Paddle with a Pro - ACA
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Paddle with a Pro

Social Media Marketing Campaign

Paddle with a Pro is a social media campaign designed to showcase the impact of ACA Instructors while inspiring more people to get on the water. Through short-form video, instructors across all disciplines will highlight skills, experiences, and the joy of paddling.

  1. Create a short video (15–60 seconds)
    • Share a moment that captures instruction, connection, or progression in paddlesports.
      Post your video
  2. Share your reel on Instagram
    • Follow and tag @acapaddlesports
    • Use campaign hashtag: #PaddleWithAPro
  3. Submit your entry
  4. Engage & Share
    • Encourage your students and community to like, comment, and vote once voting opens

The ACA will share all qualifying reels from the @acapaddlesports account. We will save the reels as highlights, sorted by discipline.

The reel that receives the most likes within the highlights will be shared from the @acapaddlesports Instagram and Facebook accounts and boosted for increased reach. These adds will include links to the ACA calendar to help drive participation in courses this summer!

Submit Your Reel

Instructor Toolkit

Content Ideas (What to Film)

Not sure what to post? Try one of these:

  • A quick paddling tip or skill breakdown
  • Before-and-after student progression
  • A “day in the life” of an instructor
  • A scenic paddle with voiceover
  • A favorite safety tip
  • A fun moment or story from a course
  • “Why I teach” or what paddling means to you
  • Paddle with a student or group moment

Filming Tips (Keep It Simple & Effective)

1. Shoot Vertically

  • Use your phone in portrait mode (9:16 ratio)

2. Keep It Short & Engaging

  • Aim for 15–30 seconds for best engagement

3. Stabilize Your Shot

  • Use a tripod, mount, or steady hand
  • GoPro mounts on boats or helpmets work great on the water

4. Capture Good Audio

  • Speak clearly
  • Reduce wind noise if possible
  • Consider adding text overlays instead of relying on audio

5. Use Natural Light

  • Film with the sun behind the camera
  • Avoid harsh midday glare when possible

Storytelling Tips

Strong content tells a simple story:

  • Hook (first 3 seconds): Grab attention
    Example: “One tip that will instantly improve your forward stroke…” 
  • Value: Show the skill, moment, or experience
  • Takeaway: Leave viewers with something useful or inspiring

Branding & Guidelines

  • Tag: @acapaddlesports
  • Hashtag: #PaddleWithAPro
  • Keep content positive, inclusive, and safety-focused
  • Follow ACA safety and instructional best practices (PFD worn properly and helmet worn when appropriate, no alcohol, etc.)
  • Ensure participants in your video have given permission to be featured

Accessibility Tips

  • Add captions or on-screen text
  • Use clear, simple language
  • Avoid overly fast cuts or hard-to-follow visuals

Editing Tools (Free & Easy)

You don’t need professional software, these apps work great:

  • CapCut (easy editing + captions)
  • Instagram Reels Editor (built-in tools)
  • Canva (simple video editing + text overlays)
  • InShot (quick mobile editing)

Sample Captions

Option 1 (Tip-focused):
“Small adjustments = big results. Try this tip next time you’re on the water. #PaddleWithAPro”

Option 2 (Story-driven):
“Moments like this are why I teach. Nothing better than seeing progression on the water. #PaddleWithAPro”

Option 3 (Community-focused):
“Better together. Grateful for every student who shows up ready to learn. #PaddleWithAPro”

Timeline

  • Rafting
    • Last day to post reels (July 8)
    • Voting open (July 10-17)
    • Winning reel published by ACA (July 21)
  • SUP
    • Last day to post reels (July 8)
    • Voting open (July 10-17)
    • Winning reel published by ACA (July 21)

Pro Tips for Success

  • Keep it authentic (no need for perfection)
  • Focus on one clear idea per video
  • Show real moments, not just polished ones
  • Smile, have fun, and let your personality show
  • Post early to maximize engagement

Create an Instagram Creator or Business Account

Switching to a professional account gives you access to insights, improved visibility, and content tools.

  • Go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account
  • Choose “Creator” (recommended for instructors) or “Business”
  • Add a bio that highlights your role as an ACA Instructor
  • Include a profile photo and link (website, course page, or ACA profile)
  • Enable insights to track how your content is performing

Questions?

Reach out to your discipline committee or ACA staff for support we’re here to help!