In addition to promoting paddlesports Education, Stewardship, Recreation and Competition, the American Canoe Association is dedicated to improving the communities we live and paddle in.

In an effort to promote community responsibility across the country, the ACA National Office Staff engages in the following for Fredericksburg, Virginia and the surrounding area:

Ø Trains local canoeists and kayakers in swiftwater rescue techniques on the Rappahannock River

Ø Provides hands on canoe training for the Friends of the Rappahannock volunteer trip leaders

Ø Hosted the National Paddlesports Conference in Fredericksburg in 2008 and 2009

Ø Conducts multiple paddlesports safety programs each year for area Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs

Ø Volunteers with the annual Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race, which donates the proceeds to the Fredericksburg Rotary Club, the Fredericksburg Swiftwater Rescue Team and Friends of the Rappahannock

Ø Worked with the Fredericksburg Watershed Manager, Lee Sillitoe, on signage at river access points along the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers

Ø Sponsoring organization of RiverFest, the primary fundraiser each year for the Rappahannock River Watershed

Ø Provides internship opportunities to University of Mary Washington students each semester

Ø Provided the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Department with paddlesports safety brochures in English and Spanish   

Ø Provided a paddlesports safety presentation for the community in October of 2009

Ø Conducts an Office Recycling Program: paper, plastic, aluminum

Ø Adopts a local family each Christmas

Whether you are an ACA member, Paddle America Club, Pro School, or Instructor, please consider how you can make a positive difference in your immediate community.