Who We Are

Founded in 1880 by a group of avid canoeists, the American Canoe Association (ACA) has grown into the nation's largest and most active nonprofit paddle sports organization. Today the ACA is dedicated to promoting canoeing, kayaking, and rafting as wholesome lifetime recreational activities. We accomplish this mission by providing a variety of worthwhile programs and public services in such areas as: event sponsorship, safety education, instructor certification, waterway conservation, paddler's rights and protection, and public information campaigns.

Membership in the association has increased significantly over the past six years, from a total of 5,000 in 1993 to more than 45,000 in 2000. In additional to individual members, more than 200 local paddling clubs and organizations across the country have aligned themselves as ACA Affiliate Clubs. To get information about the benefits of being an ACA member, please visit the Membership page.

ACA Divisions are the Association's regional units, which provide additional programs and services to ACA members living in their jurisdiction and work with local ACA Affiliated Clubs to meet their needs. ACA members are automatically assigned to a Division based on their membership mailing address.

The Dixie Division of the ACA serves the Southeast United States including; Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky.