Membership Questions & Answers
Revised: September 11, 2005
Q. Do I have to join ACA?
A. Absolutely not! If you don’t paddle, you don’t need to join ACA. If you paddle only once per year, then the $10 / event insurance fee might be a better fit. If you paddle twice a year, it will be an even wash when compared to a single membership. If you factor in the Paddler Magazine (regularly $18/yr), it makes real good sense to join ACA.
Q. Why should I join ACA?
A. The main reason is so you can participate on KCKA float trips without paying the $10/trip insurance fee. Also, you get a really great magazine (regularly $18/yr) as part of your ACA membership and you help support the sport and the safety of the sport.
Q. Why should I join ACA prior to 12/31/2005?
A. The price is expected to go up after the first of the year. Your ACA membership is good for 12 months.
Q. Is my ACA membership valid for a calendar year or for 12 months?
A. Your ACA membership is valid for a period of 12 months.
Q. Do I need ACA membership to participate on [Private] trips?
A. This is entirely up to the person or organization hosting the trip. If it is labeled [Private] on the KCKA schedule then it is posted as a public service only and will not be endorsed, sanctioned or recommended by KCKA or ACA.
Q. Why should I join KCKA?
A. Most of us joined KCKA because members help each other with the shuttle, loading of boats and often carpool to save travel costs. Paddling with others is safer and we support the sport. Other than an occasional shared expense such as group food or a camping site, our trips are free. KCKA membership costs less than a single commercial shuttle in MO or AR.
Q. Why should I not join KCKA?
A. You don’t need help with the shuttle. You don’t want to support the sport. You would rather pay a commercial outfitter. You don’t want to paddle with others. You like hiding a bicycle in the woods or hiking 10-15 miles so you float downriver. You like paddling back upstream. You don’t want anyone to help you because you might have to help them. The thought of paddling with 4 or 5 other boaters just turns you off big time.
Q. What is the KCKA List of Insured?
A. This is a list of people who have provided proof of dual membership and have provided both a KCKA and an ACA liability waiver for our files. When these people RSVP for a trip in advance, the trip leader has all the information needed. The participant won’t need to deal with paperwork, insurance fees or waivers at the put-in.
Q. How does the KCKA List of Insured help us have more scheduled trips?
A. This list makes leading a trip an easy task and the ACA sponsored liability insurance protects the trip leader as well as the club and all trip participants. Remember, trip leaders are volunteers. Reducing their paperwork will make them happy campers and they will schedule more trips. Make it difficult for the trip leader and they are likely not to lead any more trips.
Q. Who can I contact if I have additional questions about membership or insurance?
A. Chris Collins, 316-942-4339. Chris is the club’s volunteer marketing and membership person.