Beyond the Paddle: The ACA Story Project

ACA Story Project Submission Guidelines:

We welcome paddlers of all ages and skill levels to share the story of the events that led to your first paddling experience, the moment when you first got hooked on paddling, or how you found your way to the ACA.

What to Submit:

Written story: 200-500 words
Photos: at least one overview photo, and up to 3 high-quality images with captions/info about the photos

Content Tips:

Be authentic—speak from the heart.
Tell us about your connection to paddling: How did it start? What keeps you coming back?
Describe a meaningful moment, adventure, or challenge.
Mention how paddling has impacted your life, community, or outlook.

Submission Requirements:

Stories must be original and family-friendly.
Include your name, ACA member since date, location, and how long you’ve been paddling.
Photos should be high resolution

Beyond the Paddle: The ACA Story Project

Your story is part of our legacy. Share it!

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Phone

Preferred Contact Method(Required)

How would you like us to follow up with you about your submission?

Phone

No Preference

Social Media Handles

When we share your story on social media, would you like to be tagged or added as a collaborator? If so, please share your Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn handle(s) and indicate which platform the handle is for. You may also share a link to your account.

Story Title

Story Upload(Required)

Please upload a word .docx file with your story. We would like each story to be 200-500 words and include a title. For 2026, the theme is "Your Paddling Origin Story." Please share how you found your way to paddling and/or to the ACA.

Accepted file types: docx, pdf, Max. file size: 40 MB.

Photo Upload(Required)

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 40 MB.

Please upload up to 3 photos to accompany your story. High-resolution photos are preferred!

Terms and Conditions(Required)

Thank you for your interest in sharing your paddling story with the American Canoe Association (ACA)! By submitting your story, photos, or videos (the “Content”), you agree to the following Terms and Conditions:

1. Eligibility

Submissions are open to individuals of all ages. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must submit on your behalf and provide consent.

2. Original Work

You confirm that the story, images, and/or videos you submit are your original work and do not infringe on the intellectual property rights, privacy, or publicity rights of any other person or entity.

3. Use of Content

By submitting your story and associated media, you grant the ACA a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license to use, reproduce, distribute, display, and share the content in any format and across any platform, including but not limited to:

- Website and blog posts
- Newsletters and email campaigns
- Social media platforms
- Printed publications and promotional materials
- Event presentations and displays

The ACA may edit the Content for length, clarity, or style while maintaining the essence of your story.

4. Attribution

Your name and the details provided (e.g., location, ACA member since date) may be used in connection with your story unless you request to remain anonymous.

5. Privacy

Personal information submitted will only be used for communication related to the story project and will not be shared or sold to third parties. You can request to update or remove your information at any time by contacting us at kmaas@americancanoe.org.

6. Consent for Media

You give permission for any individuals visible in submitted photos or videos to be featured publicly. If others appear in your media, you confirm that you have their consent for public use.

7. Right to Refuse

ACA reserves the right to decline or remove any submission that does not meet our guidelines or align with our values, including but not limited to inappropriate, offensive, or plagiarized content.

8. Withdrawal of Consent

You may request that your content be removed from future use by contacting us in writing at kmaas@americancanoe.org. While we will honor requests moving forward, previously published materials may not be able to be retracted from circulation.

By submitting your story, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

I agree to the terms and conditions.

Content Submission Form

Beyond the Paddle: The ACA Story Project