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An international organization of builders, paddlers, and admirers of wooden and bark canoes.
The WCHA is a charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The President's Deck
Gathering. It’s what makes time spent among community special. I will admit, I do like to go for solo paddles and experience the peacefulness of the canoe gliding through calm water, seeing a fish jump and the turtles deciding whether it’s worth it to slide back in at the sight of me. But, people coming together to share stories, common interests and time together is where memories are made or rekindled. Whether it’s a group paddle, chapter event or the WCHA Assembly, gathering together is special when members share with one another a story, a laugh, sometimes a trouble or two and of course an appreciation for a common interest. That is the beauty of community.
This year’s annual Assembly was held at Keuka College, New York on the shore of Keuka Lake. Keuka College felt like familiar old times, catching up with people, trading canoe stories and relaxing amongst
Photo Credit: Betsy Wilson
friends. The theme of Canoes of New York, brought canoes and guide boats to the green from New York as well as across the continent. We had a full program including Fun on the Water canoeing events, evening presentations on canoe and boating history, lessons and demonstrations in photogrammetry, construction demonstrations and the second annual running of the ever-popular cardboard boat building and races. There was fun for all ages of the family. Next year, we will return to Keuka College and the theme will be Old Town Canoes!
Assembly is also an opportunity to provide an update to members about the activity of the Board of Directors, what we are working on and what we have in store for the future. The Board is a fantastic group of people united by the interest of canoes and maintaining the WCHA going forward. At the membership meeting, we discussed membership trends: we have remained steady for three years after arresting a slow decline post Covid. Financially we are on strong footing where donations, membership dues and store/auction/raffle sales have bolstered the WCHA’s fiscal position. The website continues to add features and the Member’s Dock has expanded in content. The Wooden Canoe Journal continues to be a mainstay of communication and benefit to membership while also evolving. Going forward, the classified ads in the Journal will be transitioned to the website and display advertising will increase to help balance the cost of production. We also have a great mix of merchandise in the WCHA store to ensure you are all wearing the proper ‘merch’ while also providing resources for canoe restoration and the extremely popular calendar. Overall, the organization is running strong, powered by people like you. Positions on the Board will be opening up for 2027. I encourage anyone interested to run for a position this fall. The Board is a terrific group and it is a rewarding experience.
Assembly is always a special time for camaraderie. Nothing beats being able to discuss face to face questions about trips, restoration tips or history behind specific canoes on the green while spending time with old friends and meeting new ones. The Assembly, like all WCHA gatherings, exemplifies the mission of the organization and the connectiveness of our membership.
Nick Dombrowski, WCHA President
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