Inside ACA

America's Premier Canoe, Kayak and Rafting Organization

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a nationwide, not for profit organization that is in service to the broader paddling public by providing education on matters related to paddling, supporting stewardship of the paddling environment, and enabling programs and events to support paddlesport recreation. Founded in 1880, this marks the third century that the ACA has actively promoted paddlesports across the U.S., providing programs and services to its members and the American public. The ACA is uniquely qualified to help individuals and organizations understand how paddlesport can contribute to the quality of life through enabling safe and positive paddling experiences. It is the objective of the ACA to be the recognized, primary resource to individuals, organizations, agencies and regulators for information and guidance on all aspects of paddling.

The ACA believes:

It is our role to make paddling education and instruction accessible to the public.
Our members are a great resource for carrying our mission forward. It is important for the ACA to provide member clubs and affiliated organizations with guidance, leadership, and information on how to further the educational, stewardship and paddlesport recreation tenets of the ACA at the local, regional and national level.
It is our role to improve access to paddling for current paddlers and provide avenues for casual paddlers to become paddlesport enthusiasts.
It is our role to expand paddlesport into the underserved and high need segments of the market.
It is our role to influence issues and public policy that effect paddlers and the paddling experience.
It is our role to create strategic alliances with the other organizations that represent the outdoor experience in order to expand awareness and knowledge of paddling concerns.
It is important to manage the organization and its assets in a responsible manner in order to fulfill the mission and vision

The ACA strives to communicate the benefits of canoeing, kayaking and rafting as lifetime recreation and keeps participants informed about paddlesport opportunities and activities, thus helping to "grow" the sport. Focus of the organization’s work is on three strategic tenets: Education, Stewardship, and Recreation. These are presented below as documented in the ACA’s 2005-2008 Strategic Plan.

1. Paddlesport Education. ACA has long been a leader in the area of paddlesport education. Today, with the expanding number of individuals entering the sport at varied skill levels, the ACA’s educational programs must become broader and more efficient. The ACA will work towards each of the following:

Advance the recognition of safety and the skills needed for a safe experience.
Promote "gateway" paddling education to reach the broader public as well as mastery level programs for the paddlesport enthusiast,
Lead the education of the paddlesport community by going beyond lesson plans to package paddling education programs for specific groups and individuals.

2. Stewardship. The ACA is a recognized leader of conservation and stewardship efforts on behalf of paddlers. The ACA will continue its focus on maintaining and enhancing both the natural and regulatory environments for paddlers at the national level. In addition, the ACA needs to target more resources to help paddlers at the community level exert influence over pertinent local issues. The ACA will work towards stewardship in the following ways:

Activate a network of support and leadership for grassroots advocacy for stewardship of the nation’s waterways.
Work towards greater access to waterways for paddlers
Support the development and promotion of watertrails.
Become an information base and network for the establishment of waterway cleanup efforts.
Provide a pathway for paddler participation at the national, state and regional levels for safety, access, and stewardship.
Conduct research, gain feedback, provide analysis and suggest policy on issues that affect paddlers.

3. Paddlesport Recreation. Since its inception in 1880, the ACA has been actively involved in paddling recreation, events and competition. As the popularity of the sport grows through canoeing, kayaking and rafting, paddlesport recreation will play a key role in attracting new paddlers as well as keeping the sport dynamic for paddlers at varied skill levels. The ACA will promote paddlesport recreation in the following ways:

Establish itself as the organization serving all segments of the paddling public
Promote the activity of paddling including the activity itself, its value and healthy benefits
Oversee, host and provide insurance for paddlefests, events and competitions
Support the development and implementation of new events, festivals, and activities to promote and advance paddlesport recreation.
Advocate for federal and state funding in support of paddlesport opportunities
Broadcast paddling locations as well as paddling groups in local areas.

Paddlesport Publishing Inc. (PPI) Formed in 1997 with the ACA as a majority owner, Paddlesport Publishing Inc. (PPI) is currently responsible for publishing Paddler magazine (six issues/year), Paddle Dealer (four issues/year) and Kayak Magazine (two issues/year). To visit Paddlesport Publishing, visit www.paddlermagazine.com.