Update from IBWSS

This week, we are excited to be attending the 19th annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) in Sandestin, Florida. The conference kicked off Monday morning with a Color Guard ceremony followed by a U.S. Coast Guard update. Captain Jon Burton and Captain Tom Boross presented on the National Recreational Boating Safety Program, discussing the national casualty and numbered boat statistics, the reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust fund, and other updates. 

Captain Tom Boross giving his opening remarks for IBWSS 2015.

The day marched on with general sessions and a remarkable presentation from keynote speakers Greg Spooner and Jordan Hanssen of OAR Northwest. Greg and Jordan told the story of an on-water adventure that took them from West Africa, across the Atlantic, through the Bermuda Triangle to Miami, including a detailed account of how they survived a disaster scenario thanks to teamwork, perseverance, and meticulous preparation. 

Jordan and Greg of OAR Northwest telling tales of adventure, disaster, & survival.

This morning, Chris Stec will be presenting on the latest in the world of stand up paddleboards, specifically regarding leash and life jacket wear. Many stand up paddlers are unsure when and where to use these important pieces of equipment--educate yourself so you know how to paddle safe! Then, right after lunch, we'll be heading to Baytowne Beach for some kayaking and SUP instruction followed by a paddling competition at 4pm. 

Follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the rest of #IBWSS15 !

ACA Stewardship Initiatives Update

ACA and Outdoors Alliance for Kids signed a letter thanking Senators Mark Kirk and Jack Reed and Representatives Mike Fitzpatrick and John Sarbanes for their leadership involving the No Child Left Inside Act. This bill will encourage the integration of outdoor learning into regular school curriculum, provide grants to school districts, and support teacher training.

Click here to read our letter and check out the other ways that ACA staff, Paddle America Clubs, and volunteers across the country are working on behalf of all paddlers.

Paddle Around NYC!

Each summer since 2004, Steve Blumling and Jerry Blackstone have organized a paddle around Manhattan Island: An Annual Manhattan Circumnavigation. In recent years Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky and Phil Giller have joined this team. The trip has grown from 17 paddlers in 2004 to 101 paddlers in 2014!

The Circumnavigation is open to all who qualify; club membership is not required; out-of-towners are welcomed. Kayakers can socialize, exercise, take pictures and explore during this 30 mile excursion.

Just in case you need some extra convincing, here are 6 great reasons to race around New York City by kayak!

Careful planning means that the current helps rather than opposes the paddlers. Safety of a large group is enhanced via general marine radio use; a safety boat escort and Coast Guard notification.

Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club joins with other New York area paddling clubs to carry on this annual tradition. YPRC will be the lead sponsor and Sebago Canoe Club (SCC), Inwood Canoe Club (ICC) and the New York City Water Trail Association (NYCWTA) will co-sponsor. The ACA will provide liability insurance.

Join us on August 22, and be sure to also plan for a rain date, August 23.

Please register here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ManhattanCirc2015

Got questions or comments? Email manhattancircumnavigation@gmail.com

Design a Life Jacket to Win 10K

The BoatUS Innovations in Life Jacket Design Competition is your chance to create the life jacket of your dreams. Unconventional designs are encouraged, and participants can submit either a theoretical design or a working prototype.

All entries are due by April 15, 2015. The top prize is $10,000! Need we say more?

Get additional information on the competition here.

Did You Survive a Dangerous Paddling Situation? We Want to Hear About it!

As part of an upcoming grant project, the ACA is currently looking for paddlers who are willing to talk about their narrow-escapes out on the water. If you have survived a scary experience while paddling, this is your opportunity to transform that experience into something that could help others. Your stories will be used in an animated memoir-style video to educate viewers about safe paddling practices. 

Please email a summary of your story to Catharine Lloyd, ACA Communications Coordinator, at clloyd@americancanoe.org. 

**The deadline for submissions is this Friday, March 27.**

Thank you, and paddle safe!

Bring the Olympic Spirit to Your City!

Attention all ACA-affiliated clubs and organizations! Host an Olympic Day celebration this June to connect the Olympic Movement with your organization. Olympic Day, held annually on June 23, is celebrated by millions of people in more than 160 countries. Commemorating the birth of the modern Olympic Games, Olympic Day on June 23, 1894, Olympic Day’s mission is to promote fitness, well-being, culture and education, while promoting the Olympic values – excellence, friendship and respect – and the three Olympic Day pillars – move, learn and discover – in every corner of the globe.

For more information, check out www.teamusa.org/OlympicDay.

Olympic Day can be associated with a pre-existing event or distinguished as a standalone celebration. Registration is simple and free – to sign up, visit https://olympicday.fusesport.com/registration/205/March/ or click the button below. 

Each event host will receive a complimentary Olympic Day flag and Team USA stickers along with the opportunity to host an Olympian or Paralympian at their celebration.

2015 Swiftwater Rescue Conference

Mark your calendar. This is one event you won't want to miss!

The 2015 ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference will focus on a series of on-water safety and rescue educational sessions taught by the best of the best in swiftwater rescue instruction. In addition, there will be a range of social functions, including BBQ and mountain music on Saturday night. For those simply looking for an Instructor Update, you can accomplish that too, but there will be so much more available in the realm of on-water rescue!

More info on our website.