ACA Paddlefest
October 17-19, 2025
Celebrating 145 Years of the American Canoe Association
Join us in celebrating 145 years of the American Canoe Association with the first ever ACA Paddlefest!
When: October 17-19, 2025
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
This year’s ACA PaddleFest will be packed with exciting opportunities, including:
- USA Slalom & Kayak Cross National Championships
- Swiftwater Rescue Conference
- Instructor & Instructor Trainer Updates
- Soirée & Silent Auction to support ACA initiatives – get your tickets now!
Networking, social hours, workshops, and on-water adventures await—don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and paddle with the ACA community!
2025 Swiftwater Rescue Conference
Advance your safety and rescue skills by learning from leading industry experts!
Each conference registration includes:
- 3 half-day on-water sessions
- 3 on-land sessions
- ACA Swiftwater Instructor and Instructor Trainer Updates
- Banquet dinner on Saturday evening (10/18)
- Opportunities to meet with and learn from nationally and internationally recognized swiftwater rescue experts
Cost:
- $375 for ACA members
- $375+$40 for non-ACA members; non-member registration includes a one-year ACA membership
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: $150
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
- 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
- Whitewater Canoe
- Whitewater Kayak
- Whitewater SUP
- Whitewater Rafting
- Swiftwater Rescue (as part of Swiftwater Rescue Conference)
Please note that the instructor and trainer updates do not come with a Saturday banquet ticket. Please purchase those separately.