2009 Annual Report. Education - Stewardship - Recreation - Competition

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1 2009 Annual Report Education - Stewardship - Recreation - Competition

Mission Statement: Founded in 1880, the American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of

2 Mission Statement: Founded in 1880, the American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesports recreation. Strategic Tenets: Education Stewardship Recreation Competition Member Based Organization: The heart of the ACA is the people who paddle, cherish and protect the waterways of America. The ACA is a member based organization composed of those who enjoy recreating on, and protecting America s wonderful and diverse waterways. The future of paddlesports 2 - ACA 2009 Annual Report

From the Executive Director The American Canoe Association has been supporting paddlers since 1880.

3 From the Executive Director The American Canoe Association has been supporting paddlers since Over the years we have continuously adjusted the organization to fit the needs of all types of paddlers across North America. Now, our incredible staff is dedicated to representing not only the 50 million paddlers in the United States, but also paddling organizations in South America, Europe, and Asia. Looking back, 2009 was a challenging year for the association, and as we have adjusted to meet paddler needs over the years, the association has similarly adjusted in this challenging economic climate. Our membership grew 4% in 2009, which was admirable in this economy, but I am dedicated to increasing membership numbers for We have members in every state in the Union and I am determined to make the paddling communities in each state stronger every year. We have already taken greater strides to improving our membership. At of the end of 2009, participation in ACA-sanctioned events was down 10% compared to Last year s numbers in Membership and Event participation reflect a lack of communication on our part. I am dedicated to making sure clubs, schools, outfitters, and individuals are aware of the products the ACA offers from gear in our online store to insurance to course instruction, known as the paddling industry s gold standard. Our membership gives us strength in tackling a multitude of stewardship efforts throughout the United States, and we encourage members to get involved and let us know where we can help. As 2009 came to a close, we refocused to our strengths by changing the ACA s leadership, enhancing programs, and developing better ways to communicate with our members who represent the greater paddling public. Improvements in communication now allow us to reach members and interested parties via quarterly association e-newsletters, a monthly safety education outreach e-newsletter, water blogs, Facebook entries, and Paddler Magazine. We are committed to continuing to enhance our communications to allow members to feel connected to the ACA and take advantage of the many great programs we have developed - from adaptive paddling workshops, to tackling Clean Water and access rights, to improving stewardship funding for local paddling clubs. We are the largest paddling association in the United States and we strive to address the needs of all types of paddlers and to protect our treasured water trails. I am looking forward to unfurling new programs in 2010 to strengthen our membership, and I urge you to contact the ACA if there is anything we can do to address a paddling issue. Middle Fork of the Salmon River, ID 2009 Facts & Figures Membership Over 30,000 members Over 4,500 instructors Over 150 Paddle America Clubs Over 150 Organizational Affiliates Sanctioned over 1,400 events in 2009 ACA Instruction reached 800,000 paddlers Wade Blackwood ACA 2009 Annual Report 3

Safety Education & Instruction The ACA has been acknowledged as the primary provider of paddlesports education and instruction in the United States.

4 Safety Education & Instruction The ACA has been acknowledged as the primary provider of paddlesports education and instruction in the United States. National Paddlesport Instruction Program The ACA trains and maintains annual certification on more than 4,500 canoe, kayak, rafting, swift-water rescue and adaptive paddling instructors and instructor trainers. The association s instructional program, sorted by type of paddle craft/activity (i.e. canoe, kayak, raft, and rescue) and type of water (coastal, river, whitewater, and lake), is recognized as the industry standard for paddlesport instruction and certification in the United States. The ACA certification is offered in conjunction with programs of the American Camp Association, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts USA, YMCA, Paddlesports Industry Association, AAPAR, AORE, AEE, and numerous organizations in the U.S. and abroad Highlights 4 ACA 2009 Annual Report Safety Education & Instruction Council Curriculum review for canoeing, kayaking & rafting Implementation of Instructor First Aid Requirements Development of paddlesport Essential Eligibility Criteria ipaddleonline.com Customizable brochures drop your logo into certain ACA literature Eight educational paddlesports videos online 2nd annual National Paddlesports Conference

5 Safety Education & Instruction The ACA produces instructional books, manuals and paddlesport safety publications. These materials are used by ACA instructors, clubs, and paddling enthusiasts to reach over 800,000 paddlers each year. Current ACA titles include: Canoeing and Kayaking for People with Disabilities Canoeing Outdoor Adventure Series Kayaking Outdoor Adventure Series ACA Instructor s Manual Introduction to Paddling Canoeing Basics for Lakes and Rivers Essentials of River Kayaking Essentials of Kayak Touring ACA s River Safety Reports SmartStart for Paddlers ACA s Award Winning Video Safety and instructional videos, produced in partnership with the USCG: Life Jackets Float. Do You? Cold, Wet and Alive Heads Up! River Rescue for River Runners National Livery Safety System (6 videos) QuickStart Your Canoe QuickStart Your Kayak Decide to Return: A Strategy for Safe Sea Kayaking It s Your Turn: Defensive Boating ACA 2009 Annual Report 5

Stewardship & Public Policy The ACA s Stewardship and Public Policy Department actively engages in a wide range of issues pertinent to the waters we paddle on.

6 Stewardship & Public Policy The ACA s Stewardship and Public Policy Department actively engages in a wide range of issues pertinent to the waters we paddle on. From rivers to the coast, and from access to pollution, the ACA works with paddlers from across the country on both local as well as national water related issues. Paddler Access ACA is working with several conservation and fishing groups to increase public access through reauthorization of the federal Transportation Bill. Our proposal would require states to consider providing safe and lawful river access at any bridge crossing built or repaired using federal highway funds. This effort continues in Clean Water ACA continues to work with the Outdoor Alliance and a broad coalition of environmental and recreation organizations to reestablish the full scope of the Clean Water Act, and undo the damage done by two U.S. Supreme Court decisions that undermined clean water protections. State Boating Regulations ACA routinely monitors and provides comment on state and federal proposals that might regulate paddlers, such as canoe and kayak registration, mandatory boating education, and lifejacket wear. In 2009, the ACA opposed a Massachusetts kayak bill that would have unfairly targeted paddlers. Chesapeake Bay Now is a critical time for the health of America s largest estuary. ACA is part of the Chesapeake Bay Treasured Landscape Task Force, a group of 25 notable federal and state organizations and agencies that is working to improve the heath of the Bay and increase public access. River clean up in progress Outdoor Alliance OA is a coalition of six human-powered recreation organizations. ACA is a founding member, along with American Whitewater, American Hiking Society, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, and Winter Wildlands Alliance. Together, OA speaks with a powerful, unified voice on national policy issues that impact human-powered recreation. 6 ACA 2009 Annual Report

Stewardship & Public Policy Chattooga River ACA has partnered with American Whitewater to reverse the U.S. Forest Service s restrictions to paddler access on the upper Chattooga River.

Land and Water Conservation Fund The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) enables federal and state agencies to acquire lands and water access points for recreation and conservation

