2014 Members Only Backcountry Paddling Excursions

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That's right, if you're an ACA member, you can join the ACA and high quality outfitters on an incredible paddling excursion in 2014.

In cooperation with the host organizations, you will be able to have a unique backcountry paddling experience in one of the following amazing locations. In addition, a percentage of each registration fee goes directly to support the on-going efforts of the ACA on behalf of all paddlers to fulfill our mission of Education, Stewardship, Recreation & Competition.

Space is limited on each excursion and is filled on a first come - first serve basis.

Sugar Island, Canada - kayak fishing
Island of Poros, Greece - sea kayaking

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Sugar Island & Ausable River - Kayak Fishing

Dates: July 26 - August 2, 2014
Location: Sugar Island, Canada
Cost: $1,650 (7 nights / 6 days)
Hosts: Emerald Water Anglers Pro Staff - Tee Clarkson

The Thousand Islands region of southern Ontario (Just 100 miles north of Syracuse) and the Adirondacks of upstate NY mark some of the best fishing and most beautiful scenery out there. In conjunction with Emerald Water Anglers, we offer an exciting adventure to Sugar Island, Ontario and the famous West Branch of the Ausable River in upstate New York. Sugar Island- this 35 acre island is privately owned by the ACA and sits in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. This trip is an exciting combination of conventional and fly fishing as well as some great paddle sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and even canoe sailing.

Sample Itinerary

Saturday: Travel to Sugar Island, Ontario where we will set up our gear in cabins and on open tent sites. Orientation and maybe time for a paddle around the island.

Sunday: We will split into two groups. While one group explores the surrounding area by kayak, learning the history of 1812 and the St. Lawrence, and stopping for a snorkel in the crystal clear waters, the second group will hit the water with Greg Reynolds of Muskie Rush Charters for some smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing. After a quick bite for lunch we will switch the groups at midday.

Monday: We wouldn't want to come all this way and not do our part to help out on the island. We will spend half the day working on a project for the American Canoe Association on Sugar Island and the second half of the day learning canoe sailing and paddleboarding. Of course there will be time for fishing in the morning and evening around the island, which teems with smallmouth bass and northern pike as well as the occasional muskie.

Tuesday: We will spend the morning paddling and fishing around the island before packing up around noon to cross back over into NY on the way to Adirondacks State Park. We will make a quick pit stop in Lake Placid for a pizza before setting up camp near Wilmington, NY on the Ausable River.

Wednesday: We will start the morning with a streamside entomology and fly fishing lessons as we wade the fabled pocket water of the Ausable River. Summer offers some great stonefly hatches and opportunities at some monster brown trout on the surface.

Thursday: In the morning, we will partner with the local Trout Unlimited Chapter to get our hands dirty with a local project. In the afternoon We will be back on the Ausable or exploring some alpine lakes in the Adirondacks for trout.

Friday: We will split our time on the water on the last day on the Ausable and an alpine lake in the Adirondacks.

Saturday: Sadly we depart for home!

Rustic cabins on Sugar Island

Fly Fishing the Ausable River

Kayaking on the St. Lawrence

ACA Excursion - Greece Greece - Sea Kayaking & Multi-Adventure Trip

Dates: June 14 - 21; June 28 - July 5; Sept 27 - Oct 4
Location: Island of Poros, Greece
Cost: $1399 for June/July and $1199 for Sept/Oct (USD)
Hosts: ACA Instructor Trainer Educator Barbara Cutter, and Adventure Tourism Services

Due to the success of the 2013 exclusive week for ACA members, we are offering 3 separate weeks in 2014. These weeks offer exciting opportunities for sea kayaking, bicycle trips and Greek cultural activities, combined with other fun, active and social events on the beautiful Greek Island of Poros. Poros Island is conveniently located in the Saronic Gulf region of Greece only 32 miles southwest of Athens and is easily reached from the port of Piraeus by hydrofoil in 55 minutes. It is an unspoiled traditional Greek island. June or September are the best times of the year to visit Greece for activity-based vacations.

Poros Island and adjacent coastlines provide the perfect location for short and longer kayaking trips, such as visiting nearby small islands, the volcanic peninsula of Methana, or circumnavigation of Poros Island. Sunrise and sunset paddles in the Greek islands are truly magical experiences.

The paddling excursions are guided by a British Canoe Union level 3 sea coach. They are suitable for all levels of experience. Activities include opportunities to snorkel, visit ashore, swim and soak up the atmosphere of the clear blue warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Kayaking skills development and some BCU certification can be incorporated into the daily activities if preferred.

Your base for this 8-day vacation will be Odyssey Activity Center, located in the small hamlet of Askeli 50 yards from the beach where you can enjoy modern rooms with private baths. Each room is also equipped with air conditioning and free wi-fi. All included meals are provided at the adjacent Odyssey restaurant.

Please invite your non-paddling companions, too. To make this a truly memorable vacation we have also included a wide range of other activities. Try a fun Greek cooking session learning to make well-known Greek dishes. Go on a full-day guided trip to the UNECSO world heritage island of Hydra. Also on offer are guided walks and cycle trips to local cultural and historical places of interest. Choose whatever you like to do, it is all included in this multi-adventure trip.

If you wish to spend more time in Athens or other well-known Greek locations before or after your participation in this week, further information can be supplied. We are happy to assist you with any arrangements or questions that you may have.

These 2014 ACA Members Only Trips are organized Adventure Tourism Services, UK.

Trip Details:

Sea Kayaking & Multi-Adventure Trip to Greece (PDF)
Online registration (coming soon)

Scenic tours

Classic Greek scenery

Paddling and Biking

Danish South Sea - Sea Kayaking and Sailing

Dates: July 12-19, 2014
Location: Denmark
Cost: €870 / $1,176
Hosts: Gerhard Grimm, ACA Instructor Trainer Educator

This exclusive week for ACA members offers a combination of seak kayaking and sailing off the southern coast of Denmark. The Danish south coast is home to a beautiful archipelago and offers many opportunities for sea kayaking. Without many tides, no extreme weather changes, and a rather low laying coastline, this is one the the world's greatest sea kayaking destinations.

The coastline has a rich history and culture dating all the way back to the 16th century. Fishing and farming were the biggest industries up until modern times when all the small villages began focusing on tourism. Tourism is now a big industry on the coast. Kayakers in the area enjoy excellent accomodations and good local sea food. Come join us - and the local seals - on this once in a lifetime trip!

The paddling excursions are led by Gerhard Grimm, ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer and Offshore Sailing Instructor.

The tour starts at Kappeln/Germany (2 hours from Hamburg Airport) and has 2 parts: three days sailing with the 40 foot sailboat Robin2, and three days sea kayaking.