In April of 2001 I took some kayak certification courses that were ACA certified. The ACA is The American Canoe Association. Don’t let the name throw you off because there are many resources available for kayaking as there are for canoing in this organization. The ACA has been around since 1880 and is the largest most established canoe and kayak organization in the US.

There are many facets to this organization. The ACA promotes instruction, safety, stewardship and recreation. Members pay $40 for an individual membership or $60 for a family membership. The membership benefits are substantial and a must for the American Kayaker. These are the benefits of membership:

• Six exciting, colorful issues of Paddler magazine – a $30.00 newsstand value. Paddler is an action packed, full color magazine featuring articles on exotic and close-to-home paddling adventures and cutting-edge paddling information.
• The ACA’s own newsletter, the American Paddler.
• Access to hundreds of ACA sanctioned Paddling Events – trips, races, clinics and much, much more.
• Valuable member-only discounts on paddling equipment, outdoor gear, books and other services. These discounts can save you hundreds of dollars through special discounts available only to ACA members.
• ACA members save up to $3,000 with Subaru VIP Partners Program.
• Discounts on OS Systems paddling products – drysuits, drytops, paddling apparel and thermal wear.
• Discounts on rental cars from Hertz and Alamo.
• Use of Sugar Island, the ACA’s private island canoe-base in the St. Lawrence Islands National Park.

Those are some pretty nice benefits for a $40.00 fee for the year $60 for families. I’m pretty impressed with what is offered.

I’m listing the ACA on the sidebar as one of my Kayak Resources. Take a look at them to learn more.

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