Who can be a USACK member?

• USACK membership is open to anyone with an interest in competitive paddlesports.
• Members may be athletes, officials, volunteers and/or parents and those with a general desire to support USACK.
• USACK represents and insures athletes and clubs from Flatwater Sprint, Whitewater Slalom, Marathon, Rodeo, Wildwater, Kayak Polo, Outrigger, and Dragon Boat.

How do I become a USACK member?

• To become a USACK member, join online HERE or mail/fax your completed application to the USACK office. Applications may be downloaded HERE.

My club wants to become a USACK member. What do we need to do?

• Club membership is very similar to individual membership but with a different fee structure.
• All information about clubs, insurance policies and fee structures can be found HERE.

What types of membership are available?

• USACK offers club memberships, Individual Adult one year, three year and Lifetime memberships as well as Family, Junior and Event Only memberships.

What forms of payment does USACK accept for membership?

• USACK accepts cash, checks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

I’ve paid my membership fee and am waiting for my USACK membership card. When should I expect to receive my card?

• Membership cards are sent out twice monthly. Depending upon when your membership application/renewal was received, you should expect to receive your USACK card within 60 days.
• Your membership is valid and active upon receipt and processing of your application (including on-line), irrespective of when you receive your card.

What is a sanctioned USACK event?

• A sanctioned USACK event is and event that follows USACK and/or ICF rules that receives complete insurance and liability coverage based upon the membership of the participants.
• Sanctioned events may be used to determine rankings, national teams, Olympic teams, and national standings.

Who may participate in sanctioned events?

• All participants in Sanctioned Events are required to be either USACK members or Event Only USACK members.
• USACK members should be able to show their membership is current with a valid membership identification card or identification number.
• Sanctioned events that determine national rankings and/or teams cannot accept Event Only registrations unless the participant is from a foreign country and hence ineligible for team qualification.

Do I need additional insurance to host an event/race?

• Any club wanting to hold a USACK sanctioned event must be a current USACK club member.
• General club liability and insurance is part of membership, however a separate liability and insurance request form must be completed and sent to the office prior to any special event or race. This form can be found under HERE.
• All participants must be current USACK members or have an Event Only membership.
• Events such as National’s and Team Qualifiers cannot utilize Event Only memberships.
• It is mandatory to put the insurance carrier on notice and complete an additional insurance request form for any activity that falls outside the realm of normal operating procedures, i.e. races, special events.

Why is it so important that everyone at my event have a USACK membership and signed waiver?

• In this day and age of litigation, it is extremely important that all parties carry some form of insurance to protect their interests. USACK membership gives you this coverage.
• If all participants at an event do not have USACK liability and insurance coverage, the established sanctioning agreement may be voided opening the club up to the possibility of litigation and bankruptcy. USACK insurance and liability coverage can help your members, club and event avoid this possibility.

What does the liability insurance cover?

• The general liability policy is commercial general liability insurance providing coverage for liability imposed by law.
• The liability must stem from bodily injury to members of the public, or damage to their property, caused by an occurrence.

I’m interested in racing in some events. When and where are they held?

• Races are held year round but vary in availability based on region and discipline.
• Our Events site on the webpage provides up to date race schedules based on information provided to us from our clubs and the ICF.

I know someone who wants to come out and try paddling but doesn’t want to spend the money to join USACK before they know if they’ll enjoy it or not. What should they do?

• We strongly encourage people to come out and try paddling. The best method is to have them fill out an Event Only membership form to cover both them and your club should anything unforeseen occur.
• An Event Only membership can cover more than one day. It can be used to cover a few sessions as in an introductory period. This form can be found under the JOIN OUR TEAM section on our webpage.

Where is my nearest USACK club?

• Soon you will be able to search this website, by state to find the club nearest to you.
• If you are looking for a recreational club, you can utilize the American Canoe Association (ACA) website.

I want to get involved in the sport, but I don’t know where to begin.

• The best way to get started is to find a club near you and make contact with people already participating.
• Club meetings, open houses, practices and events will help you get a better feel of what the sport is all about and what it takes to become successful.
• Many club web sites have a club contact listed. This person will help you make the connection needed to get started and become active.

I don’t live near any of the USACK clubs listed but I still want to participate. Now what?

• Many of our members do not live near USACK clubs. Some people prefer to train on their own or simply do not have access to other paddlers.
• Options include: virtual memberships, travel, training camps, e-mailed training schedules and event only participation.
• Check out our events site on our webpage and those of our clubs for information on all of these possibilities. Spring is a time when many clubs host camps and the summer months bring daily training around the country.

What does my membership fee cover?

Your membership fee covers:

• General Liability and Accident Insurance
• USOC Membership Card processing
• USACK Office Support and Services

I have a complaint that I want addressed. What is the protocol?

• Please refer to the USACK Bylaws posted on our website.

Does USACK offer any merchandise for sale?

• For availability, please contact the office at 704-348-4330 .

I want to contact one of the National or Olympic Team members for an autograph or for an interview. How do I get their address?

• We do not provide anyone with addresses or phone numbers to our athletes.
• All correspondence can be sent to our Teams Director to be forwarded.

I need help coaching? Do you offer any clinics?

• We periodically offer coaching clinics in conjunction with our clubs. Please see our web site for any postings.

I want to become an official. What do I need to do?

• You will need to sit for the official’s exam held. . .
• Upon successful passing of the exam you will be issued a license.