ACA INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION

American Canoe Association

For more information visit americancanoe.org

ACA Instructors teach paddling skills in approved ACA course outlines after qualifying in various disciplines and at various levels.  An ACA Instructor can teach both skills courses and assessment courses up to their level of certification.ACA Instructors are expected to represent and promote the ACA and paddlesports in a positive manner.

General Requirements for ACA Instructor Certification:

Instructors shall be at least 18 years of age

Maintain current ACA Membership and SEIC dues

Maintain an appropriate level of First Aid and age appropriate CPR trainings

Instructor Certification Process:

To become an ACA Instructor, an Instructor Candidate must:

Participate in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and pass an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). These courses are offered either as separate courses with time between for skills and presentation development and practice, or can be offered concurrently (at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer) as an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW).

Perform paddling skills consistently with demonstration quality

Demonstrate effective teaching skills

Demonstrate technical knowledge of paddlesport

Demonstrate appropriate safety & rescue ability

Demonstrate effective group / course management and positive interpersonal skills

Registration Process & Dues:

All Instructor Candidates must be a current member of the ACA prior to the start of the course.  Any membership type is valid, except the 6 month Introductory Membership.

If an individual is registering with the ACA for the first time with the sole purpose of taking an upcoming IDW, ICE or ICW, they can register online as an Instructor Candidate (which has all the benefits of a regular ACA membership).

Upon successful completion of an ICE or ICW, the new Instructor must then pay their SEIC dues.  This can either be given to the Instructor Trainer to submit with the course paperwork or done online afterwards.

Once the ACA office has received the course paperwork and dues are current, all Instructor Candidates who have successfully certified, will have their membership status transferred to Instructor in the ACA database and receive their card and certificate.

Required Text & Materials:

Student Packet 

ACA Instructor Manual

Certification Outcomes:

Pass - an Instructor Candidate can become certified at the highest level of the ICE or ICW

Pass - an Instructor Candidate may become certified at a lower level (aka receiving a Level 2 certification even though it was a Level 4 certification course)

Continued - most, but not all of the requirements are met to certifiy at a specific level.  They do not have to retake the entire ICE or ICW, but they must be ‘checked off’ by an Instructor Trainer at a later date before certification is awarded

Failed - the Instructor Candidate did not pass at a desired level and the deficiencies were such that they must retake the entire IDW, ICE or ICW

An Instructor Candidate can receive a Level 3 certification and be continued at Level 4

If an Instructor Candidate is either failed or continued at a certain level, the Instructor Trainer must document the deficiencies to the Instructor Candidate and the ACA National Office in writing

Additional Certification Information:

Participation in an ICE or ICW does not guarantee certification

Review the Instructor Criteria documents for the appropriate discipline and level of certification

A complete policy manual is available on the Safety Education & Instruction Council webpage

2013 ACA COURSES

ACA Kayak Level 1- Introduction to Kayaking

The ACA Level I Introduction to Kayak course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals in the public, private and commercial setting.

ACA Instructors teach paddling skills in approved ACA course outlines after qualifying in various disciplines and at various levels. ACA Instructors are expected to represent and promote the ACA and paddlesports in a positive manner. ACA Instructors do not issue certificates or certify basic skills, but may issue participation cards to students.

This is a 3 day Level I Instructor Certification Workshop on Introduction to Kayaking. Candidates should; do their homework, read and familiarize themselves with course outline, practice and become proficient with strokes and rescues, familiarize themselves with presentation topics and be ready to nail them, and last but not least….show up (on time) prepared and ready to go.

This is a fast track approach to receiving basic certification to teach kayaking on flat, sheltered waters. Candidates can receive a Level I Certification after these 2 days if they meet the criteria and get approval from the Instructor Trainer.

Length: 3, 8 hour days

Location: Lincoln Woods State Park, RI

ACA Kayak Level 2- Essentials of Kayak Touring

ACA Instructors teach paddling skills in approved ACA course outlines after qualifying in various disciplines and at various levels. ACA Instructors are expected to represent and promote the ACA and paddlesports in a positive manner. ACA Instructors do not issue certificates or certify basic skills, but may issue participation cards to students.

Level II Essentials of Kayak Touring is a 3 day program that has 2 days of training and one day of assessment. Candidates should; do their homework, read and familiarize themselves with course outline, practice and become proficient with strokes and rescues, familiarize themselves with presentation topics and be ready to nail them, and last but not least….show up (on time) prepared and ready to go!

This is a fast track approach to receiving a Level II certification to teach kayaking on flat, sheltered waters! Candidates can receive a level 2 certification after these 3 days if they meet the criteria and get approval from the Instructor Trainer.

Length: 3, 8 hour days

Location: Lincoln Woods State Park, RI

ACA SUP Level 1/2- Essentials of Paddleboarding

Fundamentally, it is expected that participants should possess the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates at an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW).

Length: 3, 8 hour days

Location: Lincoln Woods State Park, RI