The American Canoe Association has released a new series of instructional materials aimed squarely at new paddlers. The illustrated Smart Start for Safe Paddling books are available using print-on-demand, which keeps upfront costs down and allows retailers and others to create co-branded versions, featuring local venue highlights, programs or relevant paddling tips.
ACA’s new Smart Start instructional series welcomes newcomers
The project is a new venture for the association, which celebrates its 145th anniversary this summer. Until now, the ACA’s instruction model has been heavily focused on in-person training and the certifying of highly skilled instructors and leaders who then pass their knowledge along in paddling skills courses or trips. The new Smart Start materials take a more expansive view of paddlesports instruction, starting with basic skills and knowledge that are accessible to anyone, anywhere at very low cost, says ACA Education Director Kelsey Bracewell.
The idea took shape late last summer, when Bracewell joined forces with former ACA President Robin Pope and ACA Public Policy Chief Brett Mayer. Right away, the project ran into an unforeseen challenge in Hurricane Helene, which tore a path through Western North Carolina, home to Mayer and Pope.
“Brett lives in Asheville and was deeply affected,” Bracewell says. Pope’s home is on higher ground, but as a medical professional, his time was in high demand in the aftermath of the storm.
Somehow, the trio carved out time for the project. “I feel an even greater sense of pride in the fact that we were able to produce this in the wake of all of that happening,” Bracewell says. “It shows Robin and Brett’s dedication not only to their work with ACA, but to the paddling community as a whole.”
The result is a comprehensive resource collection which is centered around a three-book series designed to remove barriers for beginner paddlers. The primary manual is accompanied by a student workbook and a facilitator’s guide to help any paddling leader deliver high-quality content in engaging and memorable ways. The tone and design of the project is designed to be inviting, approachable and jargon-free.
“These books—print or digital—are complementary resources,” Bracewell says. “There’s so much heart, soul, expertise and care that went into them, and they fit perfectly together.”
While the ACA remains committed to its traditional instruction model—the association has certified more than 52,000 paddling instructors since 1972—Bracewell sees Smart Start as a vital new tool to engage a new audience. “The ACA has trained so many accomplished paddlers, instructors and expedition leaders who have fascinating stories and tips to share. As interesting and valuable as that is, it’s sometimes hard for people who just bought a boat at Tractor Supply or Costco to relate to and firmly grasp.” To be fair, the same can go for someone who just purchased their first boat from a specialty retailer.
The writers recognized the need for plainspoken accessibility. Pope is a physician’s assistant with a data analysis background and many years of class V paddling experience. Mayer is a science teacher, also with many years of highly technical whitewater paddling experience. The challenge became translating that expertise for an audience that is brand-new to paddling. “We wanted to provide clear, consistent content at a third- or fourth-grade reading level,” Bracewell says. “We wanted to demystify the first-time paddling experience for newcomers, and for these materials to make sense to someone who doesn’t already know essential safety skills and paddling lingo.”
Accessibility also influenced the distribution method. Rather than stock warehouses of print copies, ACA chose a print-on-demand model, allowing individuals to order single copies and shops or clubs to place bulk orders with significant discounts. Retailers, outfitters and community programs can customize the books with their logos, photos and localized content.
Bracewell says the industry has a big role to play in pointing new paddlers toward safe and positive experiences in the sport. “If you’re a brand or a retailer or an outfitter, I would ask you to get one of these books—or let me send you one—and tell me what you think about the content’s relevance to your customers and clients,” she says. “If you like it, stock it. And let me know what your customers think.”
At its core, Smart Start for Safe Paddling is about welcoming people to the water with clarity, warmth and encouragement. “My hope is that it provides the entry point a lot of people need,” Bracewell says. “And that it becomes a quality and consistent tool that can be used anywhere.”
For more information, visit americancanoe.org/smart-start.
This article was first published in the 2025 issue of Paddling Business. ACA Education Director and Smart Start co-author Kelsey Bracewell. | Feature photo: Ted Schubel
