I had no idea that there were so many benefits to being a member of the American Canoe Association. By joining the ACA as an individual you receive a wide variety of benefits which are listed on the ACA website (link below). These include reduced admission to hundreds of ACA sanctioned events and races. By being a member you are supporting the nation's oldest paddlesport organization which has now developed programs, certifications and events for the Stand Up Paddle Community. 

There are additional benefits to Certified Instructors including ProDeals with well respected brands. This week I spent three days fully immersed in the ACA SUP Level 1 & 2 Class. I learned invaluable skills related to teaching stand up paddleboarding. The course was at the U.S. National Whitewater Center which is a perfect environment for this type of training. If you are interested in any courses offered by the ACA you can find a list on the website. Here are a few pictures of our class this weekend....to see full album click on button below the gallery. 

What a beautiful day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Yes....the river is running! Some of the Olympic team were there toda....if you haven't watched these athletes you really need to. It blows me away to see what they can do and seeing it up close puts a whole new perspective on it.

At the Whitewater Center you can literally get a "front row" seat and watch them in action. There are so many fun events coming up for people of all ages and areas of interest to particiapte in. Tuck Fest is just one of them. Tuck Fest is a 3 day "festival" that includes a wide variety of competitions including Stand Up Paddleboarding, Biking, Running, Obstacle Courses, whitewater events and more. Put April 19,20 and 21 on your calendar. There will also be food and live music day and night for three days!

I feel the need to mention the great food at the River's Edge Restaurant. It is really, really good. Seriously not what you'd expect at an outdoor facility. To check out their healthy/delicious menu go to http://usnwc.org/play/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2013_Menu_Winter.pdf. Today I was testing out my new Cannon Camera so thought I'd share a few pictures below.