NariNauka Program 2024 / Image Credit: Canyon River Instruction
The American Canoe Association, in partnership with L.L.Bean, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Club Fostered Community (CFC) Grants. These outstanding organizations have been selected for their dedication to increasing access, inclusivity, and engagement in paddlesports. Through their innovative programs, they will inspire new paddlers, foster community connections, and promote stewardship of our waterways.
2025 L.L.Bean Club Fostered Community Grant Recipients:
Canyon River Instruction (Salida, CO)
Project: NariNauka II
Building on the success of the inaugural NariNauka program, NariNauka II will expand women’s guide training on the Ganga River in India. This initiative will provide 11 new participants and seven returning participants with a 14-day program that includes Swiftwater Rescue training, First Aid/CPR certification, and ACA Raft Guide certification. The long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining program led by local women.
Piedmont Paddlesports (Mooresville, NC)
Project: Breaking Barriers: Free Kayaking Program for Underrepresented Youth
By partnering with YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs, this initiative will introduce kayaking to children from underrepresented communities. Providing equipment, coaching, and transportation at no cost, the program will ensure equitable access and offer five full scholarships for ongoing paddling education and club membership.
Pride Day on the River (Northampton, MA)
Project: Pride Day on the River
This two-day beginner kayaking clinic is designed to provide LGBTQ+ individuals with a safe and welcoming space to explore paddling. Led by ACA-certified LGBTQ+ and women instructors, the program aims to foster confidence, community, and joy in the outdoors.
Roaring Fork Kayaking Club (Carbondale, CO)
Project: InterCambio Kayaking for All Kids Camps
Aimed at increasing Latino participation in paddlesports, this program will partner with local nonprofits to provide scholarships for 50% of participants. By fostering intercultural connections, the program will ensure kayaking is accessible to all youth in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Show-Me Women Paddlers (Willard, MO)
Project: Paddle Forward Scholarship Program
This scholarship program eliminates financial barriers for women from underrepresented communities by covering kayak rental costs and providing women-specific life jackets. With ACA Level 2 Instructor Training for board members, the program ensures a safe and welcoming environment for new paddlers.
Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers (Oldsmar, FL)
Project: La Raza Explorers
This initiative fosters paddling stewardship among Tampa Bay’s Hispanic communities through guided paddling outings and educational clinics. The program provides essential training and environmental education in a culturally inclusive setting.
Team River Runner, Inc. (Rockville, MD)
Project: Affinity Paddling Clinic
A four-day wilderness paddling experience designed to introduce underserved minority disabled veterans to paddlesports while developing leadership skills. The clinic emphasizes risk management, adaptive paddling, and environmental stewardship.
Team River Runner, Inc. (Rockville, MD)
Project: TRR Colorado Visually Impaired Veteran Paddling Clinic
This specialized clinic in Montrose, CO, provides visually impaired veterans with the opportunity to experience the healing benefits of paddling. As the only program of its kind, it ensures access to whitewater kayaking and rafting for this underserved population.
Wilderness Science Education (McCall, ID)
Project: Nez Perce Teen Guide in Training
This program supports second-year participants from the Nez Perce Tribe in developing raft guiding and conservation leadership skills. Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants will gain the expertise to lead future programs and service projects.
Paddlesport Institute (Sandy Spring, MD)
Project: Queer Affinity Instructor Certification Workshop
This five-day instructor certification workshop on the Potomac River is designed specifically for LGBTQ+ paddlers. By providing a training space free from bias, the program supports the development of queer paddlesports instructors and fosters inclusivity in the paddling community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all recipients and look forward to seeing the incredible impact of these projects. Thank you to L.L.Bean for their generous support in making paddlesports more accessible and inclusive for all!