…(ages 13-18) At this stage, athletes train and compete in a club program that matches their interests, goals, and developmental needs. Competitions become clearly defined with potential for new experiences and a team selection. As athletes start to grasp the commitment necessary for progression in paddlesports and the skill sets…

…Outdoor Center, Brandon is quite submerged in the commercial aspects of paddle sports instruction. He is also very passionate about the environmental aspects of free-flowing rivers. As President of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association, he has worked closely with many stakeholders in the evolution of his local Voluntary Flow Management…

…roles, he strives to ensure that ACA instructors are recognized as the best source of paddle sports instruction. Brandon Slate – Buena Vista, CO As the owner of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, Brandon is quite submerged in the commercial aspects of paddle sports instruction. He is also very passionate about…

…serve the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling, stewardship support to help protect paddling environments, and serving as the national governing body for olympic paddlesports in the United States. The ACA is seen as the standard of paddlesports education in the United States and…

The ACA is proud to honor certified instructors who have gone above and beyond, making profound impacts in their communities and to the sport of paddling overall. We hope you will join us in celebrating these terrific instructors and take a moment to nominate one who you think deserves recognition!…

…interests lie in policy and stewardship, education, finance, competition, or any other aspect of Paddlesports, we provide diverse volunteer prospects. For inquiries or questions regarding specific opportunities, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, MacKenzie Holbrook, at mholbrook@americancanoe.org. Additionally, you can subscribe to volunteer communications via your ACA member page….

…recruit the paddling club Presidents in their region to advise them on the State Council. The State Council is designed to offer local volunteers a flexible way to help foster an aspect of the ACA Mission in your area. At the national level, the Regional Chairs of the RAC come…

Safety, Education, and Instruction Council (SEIC) – Elected Volunteer Position Description Mission The Safety, Education and Instruction Council’s mission is to develop and implement effective paddlesports safety, education, and instructional programs and materials that inform, train, and serve the public at all skill levels and in all aspects of paddlesports….

…expertise when necessary, will contribute to our board’s high-functioning dynamics. This position requires dedication to our mission of promoting sport and values of the ACA. Together, we will continue to uphold our organization’s integrity, accountability, and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our operations.   Board Member Requirements/Expectations: The…

…of aspiring elite athletes are particularly encouraged to attend this session. Video Recording (Youtube / Download) Audio Recording Presentation Materials Awards Ceremony, Membership Meeting, and Voting for New Board Members Join the ACA Board of Directors and staff for our annual awards ceremony and membership meeting. In addition to celebrating…

Each year, the ACA presents a series of prestigious national awards to individuals and organizations who have illustrated exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to various aspects of paddlesports. We are accepting nominations for the following award categories: Excellence in Instruction Sanctioned Event of the Year Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation…

Each year, the ACA presents a series of prestigious national awards to individuals and organizations who have illustrated exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to various aspects of paddlesports. We are accepting nominations for the following award categories: Excellence in Instruction Sanctioned Event of the Year Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation…

…instruction. We plan to work with our instructor partners to explore business models that would enable us to better respond to underserved areas. Overall Communications We strive to keep our members informed regarding every aspect of ACA’s operations. A large majority of members want to receive a monthly email newsletter…

…improve their knowledge, skills, and competencies in theoretical, technical, and practical aspects of coaching and leadership. The highest level of the ICF coach program, the four-month course includes modules on exercise physiology, training theory and methodology, sport injuries, sport psychology, sport management, sport pedagogy, skills and motor development, sport technique,…

The ACA is proud to welcome Rok Sribar as the new General Manager of High-Performance Programs. In this role, Rok will be responsible for leading all aspects of the ACA’s Olympic and Paralympic Programs, including the National teams management, elite athlete development, talent identification programs, and fundraising for these teams…

The American Canoe Association is seeking nominees actively willing to serve on our Board of Directors. ACA’s mission is to provide leadership, structure, and support to help our members and the larger paddling community enjoy all aspects of paddling. At the most basic level, ACA’s goal is to grow the…

…kayak instruction be a fun summer job, to seeing kayak instruction as her career. “The bonds and relationships forged between you and your guests on these trips cannot be paralleled,” Sami says about her work with DAK. Sami’s advice for aspiring ACA Instructors is to allow time for development and…

We are proud to honor the 2021 ACA National Award Recipients! Each year, the ACA presents a series of prestigious national awards to individuals and organizations who have illustrated exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to various aspects of paddlesports. This year’s awards: Excellence in Instruction Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation…

…and the Indigenous led movement to protect it.” This virtual presentation will be available to all ACA members for a donation of $5 to our DEI Fund to support future LEAD Initiative programs. Non-members are more than welcome to join as well for a donation of $7. Registration Link: https://www.americancanoe.org/events/register.aspx?id=1690901…

…donate, or gift a membership to the American Canoe Association, or any of the Outdoor Alliance member groups. From someone who has worked in various aspects of the outdoor industry, I can attest that this is money well spent, sure to please even your hard-to-shop-for mother-in-law! ### About the Author…

The ACA will be holding elections this fall for 2 at large and 1 independent director on our Board of Directors! At the ACA, our aspiration is for our Board of Directors to mirror the diversity of our paddling community. Integral to the organization’s governance structure, the board assumes a…

Support the ACA! As a member of the ACA, you join the ranks of tens of thousands of people who support safe, enjoyable paddling, and the protection of America’s recreational waterways. Some of the tangible and intangible benefits of supporting the nation’s oldest paddlesport organization….

Founded in 1880 by a group of 24 notable canoeists, the ACA has grown into the nation’s largest and most active nonprofit paddlesports organization with 15,000 members and over 300 Clubs and Affiliate Organizations across the United States and the world….

Support the ACA for only $40 a year with an individual membership. As a member of the ACA, you join the ranks of tens of thousands of people who support safe, enjoyable paddling, and the protection of America’s recreational waterways. Individual memberships are for: Competition Participants, including athletes, coaches, officials,…

Our ACA officials are critical to competition. The Sprint Officials Association is currently being reformed. This page will provide additional information about it, and contact information, once it is available. Resources for Officials International Canoe Federation ICF Resources Slalom Slalom Competition Guide Sprint ICF Sprint Guides Education_Theory_Sessions (ICF Presentation) Canoe…

Wildwater canoeing is a timed event consisting of two forms of racing, classic and sprint. Classic whitewater, the sport’s original discipline, consists of longer races ranging from three to six miles (10 to 60 minutes). Whitewater sprint consists of shorter races contested on 200-to-600-meter courses. Some athletes specialize in one…

Join as an ACA Paddle America Club (PAC), Affiliate Organization, Outfitter, Livery, or Guide (OLG), or Apply to Become an ACA Pro School.

The ACA relies on donations from individuals and organizations to support the pillars of our mission to connect diverse communities by fostering a shared commitment to safety and stewardship, and by providing opportunities for challenge, achievement, and fun through paddlesports. We are truly grateful for every donation, large or small.

Since 1990, the ACA has led the adaptive recreation industry through the of training instructors and program providers in the best practices of inclusive paddlesports. The Universal Paddling programs enhance the skills and knowledge of ACA Instructors and the general public by teaching how to outfit equipment and modify teaching…