Sea Kayak Skills and Trip Leader Assessments
American Canoe Association assessment courses are a great way to confirm your current skills and gain exposure to new information. Perfect for camps and other organizations needing to test staff paddling and leadership skills.
ACA Level 1-2 Kayak Skills Assessment
No dates currently scheduled
Often taken by those interested in certifying as a level 1 or 2 instructor, but who feel they may need to fill in some gaps in training or just want coaching and teaching tools. Also popular for camp and guide staff or anyone in the position of leading others on flat or moving water. Must provide own equipment or rent. View the Level 2 ACA Skills Assessment
$125 per person.
Contact us to create custom dates for your group.
Coastal Kayak Skills - Comprehensive Course
May 19-22, 2026
An immersive skills experience designed to boost the confidence of novice to intermediate paddlers. This 4 day course will teach and test your ability in wind and waves, and prepare you to pass the level 3 skills assessment. The assessment is included as an added bonus which allows you to proceed to a Trip Leader Training & Assessment or Instructor Certification course in the future. Course also includes instruction in rolling, normally a separate private coaching session.
$460 for 4 full days of training and the assessment exam. Lodging & Equipment NOT included. Camping available locally.
ACA Level 3 - Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment
May 14th, 2026
This is the 'stand-alone' option to the above course. Assessing at level 3 is possible for those who already have formal paddling training and some rough water experience during trips of 5 miles or more. A great course for those looking to confirm their current skills, or for those preparing to take a Level 3 Trip Leader Training & Assessment or Level 3 Instructor Certification. Read more about the level 3 ACA Skills Assessment. Must provide own equipment or rent.
$125 per person.
ACA Level 4 Coastal Kayak Skills Assessment
October 2-5, 2026
The level 4 Skills Assessment is for those with considerable paddling training and experience, looking to confirm their current skills, or for those preparing to take the level 4 Instructor Certification.
Must provide own equipment or rent.
$400 tuition includes full admission to the entire Rough Water Weekend kayak symposium.
ACA Coastal Kayak Leadership Trainings & Certifications
In that past the American Canoe Association offered 'Trip Leader' training and assessment specific to certain watercraft, such as sea kayaks or canoes. In 2025 the ACA created a brand new Leadership Pathway that allows for certification. Now, outdoor leaders such as outfitter guides, camp counselors, and others can become certified to lead groups in any type of watercraft, from sea kayaks to canoes, paddleboards, etc. In other words this certification is not specific to type of watercraft, only to 'day trip leaders' and 'overnight guide leaders'
A benefit of certification is being able to take advantage of the ACA's inexpensive insurance option.
To learn more or schedule a certification for your group please reach out! We're excited to get more qualified leaders on the water.