Each year, the American Canoe Association (ACA) presents a series of prestigious national awards to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to the paddlesports community.
The 2025 ACA Annual Awards were presented on Saturday, October 18, during the ACA’s 145th Anniversary Celebration at ACA PaddleFest—held at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The evening honored instructors, volunteers, organizations, and lifelong leaders whose contributions continue to shape the sport’s future.
Legends of Paddling Award – Mike Aronoff
Presented to one or more individuals each year for their legendary contributions to paddlesports. Recipients of this prestigious award are inducted into the ACA Paddlesports Hall of Fame.
Presented by Ben Morton (right) to Mike Aronoff (left)
A defining presence in the paddling world for decades, Mike Aronoff has dedicated his life to elevating the standards of safety, teaching, and mentorship across paddlesports.
As an Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and Instructor Trainer Educator in multiple disciplines, Mike has inspired generations of paddlers and instructors. He founded the ACA’s first Pro School—the Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company—and served the organization as a board member, committee chair, and member of the Safety Education and Instruction Council (SEIC).
Known for his directness, wisdom, and deep care for the ACA’s mission, Mike has helped shape the educational foundation of paddlesports in America. His legacy lives in the countless instructors he has mentored and the communities he has strengthened along the way.
Excellence in Instruction Award – Nik White
Presented to an ACA member for outstanding contribution to paddlesports education and instruction. The recipient’s name is engraved on a perpetual plaque displayed at the ACA National Office.
Presented by Kelsey Bracewell (right) to Nik White (left)
This year’s honoree, Nik White, is known by his students and peers as one of the best instructors they’ve ever met—knowledgeable, patient, humble, and deeply dedicated to every paddler he teaches.
Through his work with the Colorado Whitewater Association and Team River Runner, Nik has helped veterans and civilians alike build confidence, safety, and community on the water. His teaching is personal and engaging, and his leadership has made Colorado’s paddling community stronger and more connected than ever.
Event of the Year – 2025 Slalom Junior Olympics, Junior Development Camp, and Age Group Nationals
Presented to the top ACA event as nominated by the paddling public.
Presented by Jed Hinkley (center) to Brett Lenz, Lee Leibfarth, Bug Lokken, Tyler Westfall (L-R)
In partnership with the Nantahala Racing Club and Nantahala Outdoor Center, the ACA hosted ten days of youth-focused paddling through the 2025 Slalom Junior Olympics, Junior Development Camp, and Age Group Nationals.
The combination of these three events brought together young athletes from across the U.S.—from Colorado to the Mid-Atlantic—supported by scholarships that made participation accessible to all.
From skill clinics to river runs and the first-ever Kayak Cross Race at NOC, the event celebrated teamwork, fun, and the bright future of youth slalom paddling.
Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation Award – Mountain True
Presented annually to an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to paddlesports by protecting America’s waterways.
Presented by Kaycee Maas (left) to Jon Stamper (right)
When Hurricane Helene struck the southern Appalachians, Mountain True led a remarkable recovery effort—removing more than 4 million pounds of debris from rivers across Western North Carolina.
Their work restored critical river access, including the Stackhouse Boat Launch on the French Broad River, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and local outfitters.
Through persistence, teamwork, and love of place, Mountain True turned devastation into opportunity, restoring not just rivers—but hope for the communities that depend on them.
Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year Award – Gil Hidalgo
Presented to one or more volunteers each year for extraordinary service at the local, regional, or national level.
Presented by Kelsey Bracewell (right) to Gil Hidalgo (left)
Photographer, videographer, and storyteller Gil Hidalgo has generously volunteered his time and talent to capture the spirit of paddlesports.
From documenting ACA LEAD Program events to sharing the joy and determination of paddlers nationwide, Gil’s work brings the ACA’s mission to life through imagery. His kindness, professionalism, and commitment to community embody the heart of volunteer service.
J. Henry Rushton Award for Organizational Excellence – Ríos to Rivers, Paddle Tribal Waters Program
Presented annually to an organization or group for outstanding achievements in advancing paddlesports and the mission of the ACA.
Presented by Kelsey Bracewell (center) to John Acuna (left) and Amada Lang (right)
This year’s honoree, Ríos to Rivers – Paddle Tribal Waters Program, made history with a source-to-sea descent of the newly undammed Klamath River, led by Native youth from the Klamath Basin and surrounding territories.
