The United States Canoe Association is an organization devoted to canoeing and paddle sports within the United States. Established in 1968, it is headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana. The USCA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization, as listed under the IRS 501 ( c ) 3 ruling.
The objective of the United States Canoe Association (USCA), Inc. is to encourage the growth of paddling as a recognized competitive sport and beneficial recreational activity through educational programs that will enable persons to enjoy paddlesports in natural valued settings that promote conservation, safety, fitness, good mental health and participation in family and community life to the fullest extent possible. The USCA sanctions programs and events to promote paddlesport competition including its two marquee annual events; USCA National Canoe & Kayak Championship and the USCA Stock Aluminum & K-1 Downriver/Touring Championship.
The Association publishes a quarterly magazine, Canoe News, devoted to competition, recreational cruising and camping, water safety, construction and maintenance of equipment, and canoeing news in general. USCA also publishes a canoe safety brochure and a training safety video under the approval of the U.S. Coast Guard. The United States Canoe Association is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization, as listed under the IRS 501 ( c ) 3 ruling.
It sponsors a youth cup named after one of its members Greg Barton. Barton won four canoeing medals at the Summer Olympics, including golds in the K-1 1000 m and K-2 1000 m events at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. He also won several medals at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships.