ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Workshops
The American Canoe Association instructor certification process has two components: the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW), and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).
The IDW is designed to give participants a foundation in teaching and skills coaching, and depth in topic knowledge required to become an instructor. The ICE then challenges each candidate to demonstrate individual proficiency in the presentation (teaching) and demonstration (modeling) of sea kayaking subjects, general paddling knowledge, safety, and leadership. Certification levels include:
1 - Introduction To Kayak - For teaching on calm water in any type of kayak.
2 - Essentials Of Kayak Touring - For teaching in near-shore coastal environments.
3 - Coastal Kayak - For teaching in coastal waters with sea conditions such as waves and current.
4 - Open Water Coastal Kayak - For teaching in open coastal areas including longer crossings and surf zone environments.
5 - Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayak - For teaching in advanced open water conditions.
Entering The Instructor Process
Instructor candidates begin by taking the IDW. However if students have limited technical knowledge of sea kayaking topics such as tides, currents, weather, boat design, or have never been coached in proper paddling technique, we suggest taking one of our Skills Courses prior to enrolling in an IDW. The IDW is for those who already have considerable kayaking experience and a developing but solid skill base. Following are some of the minimum attributes we suggest for candidates:
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Developing ability to paddle comfortably with grace and style in the sea conditions you hope to certify in. This includes comfort on edge, and familiarity with all paddle strokes listed on the Instructor Criteria. (Forward & reverse strokes, forward and reverse sweeps, draw and sculling draw, and high and low braces)
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Knowledge & experience with rescue techniques; T-rescue, Side-by-Side, Rafted-T, and Paddle Float. Also have working knowledge of other rescues; Scramble, Reentry and Roll with Paddle Float, Reentry and Roll, All-In, and Scoop.
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Ability to perform a reliable kayak roll. (To pass level 3 and above)
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Developing knowledge of; safety issues and hazards of coastal kayaking, marine navigation, weather conditions important to the kayaker, hypothermia prevention and treatment, signaling devices and safety equipment, boat traffic & rules of the road, kayak design and equipment, kayak towing technique, and tides.
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Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe, effective instructor.
"I have heard nothing but great things from all our leaders...We will be in touch and continue to send folks up to the
course as long as you are running them."
Ryan Wagner - Camp Manitowish Wilderness Program Director
"I participated in an ACA coastal kayak course with Greg and Lost Creek Adventures last summer. I really enjoyed Greg's insight and varied teaching methods, as well as his encouragement and personality. I absolutely loved the comfortable learning atmosphere and level of professionalism that he and his staff provided. Great location and great fun made for solid learning."
Lucas Will - Lutsen Resort Outdoor Program Director
The IDW will teach you everything that you didn't know you didn't know about your kayaking strokes. It refined my own paddling significantly, and gave me the language and methods to better teach kayaking to others. Greg sets the bar high, but he provides the tools and support needed to help participants meet their individual goals, whatever they may be."
Liz Carson - Participant
Pre-requisites for taking the ICE (Instructor Certification Exam)
Candidates are judged on their paddling, group management, safety, teaching ability as well as general paddlesport knowledge. (i.e. depth & breath & prior experience)
In order to pass a given level, ALL criteria for that level must be met. (see resources below for criteria) If you are lacking in one of these areas you may be certified at a lower level until you have demonstrated improvement in the areas noted. This policy insures that instructors are well-rounded and able to meet the requirements of a diverse student population.
About Your Trainer...
Greg Weiss is an ACA Instructor Trainer for Open Water Coastal Kayaking (L4) and an instructor for Whitewater Kayak (L4) and Stand Up Paddleboard (L2). He has been teaching and guiding since 1990 at locations throughout North and South America. Greg has also spent time instructing skin on frame kayak building and continues to carve traditional paddles. He keeps busy teaching adjunct courses at Northland College, running Lost Creek Adventures, homesteading, and of course, paddling.
COURSE CALENDAR
You may also Contact us to set up custom dates for your group of 3 or more.
Level 1-2: Instructor Certification Workshop - June 22-24, 2022
This certification workshop is a combined IDW & ICE.
Tuition: $325 Register Now
Level 1-2: Coastal Kayaking Instructor Update - June 2022 Date TBD
This is a one day stand-alone update for Level 1 and 2 Kayaking Instructors.
Tuition: $115 Register Now
Level 2-3: Kayak Rolling Instructor Endorsement - August 2022 dates TBD
This is a great stand alone course for those interested in teaching the kayak roll, as well as an endorsement for ACA Kayaking Instructors at levels 2 and 3.
Tuition: $115 Register Now
Level 3: Instructor Development Workshop - May 20-22, 2022
New candidates must pass a level 3 or above ACA Trip Leader or Skills Assessment prior to attending the IDW.
Tuition: $325 Register Now
Level 3: Instructor Certification Exam & Update - May 20-22, 2022
The exam is for candidates who have taken a level 3 IDW and are ready to take the exam. May also be used as an update for certified L3 instructors.
Instructor Exam: $325 Register Now
Instructor Update (Days 1&2 only required): $225 Register Now
Level 4: Instructor Certification Workshop - May 13-16, 2022
Current level 3 instructors may apply for upgrade to level 4 by taking the level 4 ICW.
Candidates must meet the following requirements for participation:
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Provide proof of teaching at least two courses at level 3.
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Pass a level 4 ACA Trip Leader or Skills Assessment.
Tuition: $425 Register Now
Level 4: Instructor Certification Update - May 11-12, 2022
If you are already certified at level 4 you may use this course to complete your four-year update requirement.
Tuition: $225 Register Now
Course Information
Tuition
Tuition covers instruction and course materials, not equipment. We also offer group discounts.
Required Materials
The ACA instructors manual is required for certification courses. (Not for updates) You may purchase it directly through the ACA website store.
Required Equipment
You must bring your own boat and equipment or rent. You can rent a kayak package from Lost Creek, (kayak, paddle, pump, float, etc) as well as purchase certain needed items from our store. (tow belt, compass, etc)
During early season courses a dry suit or thick farmer-john style wetsuit with dry top is necessary. We do not have dry suits available for rent, however we do rent 3mm wetsuits and you can usually double up on them.
Required Memberships
The ACA requires all candidates to be members in good standing in order to take an IDW and to hold a certification. This cost is $40 for an annual membership. Become a member online before your course and retrieve your member number.
Once you have passed the exam you must join the ACA SEIC (Safety, Education and Instruction Committee) which is $30 for an annual membership and allows you to register the ACA courses you teach and use the ACA's liability insurance.
Refunds
Registration policies follow our class reservation policies.
Lodging
Stay with other paddlers at our Apostle Islands Bunkhouse. There are also other inexpensive options for camping and local lodging available. See our resources page for ideas.
To Register
3rd Once you feel confident that you are ready to start the instructor candidate process, obtain your ACA membership # You MUST be registered at course start.
4th Download a copy of the ACA Instructor Policy Manual. This will give you the details on staying current, and staying within the parameters of your certification. Get familiar with it.
5th - Register! We will send you a confirmation to let you know that you have been accepted to the course. Prior to course start we will send you the course packet which includes the course outline, your teaching topics, and other items to help you prepare.
