Press Releases

The American Canoe Association (ACA), founded in 1880, has released a free, 26 page guide for novice paddlers, The Beginner's Guide to Canoe & Kayak Paddling. TALLAHASSEE, Fl., May 1 -- The American Canoe Association (ACA), founded in 1880, has released a free, 26 page guide for novice paddlers, The Beginner's Guide to Canoe & Kayak Paddling. It is available as a free download at http://www.AmericanCanoe.org or http://www.PaddleDogNation.com

"The Beginner's Guide to Canoe & Kayak Paddling is a very appealing, beneficial tool for paddlers and paddlers-to-be," says Pamela Dillon, ACA Executive Director. "It provides solid information in a creative design that makes it both fun and educational. We are very proud that PaddleDogNation has partnered with the ACA on this project allowing free electronic downloads of the Guide."

"In talking with paddlers around the country and on our discussion boards, we found that the novice paddler is often overwhelmed with what they need to know for a safe paddling experience," says Bill Reynolds, President of PaddleDogNation.com, "so we worked with a team of paddling experts and instructional designers to create 'The Beginner's Guide.' It uses plain language and answers most of the questions new paddlers have. It is a quick read, too. Someone can read it in less than an hour."

The Beginner's Guide to Canoe & Kayak Paddling covers everything a novice paddler needs to know:

• Paddling terms and jargon,
• Paddling gear, both essential and optional,
• How to pack your boat,
• The fundamentals of paddling,
• Basic safety tips and issues, and
• How to care for and maintain your boat.

The Guide includes several practical checklists and forms to help both the novice and experienced paddlers: a gear checklist, a pre-launch checklist, and a float plan.

National Safe Boating Week is May 19 - 25, and the ACA and PaddleDogNation.com have set a goal of "a million free downloads in May," as part of a coordinated effort to raise awareness of safe canoe and kayak paddling. "Death should not be a part of a fun-filled family paddling experience," says Reynolds, "according to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly 500 people drowned in 2005 during boating excursions; and many of those can be prevented through education and training."

To receive your FREE copy of The Guide go to http://www.americancanoe.org. For more information or an interesting interview, contact Bill Reynolds at (850) 668-3238 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .