Friday, February 28, 2014

Your Chance to Influence the Future of Paddlesports Education

The National On-Water Standards Team, funded by US Coast Guard grants, is seeking input from recreational paddling and rowing educators across the nation. Do you have a few minutes? Complete this survey and make your voice heard!


This is your opportunity to impact the development of free recreational paddling and rowing (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, etc) standards/rubrics that can be voluntarily used by educators when developing boating courses. 

Take the survey today! 

For more information, please contact K. Brian Dorval, On-Water Standards Facilitator at 716-994-2842 or brian@thinkfirstserve.com



Thursday, February 27, 2014

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. 




Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Volunteers Needed for a Clean-Up in Fredericksburg, VA

Please join us for a clean-up this Saturday in Fredericksburg, VA. Protect the Rapp from marine debris!

What: A clean-up event that will focus on removing litter before it makes it into our beloved Rappahannock River
Where: 503 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (we will meet outside the new ACA office)
When: March 1, 2014, 9am-12pm

More info here. 



Can't make it to the clean-up this Saturday? There are lots of other ways to help. Learn more about the ACA's Stream to Sea Initiative, grab some Paddle Green Bags, and start keeping track of all your hard work with our Track Trash form.  



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Telling a New Story About Iraq's Natural Resources

The ACA is proud to support the Rawanduz River Expedition, a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the endangered rivers in Iraq.

Environmental protection in Iraq is complicated by negative perceptions of the country. The Rawanduz River Expedition is hoping to change these attitudes by showing people the true beauty of Iraq's waterways, inspiring stewardship and conservation of the region's last wild rivers. 

The Rawanduz Gorge.

What is the Purpose of the Expedition?
Championed by Nature Iraq, an Iraqi non-governmental organization, the Rawanduz River Expedition has two main goals: 
  1. Lead a kayak expedition down the Rawanduz River of Kurdistan, northern Iraq, in the spring of 2014 with a team of professional kayakers, river advocates, and a videographer who will conduct outreach to local communities raising awareness about river threats.
  2. Tell the story of the expedition through a short film, which will chronicle this record-setting first kayak expedition down the full length of the Rawanduz River in northern Iraq. The film will be used to raise awareness locally and internationally, showcasing the tourism potential of these rivers and demonstrating how they can be protected and used sustainably. 
How Can I Help?
First, read the full press release here, or watch the video below to learn more:


Then, be sure to visit the expedition's official indiegogo campaign site to show your support for this important project. 

The ACA is proud to be an official sponsor of the Rawanduz River Expedition (as well as its predecessor project, the Tigris River Flotilla.) For more information, please contact ACA International Paddlesports Ambassador, Dave Burden. 







Monday, February 24, 2014

New Membership Benefit - 2 Free Nights of Tent Camping on Sugar Island

Welcome Sign at Sugar Island
Sugar Island is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario, Canada, which is an international tourism destination near the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. The 35-acre island is privately owned by the ACA and is available to all members for year round use - and now, new ACA members receive 2 FREE nights of camping!


The island is rustic with no modern amenities. It is a pristine, pure environment with crystal clear water, clean air, and beautiful night skies.  Swim, snorkel, fish, paddle, sail, or simply relax. Take advantage of this great ACA member benefit and make your reservation today!


Sunset at Sugar Island

Friday, February 21, 2014

Top 3 Reasons to Join the ACA as an Outfitter, Livery or Guide

Our newest membership type is designed specifically for outfitter, livery and guide (OLG) services. 


In addition to the regular benefits of ACA membership, OLGs also receive:
  1. INSURANCE - You'll get access to a broad selection of exclusive insurance products, all at a special rate.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Tell Us Your Story!

ACA membership attracts all kinds of paddlers—from first-timers to seasoned instructors. What inspired YOU to join? What's your favorite part about ACA membership? 



Tell us what being an ACA member means to you (in 200 words or less), and we'll feature our favorite responses on our blog, Facebook page, and/or print publications!

Please email all submissions to: clloyd@americancanoe.org 

Don't forget to include a picture or two.