Why ACA?
by Ed McClung
March, 2007

“American Canoe Association” I remember enrolling in my first ACA sanctioned clinic and at the bottom it said “ACA members may deduct $5.00” (now it’s $10.00). I did not give it much thought and figured there really was not any reason for me to belong to the ACA. I have now been a member for 5 or 6 years and think that if you are going to stay active in paddle sports you definitely should join.

First and foremost an ACA membership allows you to participate in any ACA sanctioned event, anywhere in the country without paying the $10 event insurance fee. Think $10 for roll classes, $10 for the clinic, wow that’s half of the annual dues. But wait because OMP is a Paddle America Club (PAC) affiliate of ACA you can join for just $30, if you belong to OMP. So now if you attend just one roll session and the clinic you are actually out only $10 for an ACA membership. Not only that, it really cuts down on the paperwork that I have to do for those functions. What most people don’t know is that with your ACA membership you get a subscription to Paddler magazine. If you have not seen it you have missed a great magazine that is published six times a year. One of our members just told me that the “Annual Buyers Guide” in the last issue was worth the $10 to him.

Additionally ACA is very active in a lot of different conservation efforts including fighting against the damming of some rivers, keeping access points open to the public, and the ongoing battle for clean water. Are you aware that OMP received a $1,000 grant from ACA for the water trail that we helped develop with Ozark Greenways and the Springfield Parks?

So, quit being a slacker and get that ACA membership application sent in today.