VAPPA - Virginia Professional Paddlesports Association

History
Organized in the fall of 1994 to address several issues facing the growing Paddlesports Industry in Virginia , the Virginia Professional Paddlesports Association (VAPPA) began to implement industry wide guidelines and safety procedures in order to provide the highest operational guidelines for safety in the nation. VAPPA has focused its energies toward the industry's lack of direction for informing not only the recreating public of their growth and professional development, but also, all the associated organizations and governmental agencies that influence the industry.  Membership has risen from six members in 1994 and continues to maintain a membership that represents 70% of perspective outfitters in Virginia . Thirty thousand VAPPA brochures were distributed across the Commonwealth annually until 1999. VAPPA has received national, state and local recognition for a variety of programs and projects.

Education
Education of the recreating public is VAPPA's primary objective.  From boater safety to good stewardship of our limited resources, VAPPA has been in the lead of these and other education issues which affect the recreating community.

VAPPA President Trace Noel and VAPPA treasurer Edith Appleton receive the award for our member's efforts. River Cleanup Volunteers
Each VAPPA member is dedicated to preserving and keeping clean Virginia 's waterways.  From donating canoe trips to backbreaking individual cleanup efforts, individual Paddlesports Operators have set the standard for community involvement.  On November 25, 1997, the Virginia Professional Paddlesports Association was honored by Governor George Allen with a Special Award during the Governor's Community Service and Volunteerism Awards.  VAPPA was recognized for years of work preserving Virginia 's Waterways.

Membership
 Currently VAPPA has 22 members of 30 Paddlesports operators in Virginia .  In 1996, VAPPA realized an 80% increase in membership.

Publication
The Virginia Proline

HomePage
 http://www.vappa.com

Economic Impact
 Currently Virginia Paddlesports operators generated in excess of $7 million in both direct and "multiplier" revenues primarily in struggling rural economies.

Tourism Impact
 Typically Paddlesports Operators in the Commonwealth annually experience more than 250 thousand visitors in a wide variety of human powered watercraft.
                 
Guidelines
 VAPPA has adopted some of the highest guidelines for safety and professionalism in the nation.

Officers:
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:                       
Treasurer: