The American Canoe Association is proud to announce a new partnership with Zhik as the Official Apparel Partner of the ACA’s USA National Teams.
Under the agreement, Zhik will provide team apparel for the United States Canoe/Kayak National Teams, including Sprint, Slalom, and Paracanoe athletes and coaching staff. The partnership will support athletes competing on the world stage in the lead-up to and during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
In addition to outfitting Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, Zhik will offer a specific range of apparel and gear to USA National Teams across all paddlesport disciplines represented by the ACA.
The collaboration will also extend beyond apparel. Zhik and the ACA will work directly with athletes and coaches to identify opportunities for technical innovation and performance enhancements in race uniforms and specialized equipment, including items such as spray skirts and other competition gear designed to improve athlete experience and performance.
“Zhik’s reputation for innovation and athlete-focused design makes them an ideal partner for our national teams as we look ahead to LA28,” said Beth Spilman. “This partnership will provide critical support to our athletes while also creating opportunities to advance performance technology.
“We’re proud to partner with the American Canoe Association and support the USA National Teams on the road to LA28,” said Johnny Rodgers, Zhik’s Head of Marketing, Partnerships and Global Sponsorships Manager.
“As Zhik continues to expand into performance paddlesports, this partnership gives us the opportunity to work with an exceptional group of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches and wider national team programs. Our focus is on supplying premium technical apparel while collaborating directly with athletes to refine gear for the demands of elite competition, from race uniforms through to specialized paddle equipment designed to enhance comfort, movement and performance on the water.”
About the American Canoe Association
The American Canoe Association was founded in 1880 and is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the broader paddling public by providing educational programs, supporting stewardship initiatives that affect paddlers, and offering competition opportunities to athletes of all abilities. The ACA provides insurance for hundreds of events and races every year. The ACA education program has an estimated reach of over 800,000 people per year. ACA members reside in all 50 states and over 35 countries worldwide.
Since 2017 the ACA has served as the National Governing Body for paddlesports (Sprint, Slalom and Paracanoe) for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and is the U.S. National Federation recognized by the International Canoe Federation.
About Zhik
Founded in Australia in 2003, Zhik is a global performance water sports brand built on technical innovation, athlete-led design and a drive to challenge convention. Originally known for redefining performance dinghy sailing gear, Zhik now creates high-performance apparel and equipment across paddle, rowing, dinghy and yachting disciplines. Its products are tested and trusted by Olympic champions, World Champions, elite athletes, national teams and leading federations worldwide. Guided by its Made for Water philosophy, Zhik develops advanced gear for those who demand precision, protection and performance in every condition.