Kelsey Bracewell, Director of Education, Insurance, and Membership at the American Canoe Association (ACA), with insights on Smart Start for Safe Paddling, a safety-focused resource she helped compile.
The booklet is designed to introduce paddlers of all levels to essential safety practices. It’s part of a broader educational toolkit that also includes a student workbook and a facilitator's guide. She says it's a valuable resource for instructors, schools, camps, and clubs.
The material is organized around four key areas:
-
Smart Gear – What to wear and bring for safety and comfort.
-
Smart Plan – Preparing for your trip with weather checks, float plans, and more.
-
Smart Decisions – Making sound choices on and off the water.
-
Smart Skills – The paddling techniques and rescue basics every paddler should know.
You can learn more or access the resources at americancanoe.org.
