When people ask what I do, I say, “I teach paddling.” Beneath that simple answer lies a lifetime of connection to water, learning, and helping others discover the joy of being on the water.
I’m an Instructor Trainer Educator with the American Canoe Association (ACA), and my passion is helping people learn how to teach others. It’s not just about skills or strokes—it’s about fostering confidence, safety, efficiency, and a lasting relationship with clean water.
Paddling has been part of my life since I was a kid. Water feels essential to me. When I’m on it, I feel more alive—sometimes, I even feel like I am the river.
My journey with the ACA began around 1990, but it truly took shape after attending a Whitewater Canoe Instructor Workshop with Bob Foote. I already had a reputation as a strong paddler on tough rivers, but that week with Bob opened my eyes. I realized how much more there was to learn—not only about paddling, but about teaching.
I began working with Bob whenever I could. That’s when I discovered that the best way to grow as a paddler is to teach. Even after decades on the water, I’m still learning from every student.
Today, more than 30 years later, I’m still out there—teaching canoeing and kayaking on whitewater, flatwater, and coastal waters. I also paddle surfskis and packrafts. If I’m floating, I’m happy.
Many people in the ACA have influenced me along the way. Some have moved on; others are still part of the community. Like many of my peers, I think about the ACA every day—it’s woven into my life.
My paddling career has taken me across the country—from the Southeast to Idaho to Alaska—and to countries like Italy, Croatia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Canada, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Ecuador. Leading trips is always memorable, but teaching remains my true love. When I’m instructing, I’m fully present. Watching students grow, build skills, and find their own connection to the water is endlessly rewarding.
Over the years, I’ve certified a wide network of instructors who have gone on to train thousands of paddlers. That ripple effect—helping people enjoy the water safely and confidently—is what keeps me going. It is a true legacy.
The ACA has been a remarkable part of my life. It’s brought challenge, growth, connection, and deep satisfaction. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a life than helping others discover the joy of paddling.
Try it.
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.
