What it takes to become an American Canoe Association (ACA) Coastal Kayaking Instructor

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore requires that every company operating within the park either have a "Senior Lead Guide" on staff, or to have a Senior Lead Guide train and attest that guides are ready to lead groups on Lake Superior.

To become a Senior Lead Guide, one must obtain Level 4 Instructor status or the equivalent. Since we get a lot of questions around certification courses and how companies can meet this requirement I thought I'd write it down, because it's a fairly involved process.

This article should help you if you are looking to become an instructor, regardless of your affiliation with the Apostle Islands. The focus of this article is on Coastal Kayaking, but the American Canoe Association (ACA) offers the same structure for everything from canoe, to raft, to whitewater.

The ACA has different educational tracks.

• Skills Courses

• Skills Assessments/Awards

• Instructor Certification

• Leadership Certification

Skills Courses

These are held for levels 1 through 5. There is no test or certification awarded.

• Level 1 is 'Introduction' and can be taken in any type of kayak.

• Level 2 is 'Essentials of touring' where students are expected to be in a sea kayak. Generally for those who want to paddle near shore in calmer conditions.

• Level 3 is 'Coastal Kayaking' for those who will experience true sea kayaking conditions, including wind, waves, tidal current, etc.

• Level 4 is 'Open Water' for paddlers who may experience rough water conditions beyond the scope of novice paddlers. Experience is preferred to take this course.

• Level 5 is 'Advanced' and students can expect very rough conditions, rocks, breaking waves, etc. Experience is required to take level 5 courses.

  
  

Skills Assessments/Awards

Also held for levels 1-5. This is not a 'certification' of skills, but those who pass obtain a 'Skills Award'. Paddlers must pass a skills assessment to take a corresponding level of certification. (E.g. Pass an L3 assessment before attending an L3 Certification workshop.)

Most skills assessments take about a day and cost between $125 and $195.

Instructor Certification

Certification can be at levels 2-5. Instructors can teach Skills Courses and Skills Assessments at the level of their certification.

• A level 2 Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) takes around 4 days and costs around $500. A skills award is NOT required to take a level 2 ICW, but students are responsible for all information and skills to be met during the workshop, so prior classes with formal instruction are highly encouraged. I've had several people show up to a certification course to then not gain any level of certification because they hadn't had formal training and assumed that because they had paddling experience that they would pass. There are a lot of skills to learn to become an instructor. Save frustration, time and money by attending at least one skills course prior to attempting a certification at level 2.

• Level 3 certification is the highest level someone can attempt. It takes about 6 days and costs around $800. Candidates must obtain a level 3 Skills Award before they may attend.

• Level 4 certification requires that a level 3 instructor has had their certification for at least 1 year, and have taught at least 2 courses at level 3. When ready to go for level 4, candidates must have the courses that they have taught recorded on their profile with the ACA, will need to obtain a level 4 Skills Award, then sign up for the 4 day ICW. Cost is around $150 for the assessment/award, and $500 for the ICW.

I mentioned the Apostle Islands guide requirements. To be a 'senior lead guide', or someone who can approve other guides, you must be a level 4 instructor or above. Lost Creek Adventures currently has 2 Senior Lead Guides and 3 Level 3 Instructors on staff.

If you are interested in anything ACA related, from skills courses to awards to certification courses, Lost Creek Adventures offers all levels open to the public and other outfitters looking for training and certification.

• Skills Courses and Custom Skills Classes (Levels 1-4)

• Rough Water Training at our Rough Water Weekend (Levels 3-5)

• Skills Assessments and Awards (Levels 2-4)

• Instructor Certification (Level 2-4)

• Leadership Certification (Bottom of page) This wasn't mentioned above, but is a similar process, for those looking to become paddlesport leaders and guides.