Public Announcements
Free Paddling Instruction
Paddling nationwide has seen an explosion of new boaters this year. Many attribute this to the
current health crisis and people seeking new, socially distanced outdoor recreation, relatively
close to home. With this however has come an alarming rise in on-water incidents, some of
which have resulted in deaths. With our two flagship instruction events canceled this year due
to COVID-19, ACC leadership has been challenged to creatively find ways to share paddler
education, one of the three pillars of the ACC. (Recreation, Education, Conservation)
Today we announce something entirely new. Free Basic Paddling Instruction during August for
our dues-paying members in very small groups (1 – 4 participants). We intend to get people out
on the water, expose them to high-quality instruction, and not expose anyone to COVID-19.
We are asking instructors and participants to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines.
Instruction will be by nationally certified ACA paddlesports instructors and will occur in various
locations and at various dates and times depending on the instructor. Currently, there are over
50 potential paddling small class options with even more to be added. Currently, there is the
potential to teach well over 100 participants!
Topics and skills sure to be covered: Proper gear, safety, and best practices paddling strokes
and technique. Below is a link to a registration form.
https://www.cognitoforms.com/ArkansasCanoeClub1/IntroToPaddlingInstruction
You must be a dues-paying member of the Arkansas Canoe Club to participate and only one
free session per ACC member. You can join the ACC at:
https://arkansascanoeclub.com/ACC_Membership
If you are certified as an ACA canoe, kayak, or SUP instructor and would like to volunteer to
teach a few sessions, email Gordon Kumpuris at [email protected] to be added to the
teaching rotation.