The ACA believes it is our role to:
- Make paddling education and instruction accessible to the public.
- Improve access to paddling for current paddlers and provide avenues for casual paddlers to become paddlesport enthusiasts.
- Expand paddlesport into the underserved and high need segments of the market.
- Influence issues and public policy that effect paddlers and the paddling experience.
- Create strategic alliances with the other organizations that represent the outdoor experience in order to expand awareness and knowledge of paddling concerns.
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.
Recognized as the "Gold Standard" for paddlesports safety education and instruction, 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.
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 four strategic tenets: Education, Competition, Stewardship, and Recreation.
