Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport recreation.

The ACA believes it is our role to:

• Make paddling education and instruction accessible to the public.
• Improve access to paddling for current paddlers and provide avenues for casual paddlers to become paddlesport enthusiasts.
• Expand paddlesport into the underserved and high need segments of the market.
• Influence issues and public policy that effect paddlers and the paddling experience.
• Create strategic alliances with the other organizations that represent the outdoor experience in order to expand awareness and knowledge of paddling concerns.