Win a PFD from MTI!

Want to win a new PFD from MTI? Tell MTI, HOW MANY YELLOW MTI REFLEX JACKETS ARE FLOATING ON THE RIVER IN FRAME # 5:30/ 13:12 in this informative and fun video by the ACA: "Life Jackets Float. Do you?"

Contest fine print: All correct answers received by 2/14/12 will be entered to win in a drawing to be held on 2/15/2012. Winner can choose the life jacket model of their choice, subject to availability. Limited to USA and Canada (All jackets USCG approved.) Free shipping/ no PO Boxes.


To submit your guess visit MTI on Facebook
Contest Deadline: FEB 14th
(Love your Life [Jacket] Day!)

ACA Mobile EZ Skills Course Report

Smartphone Reporting for Instructors!


Just finished your course? Go to the ACA's mobile website on your smartphone and click on the EZ Skills Course Report Form link.
 A few simple clicks later: your course is reported, you've received your teaching credit and you're pulling out of the take-out.

http://www.americancanoe.org/m/

ACA Regional SUP Summit Agenda!

Wear a leash or not?

We have now released the agenda for the ACA Regional Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Summit in San Diego. The purpose of this summit is to bring together all aspects of the discipline (flatwater, coastal, surf and river users) along with the manufacturers, retailers, liveries, competitors, and instructors. There is no cost or registration for the summit.

The San Diego Regional SUP Summit will take place at the Mission Bay Hyatt, San Diego, CA from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on March 4, 2012. Please contact the ACA with any and all questions.

Instructor Search Function Improved



Photo Courtesy of ACA Pro School - CKAPCO

 The SEI Department has uploaded PDF's that list all the certified Instructor Trainers (IT) and Instructor Trainer Educators (ITE) by both discipline and state.



Additional improvements to the instructor search function are in the development phase.

Click here.

Did you know that today is World Wetlands Day?

 

On February 2, 1971, countries around the world came together in Ramsar, Iran, for the first ecologically focused convention. The Convention on Wetlands, an Intergovernmental Treaty, provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Today, 160 countries have signed the Treaty, and 1,911 wetland sites have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance. 

In the U.S. there are currently nearly 30 designated Ramsar sites amounting to more than 6,300 square miles of wetlands. Not only are wetlands an integral component to a healthy ecosystem; they are also a great place to paddle! Ramsar’s focus this year is on responsible ecotourism, and the ACA encourages you to visit your local wetlands by canoe, kayak, or SUP--check out the boards in Ramsar's poster! While you’re there, be sure to leave our wetlands cleaner than the way you found them!  

Check out ways the ACA supports the conservation of wetlands and other waters!

The Adventure Summit

The ACA is proud to be presenting and exhibiting at The Adventure Summit in Dayton, Ohio, taking place on February 10th and 11th, 2012 at the Student Union in Wright State University. The summit will feature:

• An exposition of outdoor clubs and retailers
• Kayak, canoe, and bouldering competitions
• A duathalon (run/walk & bike ride)
• Educational and instructional sessions
• Presentations, including a keynote address by and ledgendary mountainbiker Gary Fisher
• Beer tastings

The ACA's very own Kelsey Bracewell will be presenting on Stand Up Paddleboarding. For the instruction schedule and more see ACA SUP Instruction at http://www.metroparks.org/adventuresummit/pool.aspx

For more information on The Adventure Summit be sure to check out http://www.metroparks.org/adventuresummit/

Making Wisconsin a Better Place to Paddle!

"The City of Prairie du Chien's efforts to increase canoeing and kayaking on the Mississippi River have been greatly improved with the announcement of a $1,000 grant from the ACA."

- January 20th press release announcing being an ACA CFS Grant recipient

 The soon-to-be upgraded Washington Street Park

2012 brings with it many new and exciting stewardship initiatives to help improve our waters and paddling experiences! The Great Rivers Paddling Club is partnering with the City of Prairie du Chien to help revitalize the Washington Street Park and its waterfront. The club was awarded $1,000 to go towards the construction of a new dock and storage building for canoes and kayaks to increase recreational paddling on the Marais de Saint Feriole, the Mississippi River slough between the mainland and St. Feriole Island. 

“We sincerely appreciate the donation from the ACA and their CFS program,” said Aaron Kramer, Prairie du Chien City Administrator. “I have been very proud of the work undertaken by Park and Recreation Director Mike Ulrich, and the commitment of our Parks and Public Works Committees to this initiative. In addition to the work at Washington Park, we are excited to be adding a canoe and kayak launching area at the Campion Street Boat Landing in 2012.”

See the full press release here!

Interested in funding your stewardship initiatives? Apply for a CFS Grant today!