ACA Instructor Program
Looking to become a sea kayak guide or instructor? The American Canoe Association (ACA) designed curriculum and instructor certification program is the standard in the industry for those who want to become instructors and facilitators of kayaking.
Level 3/4 IDW (Coastal / Open Water Instructor Training)
The Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) is the introduction class to becoming a coastal kayak instructor and is designed for those who would like to teach kayaking and lead groups in coastal and open water conditions. This is also a great class for those looking to update or review skills who may not have teaching aspirations as it covers a host of techniques, from the basics through to more advanced coastal kayaking conditions. We'll cover teaching tools, how people learn as well as managing groups out on the water. This class may also be used as an update or to upgrade your qualifications.
(ACA Level 3 assessment (or equivalent skills) before taking this class. If taking it as a Level 4 then Level 4 assessment or equivalent needed.)
Level 3 Assessment
Level 4 Assessment
Level 3/4 ICE (Coastal / Open Water Instructor Assessment)
This is the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) portion of the route to becoming an ACA Coastal Instructor. Skills and techniques from the IDW will be critiqued and refined, and leadership, teaching and group communication will be assessed. This class may also be used as an update or to upgrade your qualifications.
Level 5 ICW (Advanced Open Water Instructor Training / Assessment)
The Level 5 ICW is an Instructor Certification Workshop. This can be taken either as an IDW or ICE for the candidates who need training or an assessment. This is the highest instructor award in the ACA system - we will teach in strong conditions therefore ALL participants need to have advanced personal technique and rescue abilities. You must be 21 years old and have been an instructor for 2 years to qualify as an AOW Instructor. This class may also be used as an update or to upgrade your qualifications. This also makes it a great class for folks who would like to paddle in some more challenging conditions with a large safety net.
- IDW (Instructor Development Workshop) - Level 4 3 days
- ICE (Instructor Certification Exam) - Level 4 3 days
- ICW (Instructor Certification Workshop) - Level 5 2 days