For three years, Paddle Tribal Waters has empowered Indigenous youth through whitewater kayaking, environmental studies, and cultural exchange. Their leadership represents the powerful connection between paddling, stewardship, and heritage.
The ACA is proud to support Paddle Tribal Waters through instructor certification and membership pathways—helping shape the next generation of paddlers and river stewards.
Outstanding State Director Award – Kelly Rudolph
Presented annually to one or more State Directors for contributions to enhancing paddlesports in their state.
As the ACA Ohio State Director, Kelly Rudolph has shown exceptional leadership in growing paddlesports access and education.
An ACA Kayak Instructor and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary AUXPAD volunteer, Kelly has helped beginners discover the joy and safety of paddling. She’s secured grants through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to fund community kayak programs and leads ACA outreach at the Cleveland Boat Show each year.
Her enthusiasm and service have made a lasting impact on Ohio’s paddling community.
Havens Leadership Award – Steve Kelly
Presented to individuals whose practices and behaviors best serve the interests and success of USA paddlesports athletes.
Presented by Beth Spilman (left) to Steve Kelly (right)
A lifelong leader in canoe sprint, Steve Kelly has strengthened the sport from every angle—athlete, coach, official, and administrator.
His leadership ensured the success of this year’s team trials and national championships, providing stability and opportunity for U.S. sprint athletes. Through decades of dedication and integrity, Steve has advanced both the structure of the sport and the spirit of those who participate in it.
Instructor Trainer Educator Emeritus Recognition
The ACA Instructor Emeritus Program honors exceptional educators who have dedicated decades to paddlesports instruction, allowing them to formally retire from certification while continuing to share their knowledge and mentorship.
This year, three leaders were recognized as inaugural Instructor Trainer Educator Emeriti:
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Sam Fowlkes – Level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue and Level 4 Whitewater Canoeing ITE Emeritus. A pioneer in rescue instruction, Sam has served the ACA for 45 years, shaping safety education through leadership, mentorship, and compassion.
Presented by Kelsey Bracewell (right) to Sam Fowlkes (left)
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Robert Dye – Level 4 Whitewater Canoeing Instructor Trainer and multi-discipline educator. As a professor at Brevard College, Robert has inspired thousands through experiential education and the Voice of the Rivers program.
Presented by Kelsey Bracewell (left) to Robert Dye (right)
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Steve Hutton – Level 5 Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking ITE and Adaptive Paddling Instructor Emeritus. As Chief Operating Officer and ADA Coordinator for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, Steve has advanced accessibility and inclusion in outdoor recreation nationwide.
President’s Award
Given by the ACA President of the Board of Directors to individuals for outstanding service to the ACA on a national level.
Presented by Suzanne Britt (right) to Brett Mayer, Robin Pope, Kelsey Bracewell (L-R)
This year, the award honors Kelsey Bracewell, Robin Pope, and Brett Mayer for their exceptional leadership and collaboration in developing the Smart Start for Safe Paddling program.
Paddling is a diverse and rewarding outdoor activity enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The American Canoe Association’s vision is to engage paddlers everywhere with safe and healthy opportunities for challenge, learning, service, and enjoyment. Through Smart Start for Safe Paddling, Kelsey, Robin, and Brett have created a comprehensive suite of resources that embody this vision—empowering paddlers of all levels to enjoy their time on the water safely.
The Smart Start for Safe Paddling program features books, student activity workbooks, free online coursework, a facilitator’s guide with presentation slides, and a range of complementary materials. Together, these tools reflect ACA’s educational guidelines and align with the evidence-based standards of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s B Directorate, the National On-Water Standards program, and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Their collective work ensures that paddlers, instructors, and organizations alike have access to high-quality, evidence-based safety education resources—helping make paddling safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Celebrating 145 Years of Paddling Progress
From pioneering educators and volunteers to visionary organizations and athletes, the 2025 ACA Annual Award recipients embody the values that have defined the ACA for 145 years: safety, community, competition, education, and stewardship.
Their achievements remind us that the strength of paddlesports lies not only in our rivers and coastlines—but in the people who make them come alive.
