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Event PTC Colab 2026 starts on Oct 13, 2026, 11:00:00 AM (US/Central)
What's Trending in Paddlesports?
Industry Knowledge and Best Practices
Location: Conference Room A&B - 10/14/26, 1:00 PM - 10/14/26, 1:45 PM (US/Central) (45 minutes)
Kelsey Bracewell
Education Director at ACA
Kelsey Bracewell
Education Director at ACA

What’s Trending in Paddlesports? 

This session takes a fast-moving look at what’s new, what’s next, and what paddlers, educators, coaches, and industry professionals should be watching. From evolving boat, paddle, apparel, and safety equipment design to new approaches in instruction, online learning, leadership development, and guide training, paddlesports are changing quickly. We’ll also explore how technology is influencing athlete development through performance tracking, video analysis, data-informed coaching, and new tools that help athletes train smarter as the sport looks ahead to the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics. Along the way, we’ll highlight examples of how organizations across the paddling community, including the ACA, are adapting their education, certification, and development pathways to better meet the needs of today’s participants. This session is designed to spark ideas, share emerging practices, and offer a snapshot of where paddlesports may be headed next.

Presented by ACA Paddlesports
Kelsey Bracewell, Director of Education, Insurance, and Membership