ACA Whitewater Kayak Courses (2013)

Organize an Instructor Course with at least 5 other people and receive 75% off tuition price for one person.

Instructor Development Workshop & Instructor Certification Exam combined.
This 5-day course is designed for Class III (and up) whitewater kayakers interested in becoming an American Canoe Association certified instructor. This certification is the standard for either volunteer club leaders or professional canoe/kayak instructors. This course will provide an intensive learning experience to advance your personal paddling skills and techniques, teaching progressions and group awareness. Through the use of video and on water instruction you will develop the proficiency and confidence necessary to be a better paddler or instructor.

In this workshop, the Instructor Trainer will demonstrate what to teach and how to teach it. Time is spent in the classroom discussing learning theory, safety, basic river maneuvers, water reading, trip planning, and the kayak roll. You will present at least two subjects, both in the classroom and on the water, as though you were teaching a beginning level course. Through these presentations, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your technical knowledge, leadership skills and personal paddling technique. You will also improve your understanding of the art of paddling through discussions and presentations. Exposure to a wide variety of teaching techniques and approaches should enhance your instruction style.

The Instructor Workshop gives prospective instructors the opportunity to meet ACA requirements for Basic River or Whitewater Certification in a river kayak. Most participants hope to receive whitewater certification and our courses are targeted towards this audience. If you are interested in Basic River certification, you are welcome to take the course and can be certified, but be aware that much time is spent on Class II-III whitewater. Please note that our ACA Instructor Workshop is designed to improve the teaching and leadership skills of already competent paddlers and to determine whether ACA certification is justified.

The workshop involves long hours, both on and off the water. Midway through the course each participant will meet with the instructor trainer and receive an informal evaluation. This is intended to inform you of your progress and target weaknesses to help ensure that you can be certified. At the end of the course, participants who pass will receive certification in either Basic River or Whitewater, depending upon the student's teaching and paddling skills. If you receive less than whitewater certification, you have the opportunity to upgrade within one year's time by "retesting". Depending upon the amount of time the retesting requires, a fee may or may not be charged.

All Participants must be ACA members prior to course start.  Annual membership is $40/person.  This is not included with Course Registration.  Upon completion of the course the successful candidate will also need to pay their annual SEI dues of $25/instructor (Safety Education and Instruction). 

This course is designed to refine and extend the judgment and technique of intermediate paddlers on class III to IV whitewater. Participants will be introduced to advanced techniques including boat control, playboating and river running as appropriate to the site. This course will use on-the-water scenarios to assess risk, evaluate rapid features and complexities, develop strategies, and nurture good judgment. Course will emphasize use of proactive, aggressive rescue skills stressing self-reliance. This course should only be taken by those with a reliable river roll and self rescue skills. Completion of a whitewater course and proficiency and experience in executing all strokes, maneuvers and techniques needed for paddling on class III whitewater and a reliable roll and the ability to aggressively self rescue are required prerequisites. Additional participation in a Swiftwater rescue course is strongly recommended.  Contact us to schedule a course near you.

This course is designed to refine and extend the judgment and technique of intermediate paddlers on class III to IV whitewater. Participants will be introduced to advanced techniques including boat control, playboating and river running as appropriate to the site. This course will use on-the-water scenarios to assess risk, evaluate rapid features and complexities, develop strategies, and nurture good judgment. Course will emphasize use of proactive, aggressive rescue skills stressing self-reliance. This course should only be taken by those with a reliable river roll and self rescue skills. Completion of a whitewater course and proficiency and experience in executing all strokes, maneuvers and techniques needed for paddling on class III whitewater and a reliable roll and the ability to aggressively self rescue are required prerequisites. Additional participation in a Swiftwater rescue course is strongly recommended.  Contact us to schedule a course near you.

Customized private one-on-one or small group instruction is an increasingly popular way to refine kayak skills.  Contact us to explain your needs so we can get you on the fast track towards improving your kayaking skills.  From basic strokes to advanced river running and rodeo clinics, we can put together a lesson that best meets your goals. 
*Discounts for groups of 3 or more.

Contact us to schedule a course near you.