Two Thumbs Down: VA 'Freedom to Float Bill' Sinks in the Senate

Virginia Senate Bill 629, also known as the "Freedom to Float Bill," was defeated by the Senate yesterday (10-Y 30-N). 

The ACA believes this bill was a smart approach to allow non-motorized vessels to use non-tidal rivers, streams, and creeks for the purpose of recreation. SB629 would have allowed paddlers to float on drainage areas of at least seven square miles. These paddlers would not have been held liable for civil or criminal trespass for travel upon non-tidal rivers, streams, or creeks within this strict drainage area solely for recreation. 

We have been an outspoken advocate for SB629, and we're sorry to report its defeat. The ACA is proud to support the best interests of paddlers and the waterways they cherish across the country. Our ongoing public policy involvement is driven solely by members like you.

History of SB629.

The ACA's update on the bill.

Contact your Senator.

Safe Sea Kayaking - DVD, CD-ROM & Teacher's Guide

Decide to Return: A Strategy for Safe Sea Kayaking explores the conscious decisions and unconscious choices that we make every time we leave the shore. Sometimes these choices mean the difference between a safe outing and disaster.

Kate and Jack experience a gamut of hazards on their brief outing. Some are courtesy of Mother Nature but others they've brought upon themselves. This DVD will give you practical information and food for thought so you'll be prepared for your next sea kayaking adventure.

Follow Kate and Jack as their skill, preparedness and equipment choices shape the day. Will their decisions seal an unpleasant fate or enable a safe return?

Also included is a CD-Rom containing a teacher's guide in PDF format and a Power Point presentation to be used in conjunction with the video. Both answer viewer questions, provide group discussion points and explain in more detail the accident process theory. These invaluable support materials will make Decide to Return a worthy part of any outdoor training program. 

ACA members don't forget to login to your account to receive your member discount on your purchase.

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!

2014: Less Trash, More Class

Congratulations to the Arkansas Canoe Club for completing the first Track Trash data collection form of the year! Keep up the stellar work!

Want to help? Visit the ACA's Track Trash website for more info. Thanks for making the world a better place to paddle.

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!

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!

The Latest on SB 629 Virginia Stream Access Bill

ACA Executive Director Wade Blackwood and Stewardship Coordinator Greg Rolf have spent the past two days at the Virginia State Capital with Senator Stuart to discuss the Virginia Stream Access Bill (SB 629). This afternoon, the House passed the bill and it will now move to the Senate floor. Stay tuned for more updates on this paddler-friendly legislation.

Blackwood testifies before the Agricultural, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee.