Beyond the Paddle: The ACA Story Project

With Gratitude from ACA Executive Director Beth Spilman

The staff and I have loved working on the first ACA Story Project. We have truly enjoyed reading all the stories — stories which evoked a range of emotions: chuckles, cold chills, tears, and more than one “wow, look at that picture.” The variety of locations, experience levels, and paddle craft demonstrates the breadth of our sport and the fact that it really is a “sport for life.” The common threads among the stories, such as freedom of being on the water, the confidence gained from mastering paddling techniques, the joy of mentoring others, and the importance of knowing how to be safe on the water, validate the ACA’s mission. Paddling has changed so many lives in so many wonderful ways. 

Many thanks to all our storytellers who took the time to share their experiences with us — what a gift! Many thanks to our donors whose generosity will support our efforts to make the world a safer, more fun place to paddle. And a shout out to all our volunteers who, for 145 years, have been the engine that powers the ACA. We can’t make it happen without you. 

We appreciate the support for our first Story Project and hope to see you in Charlotte for ACA PaddleFest in October to celebrate our 145th anniversary and to help shape ACA’s future. 

Beth Spilman 

ACA Executive Director 

“The Ride of a Lifetime” by Bill Endicott

Thank you to the incredible Bill Endicott for bringing us the first story of the ACA Story Project!

About the Author: Bill Endicott is a legendary figure in American paddlesports and a two-time inductee into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame, honored for both Lifetime Achievement and Advocacy. He also played a leading role in creating the Slalom World Cup and securing slalom’s place in the Olympic Games. His story is a powerful reminder of the passion, persistence, and global connection that define the spirit of the ACA community.

"Learning from the River" by Jeff Oxenford

Thank you, Jeff, for sharing this incredibly valuable perspective on teaching and learning for the second story of the ACA Story Project!

About the Author:
Jeff Oxenford is an ACA Level 4: Whitewater Canoeing Instructor Trainer Educator based in Colorado. A member of the ACA since 1991, Jeff brings nearly 40 years of experience teaching canoeing — from summer camps and professional outfitters to clubs and private instruction. He has worked with paddlers of all levels, from first-timers to advanced whitewater athletes, and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of instructors.

“Finding Great-Grandpa’s Island: A Massasauga Adventure” by Eric Slough

Thank you to Eric Slough for contributing “Finding Great-Grandpa’s Island: A Massasauga Adventure” to the ACA Story Project. Your story reminds us how paddling can be a powerful way to connect with family, legacy, and place!

About the Author
Eric Slough is an ACA Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Instructor who has been paddling for more than 25 years and teaching for over a decade. Based in Ohio, Eric joined the American Canoe Association in 2009 and is passionate about sharing the joy, history, and adventure of paddling.

"Following Waters" by Brett Mayer

Thank you to Brett for contributing “Following Waters” to the ACA Story Project. Your story captures the spirit of paddling with depth, heart, and honesty — and reminds us how rivers shape not just our adventures, but our values, our families, and the way we move through the world.

About the Author

“Paddling: A Life Transformed” by Risa Shimoda

Thank you to Risa Shimoda for contributing “Paddling: A Life Transformed” to the ACA Story Project. Your story is a powerful tribute to the people and places that shape a paddling life — and a reminder that adventure often begins with a simple invitation.

“Chronic Illness Took My Freedom: Kayaking Gave it Back!” by Kelly Rudolph

Thank you to Kelly Rudolph for contributing “Chronic Illness Took My Freedom; Kayaking Gave It Back” to the ACA Story Project! Your story is a powerful reminder of how paddling can restore not just strength and confidence — but a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you for your leadership in paddle safety and for sharing your journey so that others might find their own way to the water.

About the Author:
Kelly Rudolph is the ACA Ohio State Director and a certified ACA Instructor. She joined the ACA in 2021 after discovering paddling as a life-changing path to recovery and empowerment. Today, she dedicates herself to paddlesports education, safety, and advocacy — helping others find freedom and confidence through time on the water.

“Falling Into the Deep End in New York City” by Tom Potter

The ACA extends a warm thank you to Tom Potter for sharing his story, “Falling Into the Deep End in New York City.” Through his thoughtful writing and decades of leadership, Tom continues to inspire and expand what’s possible for urban paddling communities.

About the Author
Tom Potter is an ACA Level 4 Coastal Kayaking Instructor and has been an ACA member since the early 1990s. He is the co-founder and chair of The Kayak Foundation, co-founder and former chair of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, and hosts an annual ACA instructor forum in the New York region. In his professional life, Tom is the CEO of the New York Distilling Company, and previously served as chair of The Brooklyn Brewery and Brooklyn Roasting Company.

"It Started with a Merit Badge" by Bob Bofinger

Thank you to Bob Bofinger for contributing “It Started with a Merit Badge” to the ACA Story Project. Your story captures a lifetime of dedication to paddling — from your Boy Scout beginnings to your leadership today — and reminds us how one spark can lead to a lifetime of impact on and off the water.

About the Author
Bob Bofinger is the USA Wildwater Chairman, a National Team Member, and a many-time USA National Champion. He first discovered paddling through the Boy Scouts and has been a passionate advocate, competitor, and mentor in the sport ever since. This year, Bob is helping bring the 2025 USA Wildwater National Championships to the Potomac River — marking the first time Nationals have been held at this iconic venue.

"Hurricane Helene’s Silver Lining" by Adam Herzog

Thank you to Adam Herzog for contributing “Hurricane Helene’s Silver Lining” to the ACA Story Project. Adam’s story is a powerful reminder of the beauty and resilience that can emerge in the wake of disaster.

About the Author
Adam Herzog joined the ACA in 2023 and brings over two decades of experience in emergency care to his work on the river. After retiring from a 22-year career in EMS and emergency and trauma nursing, Adam shifted his focus to teaching whitewater kayaking and wilderness medicine with the Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute. A seasoned paddler and competitor, Adam has raced the Green Narrows 15 times, consistently posting sub-five-minute runs. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina, where he continues to share his passion for paddling, safety, and lifelong learning.

“Calm Within the Chaos” by Taylor Stoudnour

“A Special Love for the French Broad River” by Marc Hunt

Thank you to Marc Hunt for sharing such a heartfelt reflection to the ACA Story Project. Through his story, we’re reminded that love—for rivers, for community, for the rhythm of paddling—often grows deeper with time, perspective, and presence.

“Born in the ACA” by Marilyn Vogel

About the Author
A lifelong paddler and proud ACA Lifetime Member, Marilyn’s connection to the organization began in childhood—paddling alongside her father, a former ACA Commodore, and attending races at Sugar Island. Today, she continues that legacy as a longtime member of the Sugar Island Board of Trustees, where she helps steward the island’s paddling traditions and hosts annual canoe sailing events that bring the community together. From her earliest days on the Hudson River to sea kayaking with beluga whales, Marilyn’s story reflects a lifetime of adventure, connection, and dedication to the ACA mission.

“Generations of Award-Winning Paddlers” by Kirk Havens

We’re deeply grateful to Kirk Havens for sharing his families story to the ACA Story Project.

Dr. Kirk Havens, an accomplished professor and the Director of the Center for Coastal Resource Management, is also a lifelong paddler and advocate for the health of our waterways and aquatic ecosystems. Kirk was tossed into a canoe at age three and never looked back. Coming from a family of Olympic paddlers, he grew up steeped in the traditions of paddling and the ACA. He founded the Mid Atlantic Paddlers Association, served as ACA Board Chair during pivotal years, and led the move of ACA’s headquarters to the banks of the Rappahannock River. Kirk has always been a staunch supporter of ACA’s varied missions of competition, stewardship and recreation.

“A Lifetime of Leadership On and Off the Water” by David Mason

About the Author
David Mason is a lifetime member and past Commodore of the American Canoe Association. A member since 1973 and was awarded ACA’s Legends of Paddling Award in 2008 and inducted into the ACA Paddlesports Hall of Fame. With over 8,000 hours of instruction and a legacy of leadership, Dave continues to inspire generations of paddlers with his knowledge, humility, and love of the river.

“The Steak’s Sizzle” by Robert Kauffman

Thank you to Dr. Robert Kauffman for sharing his story, The Steak’s Sizzle, as part of the ACA Story Project! With humor and heart, Robert reminds us that paddlesports are not only about technique or equipment, but about passion, community, and finding joy in the journey.

About the Author
Dr. Robert Kauffman is a lifetime ACA member who first joined in the 1970s and currently serves on the ACA Board of Directors. A Professor Emeritus at Frostburg State University, Robert has dedicated his career to outdoor education, boating safety, and environmental stewardship. Whether leading on the river or from the boardroom, Robert continues to champion the ACA’s mission with energy, insight, and unmistakable sizzle.

“Boy Meets Kayak and Drowns” by Michael Gray

Thank you to Michael Gray for contributing “Boy Meets Kayak and Drowns” to the ACA Story Project. Michael’s powerful, harrowing, and humorous account of his first paddling experience reminds us that mistakes can be incredible teachers—and that humility, curiosity, and a commitment to learning can lead to a lifetime of adventure.

About the Author
Michael Gray is the founder and director of Uncommon Adventures and has been a full-time sea kayak guide for over 40 years, leading expeditions across the Great Lakes, Florida Everglades, Alaska, and internationally in more than 15 countries. An ACA member since 2001, he holds multiple ACA certifications, including:

• Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer
• Advanced Coastal Leader Trainer
• Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor
• Level 2: Essentials of Canoe Touring (Solo & Tandem) Instructor
• Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor
• Level 2: Essentials of Stand Up Paddleboarding Instructor
• Coastal Kayaking Camping Endorsed Instructor
• Coastal Kayak Fishing Endorsed Instructor

Beyond paddling, Michael is widely known as a phenomenal backcountry chef. His writing has appeared in leading paddling publications and in his own backcountry cookbook. Michael’s career blends deep technical expertise, storytelling, and a passion for sharing the joy of the outdoors.

“Somebody’s Gotta Do It” by Charles Albright

Thank you to Charles Albright for contributing “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” to the ACA Story Project. Through humor, history, and heartfelt advocacy, Charles reminds us that paddling is more than a sport—it’s a calling to connect, protect, and serve. His tireless work to expand river access, preserve small boat history, and introduce others to the joy of paddling continues to leave a lasting impact.

About the Author
Charles Albright of Reno, Nevada, has been an ACA member since 1983 and is a lifelong advocate for paddling access, history, and inclusion. Averaging over 100 river days a year—with a record-setting 272 in one season—Charles has competed and volunteered across nearly every discipline the ACA supports, including wildwater, slalom, sprint, marathon, surfski, outrigger, freestyle, coastal kayaking, and more.

When he’s not paddling or building adaptive programs, you might spot Charles on the road in his iconic white van, topped with boats and bearing the license plate CANOER.

“Glitter Freckles and Gate Poles: How One Paddler Sparkled Her Way Into Canoe Slalom” by Colleen Crino

About the Author
This story was written by Colleen Crino, proud paddling parent and storyteller for the ACA Story Project. Her daughter, Lucy Crino, has been an ACA Competition Member since 2020 and races C1, K1, and kayak cross as a member of the Potomac Whitewater Racing Club. Lucy has been a member of the Junior U.S. Canoe Slalom National Team since 2023 and brings both grit and glitter to every gate she chases.

“Olivia’s Story and Two Voices” by Wayne Douchkoff

About the Author
Wayne Douchkoff is an ACA-certified instructor and adaptive paddling advocate based on the Suncoast of Southwest Florida. A lifelong learner and passionate naturalist, Wayne has led more than 600 trips and instructed over 1,000 paddlers. Wayne is also passionate about utilizing advanced communication and adaptive paddling techniques to make the outdoors more accessible. He is an instructor in the University of Florida Master Naturalist Program, and was recognized as the ACA Instructor of the Month in June 2021.

“My ACA Journey” by Sam Fowlkes

Thank you to Sam Fowlkes for contributing “My ACA Journey” to the ACA Story Project! Sam’s story is a powerful reminder of how one moment can spark a lifetime of learning, leadership, and lifesaving contributions to our paddling community.

About the Author
Sam Fowlkes of Dillsboro, North Carolina, has been an ACA Instructor for over 45 years and is widely recognized as a leader in paddlesports safety and rescue education. Sam served as SEIC Chair and Chair of the ACA’s Safety and Rescue Committee. In 2013, he launched the first ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference, a series that continues to make significant contributions to paddler safety.

The next ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference will take place this Fall during ACA PaddleFest, October 17–19 in at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sam has been honored with the ACA Excellence in Instruction Award (2005) and the Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year Award (2002) for his exceptional contributions. In 2018, he accepted the prestigious Higgins & Langley Award for Special Commendation on behalf of the ACA for its work advancing swiftwater rescue training. An ACA member since the 1970s, Sam remains passionate about education, safety, and passing the love of paddling on to the next generation.

“From a Beer Label to the Allagash: A Solo Canoe Adventure” by Will Law

Thank you to Will Law for contributing his story to the ACA Story Project! 

About the Author
Will Law’s love for the outdoors began at age 8 at Camp Carolina in Brevard, NC, where he first dipped a paddle into the water. Since then, he has backpacked, canoed, and rafted across the United States—including a solo thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 2019. Though recently embracing fatherhood, Will continues to chase adventure and is gearing up for a grueling four-day Boundary Waters canoe trip featuring more than 50 portages.

“An ACA Life: Teaching Paddling” by Mike Aronoff

Thank you to Mike Aronoff for contributing “An ACA Life: Teaching Paddling” to the ACA Story Project! Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that teaching is as much about learning as it is about sharing knowledge. His decades of experience and dedication have helped shape a safer, stronger, and more connected paddling community.

About the Author
Mike Aronoff is an ACA Instructor Trainer Educator with more than 30 years of experience teaching paddling across whitewater, flatwater, and coastal environments. He holds too many ACA certifications to list here and has taught all over the world. Mike currently serves on the ACA Safety Education and Instruction Council (SEIC) Board and on the ACA Safety & Rescue Discipline Committee. Mike has previously served as the Vice-Chair of the ACA SEIC as well as Chair of the ACA Introduction to Paddling Discipline Committee, ACA River Kayaking Discipline Committee, ACA Coastal Kayaking Discipline Committee and ACA River Canoeing Discipline Committee. In 2003, Mike was honored as with the ACA Excellence in Instruction award and has served two terms on the ACA Board of Directors.

“Keep Your Boat Out of Storage” by Michael McHugh

Thank you to Michael McHugh for contributing his story “Keep Your Boat Out of Storage” to the ACA Story Project! Michael’s reflection captures the joy of discovering paddling—and rediscovering it through community. His journey is a reminder that the water is always there waiting for us, and that paddling is even more meaningful when shared with others.

About the Author
Michael McHugh is a dedicated paddler based in Yonkers, NY. He has been a member of the American Canoe Association since 2021 and is an active member of ACA Paddle America Club (PAC) Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club.

“Paddling’s Pivotal Role” by Mike Mather

Thank you to Mike Mather for contributing “Paddling’s Pivotal Role” to the ACA Story Project. Mike’s story reminds us how a single decision can lead to a lifetime of purpose, adventure, and service.

About the Author
Mike Mather of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, has been paddling for 36 years and joined the American Canoe Association in 1990. A nationally recognized expert in river rescue and instruction, Mike has taught and guided on waterways across the globe—from first descents in Tibet to flood response missions across the U.S. His work has earned multiple honors, including the ACA Excellence in Instruction Award and the Higgins & Langley Special Commendation and Incident Awards. When asked to name his favorite river, Mike always says: “The next one.”

"Teach Like Lives Depend on It” by Adrianne Burke

Thank you to Adrianne Burke for contributing her powerful story to the ACA Story Project. Her call to action challenges us all—especially instructors and experienced paddlers—to share safety knowledge more widely and welcome every paddler with curiosity and care. 

About the Author
Adrianne Burke is a kayaking and yoga instructor based in the Washington, D.C. area. She first joined the American Canoe Association in 2022 while participating in the ACA LEAD Program in Iowa and has since blended her passions for paddling, mindfulness, and advocacy into a powerful teaching approach. She is an ACA-certified Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor, Community Paddlesports Leader, and Paddlesports Safety Facilitator in canoe, kayak, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP). She is currently part of the second cohort of the Outdoor Alliance Grasstops Collective, a national leadership and advocacy development program that equips community leaders to champion conservation and outdoor recreation priorities at the federal level.

“A Whitewater Safety Journey” by Charles Walbridge

The ACA extends our deepest gratitude to Charles “Charlie” Walbridge for sharing “A Whitewater Safety Journey” with the ACA Story Project and for his decades of service to the paddling community. His dedication to documenting incidents, improving instruction, and advancing whitewater safety has helped save countless lives and shape the way paddlers and professionals approach risk on the water. 

About the Author
Charlie Walbridge is a Lifetime Member of the American Canoe Association, first joining in 1973. For over 30 years, he has collected and published reports on U.S. whitewater fatalities, becoming a nationally recognized expert in whitewater safety. A prolific writer, Charlie has authored numerous books and articles on the subject and has served as an expert witness in many wrongful death cases. Charlie has held key leadership roles in both the American Canoe Association and American Whitewater and helped develop nationally recognized programs in whitewater canoeing and swiftwater rescue.

“The Paddle That Changed My Life’s Course” by Loren Edelson

The ACA extends heartfelt thanks to Loren Edelson for sharing her story with the ACA Story Project and for her continued dedication to safe, inclusive paddling. From her first paddle strokes on the Potomac to her leadership as an instructor and conservation advocate, Loren’s journey reminds us how one experience on the water can shape a lifetime of impact.

About the Author
Loren Edelson has been an ACA member since 2015 and became an ACA-certified instructor in 2021. She holds certifications as a Level 2: Essentials of River Canoeing – Tandem Instructor and a Level 1: Introduction to Stand Up Paddling Instructor. From 2016 to 2020, she served as Director for Conservation and Public Policy for the ACA Atlantic Division, where she helped raise awareness around aquatic invasive species (AIS). The “Clean, Drain, Dry” poster her committee created is now featured at ACA Camp Sebago and neighboring Camp Nawakwa. Loren enjoys spending time on moving water as a trip leader with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and as a volunteer with the National Canoe Safety Patrol (NCSP).

“Speed Demon” by Kianna Morse

Thank you to Kianna Morse for sharing her voice and perspective with the ACA Story Project. We chose to publish Kianna’s story today—on the 145th anniversary of the American Canoe Association’s founding—as a nod to the future of paddlesports. Many of the legends we’ve featured in this series first discovered paddling at summer camp or in youth programs. Kianna represents the next generation of paddlers whose relationships with the water are just beginning.

We’re honored to support and celebrate young paddlers like Kianna, and we are deeply grateful for her courage, humor, and heart in sharing her story. Here’s to the next 145 years—and to all the “Speed Demons” yet to come.

About the Author
Kianna has been an ACA member since 2022 and is a standout young athlete with the River Town Racers in Petaluma, California. At just 14 years old, her dedication to sprint kayaking, her teammates, and the water is both inspiring and refreshing.