7 Stewardship & Public Policy Chattooga River ACA has partnered with American Whitewater to reverse the U.S. Forest Service s restrictions to paddler access on the upper Chattooga River. The ban is arbitrary, and sets an unacceptable precedent for management of a Congressionally-designated Wild and Scenic River. Land and Water Conservation Fund The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) enables federal and state agencies to acquire lands and water access points for recreation and conservation purposes, but it is chronically underfunded. ACA led the Outdoor Alliance s coordinated push for full and permanent LWCF funding. National Forest Management Our National Forests provide valuable, close-to-home recreation opportunities, and are the source of drinking water for millions of Americans. The ACA and the Outdoor Alliance are working to protect roadless areas within our National Forests and the rivers and streams that run through them. We also speak out for human-powered recreation in the forest planning process. Streamgage Funding ACA continues to be a part of a coalition of organizations fighting for adequate federal funding for streamgages. We have joined with more than 50 other groups in signing a letter urging Congress to fully fund both of the federal streamgage programs next year. Ocean Policy Task Force The Obama administration s Ocean Policy Task Force began an unprecedented effort to develop a comprehensive, coordinated policy for ocean management and protection. ACA joined with a range of other organizations, including the Surfrider Foundation, in submitting comments on the proposal. Tuckaseegee River Dam Removal After 10 years of negotiations, the removal of the dam on the Tuckaseegee River in Dillsboro, NC finally commenced. Long time ACA Board member Sam Fowlkes worked with other nonprofit organizations throughout the entire process. Tuckaseegee River Dam Removal Club-Fostered Stewardship Program Thanks to L.L.Bean, the ACA s CFS Grant Program continues to provide thousands of dollars of funding to paddling clubs for volunteer-driven stewardship projects. ACA 2009 Annual Report 7

8 Competition The ACA has a long history of supporting competition. From assisting in the formation of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) in 1924, to being the National Governing Body (NGB) for canoes and kayaks for the U.S. Olympic Committee in the 1980 s and 1990 s, the ACA now focuses on recreational competition. In addition to working with the downriver and slalom committees, the ACA Office hosted the National Canoe Poling Championships on the Rappahannock River. The ACA s collegiate championship series also expanded in 2009 with the Southeast Championships and the Virginia Championships augmenting the Collegiate Canoe & Kayak National Championships. Collegiate Championship Race Series Throughout 2009, the ACA sanctioned over 200 races across the country. 8 ACA 2009 Annual Report

National Paddlesports Conference The National Paddlesports Conference is now one of the ACA s signature events.

Paddlers from 29 different states attended along with a contingent from Europe.

Mark your calendars, the next conference is in Asheville, NC on: November 5-7, 2010. The historic ACA Burgee "Great job!

9 National Paddlesports Conference The National Paddlesports Conference is now one of the ACA s signature events. The 2009 keynote speakers were legendary expedition paddler Valerie Fons and Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi. Paddlers from 29 different states attended along with a contingent from Europe. In addition to educational sessions, instructor updates, and paddling trips, there was also a special focus on adaptive paddlesports. Mark your calendars, the next conference is in Asheville, NC on: November 5-7, The historic ACA Burgee "Great job! The conference was a delight as much as it was inspiring and informative: a hard combination to beat, indeed." - Ed Council, Executive Director: Paddlesports Industry Association Legendary Expedition Paddler Valerie Fons Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi ACA 2009 Annual Report 9

Annual Awards Each year, as part of the ACA Annual Banquet at the National Paddlesports Conference, a series of prestigious national awards are presented to individuals and organizations who have

Legend of Paddling - Bob Benner As a founder and past president of the Carolina Canoe Club, Bob is truly a pioneer in paddling in the southeast.

During that time he also organized and directed the Southeastern Intercollegiate Canoe Races for 20 years.

10 Annual Awards Each year, as part of the ACA Annual Banquet at the National Paddlesports Conference, a series of prestigious national awards are presented to individuals and organizations who have illustrated exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to various aspects of paddlesport. Legend of Paddling - Bob Benner As a founder and past president of the Carolina Canoe Club, Bob is truly a pioneer in paddling in the southeast. In 1970, he joined the faculty at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, NC and taught river canoeing among other outdoor recreation classes for almost 25 years. During that time he also organized and directed the Southeastern Intercollegiate Canoe Races for 20 years. He was among the very first Red Cross Instructors and Instructor Trainers in Whitewater Canoeing. He has also been active in numerous capacities with the Boy Scouts of America and has authored two paddling books. Bob has also served on several state groups involving rivers, water trails, and river assessment. His work on the Catawba River Recreation Study led to the establishment of an 83-mile state water trail. Excellence in Instruction - Tom Lindblade Tell me and I will forget; Show me and I may remember; Involve me and I will understand. This is the mantra invoked by Tom Lindblade, who has spent his entire, 40 year, professional career in experiential education with a focus on teaching canoeing. He has lead experiential adventure field study programs that have taken students to 51 countries and many wilderness areas of North America. Tom has been an outstanding mentor for many ACA certified Instructors. He makes people want to learn good technique; he draws people into the learning process, and makes them feel empowered by paddlesports. Stroke of Achievement - Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg Since 1976, the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg, PA has exhibited a long and successful tradition as one of the top paddling clubs in the region. Their breadth of programming and commitment to all aspects of paddlesports is exemplary. Based out of the greater Harrisburg area, the CCGH has an active core of dedicated volunteers, a superb instruction program, and a trip program for beginners and intermediates. They accommodate both canoes and kayaks from peaceful lake trips to significant whitewater excursions. In addition, they helped promote the ACA s Paddle Safe Paddle Smart program in their area. 10 ACA 2009 Annual Report

Annual Awards ACA President s Award - Janet Zeller Janet is a lifelong paddler, first canoeing and then for the past 25 years sea kayaking as well.

She is the author of the new ACA book, Canoeing and Kayaking for People with Disabilities. Janet served on the ACA Board of Director s for 12 years and for two terms as President of the ACA.

Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation - Elmer Eddy & the Stewards of the White Oak River Basin This group of paddlers in the coastal region of North Carolina is lead by octogenarian Elmer Eddy.

11 Annual Awards ACA President s Award - Janet Zeller Janet is a lifelong paddler, first canoeing and then for the past 25 years sea kayaking as well. After a 1984 accident resulted in quadriplegia, she was determined to return to paddling. Janet developed the ACA Adaptive Paddling program in She is the author of the new ACA book, Canoeing and Kayaking for People with Disabilities. Janet served on the ACA Board of Director s for 12 years and for two terms as President of the ACA. She is the National Accessibility Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service, leading the program and staff working with 175 National Forests and Grasslands across the United States. Green Paddle for Waterway Conservation - Elmer Eddy & the Stewards of the White Oak River Basin This group of paddlers in the coastal region of North Carolina is lead by octogenarian Elmer Eddy. The Stewards have a simple philosophy: Always try to leave the rivers and bays that they paddle cleaner than when they arrived. The Stewards pick up trash and remove invasive plants whenever and wherever they paddle. The Stewards have also used the ACA s CFS Grant program to place anti-littering signage throughout their local watersheds. Joe Pina Volunteer of the Year - Bruce Tomes A member of the Missouri River Valley Paddlers, Bruce worked on an in-stream flow study of the Niobrara National Scenic River in Nebraska. In addition, he continually monitors Nebraska legislation pertaining to rivers and testifies at pertinent hearings on behalf of the ACA and local clubs. Bruce has also contacted a range of retailer stores and they now display ACA safety literature and distribute pertinent information with all boat purchases. Sanctioned Event of the Year - Open Canoe Slalom Nationals The ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships hosted by the Wausau Kayak/Canoe Corporation truly exemplified how a diverse group of volunteers, along with the support of a community, can host an international ACA sanctioned event. There was a two day pre-event clinic, two practice days and three full days of competition. The race also promoted youth development as junior Olympic athletes and several Sr/Jr teams competed. The support for these classes was significant and firmly illustrated their commitment towards the future of paddlesports. ACA 2009 Annual Report 11

Serving on your behalf ACA Staff engage in a wide range of committee work across the country: BSA National Aquatics Committee Chesapeake Bay Treasured Landscape Task Force Competition Committee s:

12 Serving on your behalf ACA Staff engage in a wide range of committee work across the country: BSA National Aquatics Committee Chesapeake Bay Treasured Landscape Task Force Competition Committee s: Downriver, Slalom, Poling, Freestyle International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) National Water Safety Congress (NWSC) Outdoor Alliance (OA) Paddlesports Industry Association (PIA) PFD Manufacturer s Association (PFDMA) U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Program (USCG-RBS) Whitewater Courses & Parks Conference (WCP) ACA Pro Schools Canoe Kayak & Paddle Company Vienna, VA Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures Westport, MA Outdoor Adventures Seattle, WA Potomac Paddlesports Potomac, MD The River Connection Hyde Park, NY University of Minnesota Duluth Duluth, MN Take a child canoeing 2009 Board of Directors Kirk Havens, VA President Connie Blackwood, MT Vice President Tom Pitt, MI Treasurer Larry Ausley, NC Secretary Patti Carothers, TX Gordon Dayton, NY Sam Fowlkes, NC Josh Hall, SC Anne Maleady, VA Bill Micks, VA Robin Pope, NC Ed Sharp, VA Honorable Charles Strauss, VA Jim Virgin, WA 12 ACA 2009 Annual Report

2009 Revenues & Expenses 2009 Financial Summary Income: $1,542,787.

13 2009 Revenues & Expenses 2009 Financial Summary Income: $1,542, Expenses: $1,554, Net Income: ($12,156.48) ACA 2009 Annual Report 13

14 Sponsors Subaru of America 1% for the Planet Benchmade Knife Company Dixie Division Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Heron Dance Injoy Productions L.L.Bean Liberty Mutual Network for Good NRS REI Silver Companies 14 ACA 2009 Annual Report

Partners American Whitewater Brevard College Corporate Plus - Motel 6 Friends of the

Association of State Boating Law Administrators National Boating Safety Advisory

Paddlesports Industry Association PFD Manufacturer s Association Restop Redwood Creek

S. Coast Guard Auxiliary U.S. Power Squadron University of Mary Washington Virginia

15 Partners American Whitewater Brevard College Corporate Plus - Motel 6 Friends of the Rappahannock International Whitewater Hall of Fame Nantahala Outdoor Center National Association of State Boating Law Administrators National Boating Safety Advisory Council National Safe Boating Council OS Systems Outdoor Alliance Paddler Magazine Paddlesports Industry Association PFD Manufacturer s Association Restop Redwood Creek Winery The Conservation Fund United Safe Boating Institute U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary U.S. Power Squadron University of Mary Washington Virginia Outdoor Center Wegman s Food Markets Werner Paddles Zoar Outdoor ACA 2009 Annual Report 15

Sugar Island A spectacular ACA member benefit!

tourism destination near the St. Lawrence Islands National Park.

Camp Sebago The ACA has a beautiful family oriented camp on Lake Sebago near Sloatsburg, New York, 32 miles north of New

16 Sugar Island A spectacular ACA member benefit! Sugar Island is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario Canada, which is an international tourism destination near the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. The 47 acre island is privately owned by the ACA, managed by a group of dedicated Trustees, and is available to all members. Camp Sebago The ACA has a beautiful family oriented camp on Lake Sebago near Sloatsburg, New York, 32 miles north of New York City in the Harriman State Park. It has been a facility of the ACA for over seven decades. 16 ACA 2009 Annual Report 15 Acres Surrounded by water on 3 sides 21 Cabins 9 Tent Platforms Bathhouse with toilets & showers Lodge Outdoor Pavillion Swim Area Boat Docks

