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ACA Paddlefest

October 17-19, 2025

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:

  • ACA 145th Anniversary Celebration & Silent Auction
  • Swiftwater Rescue Conference
  • Instructor & Instructor Trainer Updates
  • U.S. Slalom & Kayak Cross National Championships
  • PTC Colab 2025
  • ACA Annual Meeting

Networking, social hours, workshops, and on-water adventures await—don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and paddle with the ACA community!

Purchase Tickets to ACA 145th Anniversary Celebration

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!

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
  • 1 Ticket to the ACA 145th Birthday Celebration 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

More Information & Registration

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

Please note that the instructor and trainer updates do not come with a Saturday Birthday Celebration ticket. Please purchase those separately.

More Information & Registration

U.S. Canoe Slalom & Kayak Cross National Championships

For Athletes

National Championships registration includes:
  • Slalom and Kayak Cross training (October 15-17)
  • Coaches Education Sessions/Clinics
  • Slalom and Kayak Cross National Championships (October 17-19)

For Spectators

  • National Championships are free to watch!
  • Parking is $10/day

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

Surf Kayaking Instructor Certification & Updates - Tybee Island, GA

We’re excited to announce a Paddlefest satellite event – Surf Kayak Boot Camp – a unique and dynamic event featuring incredible days of surf kayaking skill-building, fun, and community! Whether you’re looking to level up your surf kayak skills, start your instructor certification journey, or just have an epic weekend on the water, there’s something for everyone.

  • October 24-28, 2025
  • Tybee Island, Georgia

This event made possible through partnership with the ACA Surf Kayak Committee and Savannah Canoe & Kayak. Click here for registration details and lodging information.