ACA Paddlefest

ACA 145th Anniversary Celebration

Join us Saturday evening, October 18 from 6pm-9pm to celebrate 145 Years of the ACA! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with paddling community for an unforgettable night of networking, annual award presentations, and a silent auction fundraiser to support current and future ACA initiatives.

Each ACA 145th Anniversary Celebration & Silent Auction Ticket includes:

• Appetizers
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Photo Booth
• Access to Silent Auction
• Awards Ceremony
• Food menu and cash bar available

Cost: $28

Attire: Come As You Are!

Instructor and Instructor Trainer Updates

Great instruction goes beyond teaching skills—it’s rooted in leadership. The ACA Paddlefest Instructor and Trainer (IT) updates will deepen your leadership skills and presence both on and off the water.

Through skills review and refinement, real-world scenarios, peer discussion, and actionable tools, you’ll further explore new ways to deliver ACA programming and lead with clarity, confidence, and adaptability—whether you’re guiding a group, mentoring new instructors, or managing dynamic environments. These updates will also delve into decision-making, group management strategies, and strengthen your role as a trusted leader in the paddling community.

Cost: $175

Please note: this event is NOT an upgrade opportunity; you must update at the level of certification you currently hold (or lower).

Level 1-2 Instructor & IT Updates to begin at 1PM on Friday, Oct 17 and conclude at 6PM on Saturday, October 18

• Introduction to Canoeing
• Canoe Touring
• River Canoe
• Introduction to Kayaking
• Kayak Touring (Coastal)
• River Kayak
• Introduction to SUP
• Essentials of SUP

Level 3, 4, 5 Instructor & IT Updates to begin at 1PM on Friday, Oct 17 and conclude at 6PM on Sunday, October 19

• Whitewater Canoe
• Whitewater Kayak
• Whitewater SUP
• Whitewater Rafting
• Swiftwater Rescue (as part of Swiftwater Rescue Conference only)

Please note that the instructor and trainer updates come with one Saturday Birthday Celebration ticket. Please purchase additional tickets for guests separately.

More Information & Registration

PTC Colab 2025

We are thrilled to have the Paddlesport Trade Coalition join us for PaddleFest! The PTC Colab 2025 will feature:

• Informational Sessions & Roundtables
• Industry Discussions on participation growth, sustainability, retail strategy & more
• On-Water Demos and hands-on product testing
• New Product Showcase featuring innovation across the industry

Learn More