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< Jan/Feb 2002
	Letter from the ACA

Canoe and Kayak registration in Florida?The Florida Boating Advisory Council (BAC) is at it again. Florida paddlers report the BAC is once again pursuing canoe and kayak registration and plans to propose a canoe and kayak registration bill to the Florida Legislature prior to the lawmaker’s spring session. Due to vigorous opposition by paddlers, similar attempts in recent years stalled short of legislative consideration. The BAC, while loaded with representatives from the motorized boating industry, contains no representatives from the paddlesports community.

The push for canoe and kayak registration stems from desires of both the state and the marine industry to increase revenue for state boating programs. By having more registered boats, Florida would not only receive registration fees paid by paddlers, it would also qualify for a larger portion of the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund dollars administered by the federal government. Registration dollars have historically been spent to construct boat ramps, provide basic safety programs targeted primarily at the motorboat community and support law enforcement. In the past, state officials have claimed canoe and kayak registration is needed to help cover costs associated with irresponsible jet ski operation.

In Florida canoe and kayak registration includes a unique twist—any boat subject to state registration is also subject to local fees, which means more out-of-pocket expense for paddlers should canoe and kayak registration ever pass. Florida paddlers who oppose canoe and kayak registration should immediately contact their state lawmakers and explain their position. Talking points and contact information for lawmakers can be found on the ACA Web site at www.acanet.org/registration.

Membership tops 50,000In September, the American Canoe Association reached a historic milestone as membership surpassed the 50,000 mark. The landmark event is just another reminder that ACA continues to expand its reach and popularity in the outdoor recreation industry. The ACA has come a long way in its lengthy history. More than 120 years ago, a handful of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts joined together to form a club where they could share experiences. Since then, ACA has grown from a small fraternal organization to the nation’s largest and most active non-profit paddlesport organization.

Much of the ACA’s growth occurred in recent years. In 1993, membership numbered only 5,000 paddlers. However, ambitious marketing campaigns and increased membership benefits implemented throughout the past decade have helped draw thousands of new paddlesport enthusiasts to our organization. “We’ve worked hard to reach this mark,” says Membership Director Ann Vetterlein. “Our department is focused on bringing more members into the ACA fold and providing them with the best possible benefits.” Vetterlein adds that the ACA expects continued membership growth in coming years, with the organization’s strategic plan calling for membership to reach 100,000 by 2005.

Extrasport Joins as Safety Partner The ACA recently took another step to improve safety on America’s waterways. The organization will now partner with Extrasport, a leading manufacturer of personal flotation devices, to educate paddlers about the importance of PFDs and safe paddling. The move comes as part of the ACA’s Partners in Paddlesports program, which aligns the organization with other paddling industry leaders.

Extrasport’s comprehensive lifevest line spans all sectors of paddlesports. The company’s designs and passion for the sport have kept Extrasport at the front of the PFD market for over 20 years. Under a non-exclusive licensing agreement, Extrasport will showcase its line through the ACA instruction program, which each year provides paddlesport instruction to approximately 200,000 students. “Extrasport’s ideals and values are right in line with the ACA’s commitment to safe, enjoyable recreation opportunities on America’s waterways,” says ACA Executive Director Jeff Yeager. “We look forward to working with Extrasport to outfit and educate our members and instructors.”