)--organizations around. We work to keep people safe on the water, whether canoeing, kayaking, or rafting. 

There are more than 4,000 ACA-certified paddlesport instructors out there, so odds are if you're interested in the sport there's someone near you who can help you get started. We also support more than 150 Paddle America clubs. Visit the ACA website at www.americancanoe.org for more information and to become a member.

Meanwhile, happy paddling!