17 Paddle America Clubs Paddle America Clubs are a vital part of the ACA. Through clubs, paddlers have a chance to learn and share with one another as well as be a force and voice for matters important to paddlers, both locally and nationally. ACA New England Action Figure Adirondack Paddlers Adobe Whitewater Club Ahwaga Canoe & kayak Club Arkansas Canoe Club Badger State Boating Society Bay Area Sea Kayakers Bayou Chapter Ozark Society Bayou Haystackers Paddling Club Bluz Cruz Marathon Race Committee Bronx River Alliance, Inc. Buttercup White Water Slalom Series Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg Carolina Canoe Club Carolina Kayak Club Carolina Kayak polo Club Cayuga Outrigger Canoe Club Chesapeake Assoc. of Sea Kayakers Chicago Area Sea Kayaking Assoc. Chicago Whitewater Club Clear Water Outdoor Adventure Club Colorado Whitewater Assoc. Columbia Canoe Club Columbia University Kayak Club CYO/Camp Howard Paddle Club Davidson Outdoors Delaware Valley Kayak Fishing Club Dolphins Plus Downstream Edge Rocky Mountain Junior Kayak League Duck River Watershed Assoc. East Race Whitewater Kayak Club Explore North Coast Fairbanks Paddlers Fawn Lake Kayak Club Flint River Coalition & Flint River Paddlers Friends of the Winooski River Georgia Canoeing Assoc. Georgia Kayak Fishing Gone Kayaking Gravity Play Sports Marketing Great Bay Paddlers Greater Baltimore Canoe Club Green Wave Paddling Assoc. Hawaii Island Paddlesports Assoc. Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Assoc. Houston Assoc. of Sea Kayakers Houston Canoe Club Hudson River Watertrail Assoc. Hui Pakolea Hui Wa a Kaukahi Idaho River Kids Illinois Paddling Council Jackson Hole Kayak Club Jersey City Sea Cadets Kaneohe Cultural Foundation Kayak and Canoe Club of New York Kayak Connection Kayakmorris.org Kayak 4 Kidz Kennedy High School Paddle Club Kern River Alliance Kern Valley River Council Kettle River Paddlers Keystone Canoe Club Lafayette Paddle Club Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance Landpaths Lehigh Valley Whitewater Inc. LLVA, TRR & Possabilities Lowcountry Paddlers Lower Columbia Canoe Club Mansfield University Whitewater Club Maui Canoe & Kayak Club McCall Kayak Club Metropolitan Canoe & Kayak Club Mid-Atlantic Paddlers Assoc. Minnesota Canoe Assoc. Mississippi River Water Trail Assoc. Missouri Whitewater Assoc. Mosquito Lagoon Paddlers National Capital Area Women s Paddling Assoc. New England Canoe Polo New York Kayak Polo North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers Northern Virginia Conservation Trust Oregon Kayak & Canoe Club Outdoorsman Triathlon Ozark Mountain Paddlers Paddle for Autism Awareness Paddlers Around the Chesapeake Paddlers for Conservation Paddling Anglers in Canoes & Kayaks Paddling Athletes Assoc. Pelican Paddlers Pelican Paddlers of Southwest Louisiana Penn State Whitewater Club Philadelphia Canoe Club Philadelphia Outrigger Canoe Club Philadelphia Police Boat Teams Philadelphia Spirit Dragon Boat Team Pikes Peak Whitewater Club Popular Outdoor Sports Trips Prairie State Canoeists Rapids Riders Rappahannock Outrigger Canoe Club Rhode Island Canoe/Kayak Assoc. Rivers Unlimited Roaring Fork Kayak Team Rockaway Olympic Canoe & Kayak Rocky Mountain Canoe Club Rocky Mountain Sea Kayak Club Sebago Canoe Club Six Rivers Paddling Club Sound Kayakers Southern Nevada Outrigger Team Space Coast Paddlers St. Cloud State University Outdoor Endeavors St. Louis County Park Canoe & Kayak Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Assoc. Sugar Island Canoe & Kayak Tempe Town Lake Outrigger Regatta Tennessee Valley Canoe Club The Dan River Basin Assoc. The Kids Klub The Snake River Fund Toledo River Gang University Kayak Club US Whitewater Racing Assoc. Utah Whitewater Club Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club Vermont Paddlers Club Washington Kayak Club Washington Snow & Paddlesports Assoc. Wausau Kayak/Canoe Corp. West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association Western Sea Kayakers Willamette Kayak & Canoe Club Wilmington Trail Club Wisconsin Youth Company Women s Time Out Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club Youth Ministries for Peace/Justice Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council Zoar Valley Paddling Club ACA 2009 Annual Report 17

Excursions The ACA is offering two, exclusive, members only backcountry paddling excursions in 2010.

Canoe Camping on the Rio Grande along the TX / Mexico border Instructor Incentive Program This program will help the ACA become a more powerful voice in the paddling community.

18 2010 Preview Year of Inclusive Paddling On the heels of ACA s publication of Canoeing and Kayaking for People with Disabilities, the ACA has embarked on an effort to raise the profile of inclusive paddlesports throughout the country. From additional adaptive paddling workshops to partnering with other entities to programs for youth, the ACA has declared 2010: The Year of Inclusive Paddling. Excursions The ACA is offering two, exclusive, members only backcountry paddling excursions in Join ACA Staff and local guides from Outdoor Adventures and Slickrock Expeditions for: Year of Inclusive Paddlesports 5 days of Sea Kayaking in the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest 8 days of Canoe Camping on the Rio Grande along the TX / Mexico border Instructor Incentive Program This program will help the ACA become a more powerful voice in the paddling community. Currently certified ACA instructors and instructor trainers will receive $5.00 for each new full ACA membership. National Paddlesports Conference Date: November 5-7, 2010 Location: Asheville, NC Open to: All canoeists, kayakers & rafters! San Juan Islands Pacific Northwest Paddle America Town The American Canoe Association is embarking on an extraordinary new effort to tie towns together in a powerful brand Paddle America. The concept is as simple as it is bold. Upon meeting specific criteria, participating communities will be awarded Paddle America status, and the ACA will provide a range of benefits, as well as access to our robust collection of safety resources, stewardship materials, and grassroots networking. ACA s goals are straightforward. We want to celebrate those places that recognize water as a recreational and environmental resource. 18 ACA 2009 Annual Report

Community Responsibility In an effort to promote community responsibility across the country, the ACA National Office Staff engaged in the following for Fredericksburg, Virginia and the surrounding

trip leaders Hosted the National Paddlesports Conference in Fredericksburg Conducted multiple paddlesports safety programs for area Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs Volunteered with the annual

19 Community Responsibility In an effort to promote community responsibility across the country, the ACA National Office Staff engaged in the following for Fredericksburg, Virginia and the surrounding area throughout 2009: Trained local canoeists and kayakers in swiftwater rescue techniques on the Rappahannock River Provided hands on canoe training for the Friends of the Rappahannock volunteer trip leaders Hosted the National Paddlesports Conference in Fredericksburg Conducted multiple paddlesports safety programs for area Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs Volunteered with the annual Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race which donates the proceeds to the Fredericksburg Rotary Club, the Fredericksburg Water Rescue Team and Friends of the Rappahannock Worked with the Fredericksburg Watershed Manager on signage at river access points along the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers Sponsoring organization of RiverFest, the primary fundraiser each year for the Rappahannock River Watershed Provided internship opportunities to several University of Mary Washington students Provided the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Department with paddlesports safety brochures in English and Spanish Provided a paddlesports safety presentation for the community Conducted an office recycling program: paper, plastic, aluminum Adopted a local family in need over the holiday season Our local Rappahannock River Historic Fredericksburg, VA ACA 2009 Annual Report 19

American Canoe Association 108 Hanover St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-4460 www.americancanoe.

20 American Canoe Association 108 Hanover St. Fredericksburg, VA The American Canoe Association is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. Donations to the ACA are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

ACA Canoe - Kayak - SUP - Raft - Rescue

2017 ACA Canoe - Kayak - SUP - Raft - Rescue Welcome to the 2017 ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference: The ACA is the premier organization that represents paddlers of all abilities and in all venues across