River City Challenge & Eco Fest!

Come out and enjoy Jacksonville's annual environmental music festival and paddlesports race on May 17, 2014! We're excited to be sponsoring this awesome event. 

Enjoy a day of FREE family-friendly entertainment, including:

• National recording artists
• Interactive KidZone
• Vendor market
• Newly added Eco-Village
• Awesome local food from a variety of Jacksonville food trucks 
• Tasty libations from Sweetwater Brewing Co.

Learn more about River City Challenge & Eco Fest here. We hope to see you in Jacksonville! 

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).

Are You Ready to Challenge Yourself This Winter?

We're excited to be one of the sponsors for this year's Winter Challenge Off-Road Triathlon! For the past 10 years, the Winter Challenge has drawn athletes from all around the Southeast to the pristine rural environs of Dome Farms, just outside of Springfield, South Carolina. 

The 23-mile race consists of a 7-mile trail run, 6-mile kayak, and 10-mile mountain bike and draws a wide assortment of competitors, ranging from fierce triathletes to first-timers. Ultimately, the challenge comes more from how hard you push yourself and less from the difficulty of the course itself.

Top 3 things to expect from this one-of-a-kind race:

1. One of the most unique and beautiful settings you've ever raced on. Dome farms, situated on the Edisto River Swamp, offers countless miles of diverse off-road trail, plus a 75-acre pond where you'll get your paddle on.
2. Competition and camaraderie. The fellowship of the Winter Challenge and the post race festivities lend themselves to camaraderie found at few other venues. Stick around and make a few new friends. 
3. You will have a good time, guaranteed. We go to great lengths to ensure that both newcomers and alumni have one of the best days of their season. It's because of this that we see the same people coming back to race the Winter Challenge year after year. 

Learn more at www.winterchallenge.net or check it out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/winterchallengex

Look for ACA prizes at the event!

Announcing the 2014 Alabama Cup Racing Series!

The ACA is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Alabama Cup Racing Series, consisting of the following events: 

Locust Fork Invitational- February 1-2, 2014

Mulberry Fork Canoe & Kayak Race- March 1-2, 2014

Locust Fork Classic - March 22-23, 2014

Come out and meet other paddlers while testing out your skills! Courses consist of about 25 gates set on class II/III rapids approximately one hundred yards long. Each event also features a raffle, silent auction, food, live entertainment, awards banquet, environmental education, and more. 

Read more about it and register here. See you at the starting line!

The BIC SUP One Design World Championships in Puerto Rico Have Begun!

SUP boards ready to go at the BIC SUP One Design World Champs. 

The rain has finally cleared in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the first round of race results are in! The BIC SUP One Design World Championships are off to a great start. 

The ACA is proud to be one of the sponsors of this exciting event.

The ACA tent today in spectacular San Juan, Puerto Rico.

If you're serious about SUP, check out the ACA's SUP Instructor Certification Program by visiting our website or contacting our Safety, Education, Instruction, and Outreach Department. 

Did you know: The ACA will be incorporating the BIC SUP One Design Challenge into our Collegiate Race Series. Stay tuned for updates!

BIC SUP One Design World Championships competitors race to the finish.

Preliminary race results:

Dash to the Finish!

Don't miss the annual Deception Pass Dash on Sunday, December 8. The event consists of an exciting 6-mile paddle through the swirling current of Deception Pass near Oak Harbor, Washington. All paddlers ages 16+ are encouraged to participate in kayaks, canoes, and SUPs!

Learn more and register online:

http://outdooradventurecenter.com/adventure/deception-pass-dash-2013/