Christopher Stec
Chief Operating Officer: November 2009 - present
Growing up in south 
A life member, Chris has been associated with the ACA in various volunteer capacities since 1995. Initially he served as a Division Youth Development Chair focusing on river clean ups and slalom racing for area summer camps. He was then a member of the ACA’s Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC) for four years. In addition to being a Division Chair for a seven state region, Chris served on the ACA Board of Directors for three years, including one year on the Executive Committee.
A love for competition has allowed he and his wife to place at regional and national downriver races in tandem canoe. He has also volunteered at a range of events, from local races to the ICF Sprint World Championships hosted by the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club.
Chris’ passion for paddlesports safety and education is apparent as he actively teaches on both flatwater and whitewater and holds several certifications, including:
- Instructor Trainer Educator – Level 4: Whitewater Canoeing
- Instructor Trainer – Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Canoeing
- Instructor – Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Rescue
- Adaptive Paddling Endorsement
Prior to joining the staff of the ACA’s Safety Education & Instruction Department in October of 2007, Chris worked as a biology field assistant for Davidson College, a raft guide for the Nantahala Outdoor Center, an outdoor instructor for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, and as a program director for Falling Creek, a prominent western North Carolina summer camp. Chris has served on various committees for the Southeastern Section of the American Camp Association, the National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the PFD Manufacturers Association. He is also a lifetime member of American Whitewater.
In addition to articles published in four magazines, including poetry, Chris has contributed to two books. He was also one of the writers of the revised Boy Scouts of America Canoeing and Whitewater Merit Badge Pamphlets.
The values he learned while achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and the commitment to teamwork that was instilled in him as a walk-on to the Davidson College Division I men’s basketball team are two experiences that fundamentally guide him in the day to day operations of the association.
“The ACA is a unique organization as it encompasses all aspects of paddlesports. Everyday I look forward to the opportunity to serve paddlers and ACA members across the country as we continue our mission to improve paddlesport Education, Stewardship, and Recreation for everyone.”
Chris lives in
