Are you interested in becoming an outdoor leader through watersports? The American Canoe Association instructor certification process is rigorous, educational, and fun. Our intensive Instructor Training and Certification programs will challenge you both mentally and physically. These sessions are designed to familiarize students with the American Canoe Association, the model of effective outdoor instruction, including paddling and leadership skills necessary for watersports, as well as teaching techniques, paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue, group management, and safety competencies.
During each Instructor Certification Course, we will focus on fine-tuning each instructor candidate’s personal paddling skills, risk management and rescue, group management, and teaching, while also expanding knowledge in various aspects of paddle sports. Each participant will present mini dry-land and on-water topics to the group, serving as a dress rehearsal. This provides an opportunity for candidates to receive valuable feedback from their peers and the Instructor Trainer on their ability to accurately transfer information to students.
Prerequisite: To become certified as an instructor in various paddlesports disciplines, candidates must already be proficient in their personal paddlesports skills. While our training sessions will further hone these skills, beginners may find the program challenging. Candidates should have prior experience in paddlesports and be prepared to participate fully in rigorous training activities, which include being active and on the water for most of the day. To fully understand what is required for certification, instructor candidates should review the specific instructor criteria for their desired discipline. For more information, please go to the American Canoe Association website and read the Instructor Criteria for the discipline you are seeking certification. You must be a member of the ACA to participate.
Note: Completion of the course does not guarantee Instructor Certification. Students must attend the entire training, show competency in everything ACA, demonstrate professionalism, and pass the certification workshop. Assessment of competency, skills and abilities occur throughout the training.
Our ICWs scheduled for the 2024 season:
- June 10 to 12 – Level 1 Canoe ICW – Join the intensive three-day L1 Canoe Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) from June 10 to 12 in Ithaca, New York, with June 13th as a rain date. The workshop will focus on honing strokes, rescues, safety/risk and group management, and instructional and teaching skills. Successful completion will certify participants as ACA L1 Canoe Instructors (tandem). To register, contact Jennifer at jennifer@paddlenmore.com. For specific questions about the ICW course content, email Steven Henkind at steven.henkind@gmail.com. Cost: $345.
- June 17 to 20 – Level 1-2 Essentials of Kayak Touring ICW: Join the intensive four-day L2 EKT Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) from June 17 to 20 in Ithaca, New York. Rain date: June 21. The workshop will focus on honing strokes, rescues, safety/risk and group management, and instructional and teaching skills. Successful completion certifies you as an ACA L2 EKT Kayak Instructor. Register by contacting Jennifer at jennifer@paddlenmore.com. For course content questions, email Steven Henkind at steven.henkind@gmail.com. Cost: $445
- August 1 to August 4 (August 2 to 4 for those who are Level 1 Introduction to Standup Paddleboarding ACA Instructors) – Level 1-2 Essentials of Standup Paddleboarding ICW: Join the intensive four-day L1 to L2 Essentials of Standup Paddleboarding ICW (Instructor Certification Workshop). This comprehensive course is designed for those aspiring to enhance their standup paddleboarding (SUP) skills and pursue certification as instructors. Participants will delve into the core aspects of SUP, including advanced paddling techniques, safety protocols, and effective teaching strategies. Cost: $475 (for those who are not instructors with the ACA); $375 (for those who are already Level 1 Introduction to Paddleboarding ACA Instructors – must be in good standing.) Contact jennifer@paddlemore.com for more details and to register.
How to Register
To register for an instructor course, full payment is required. Please email jennifer@paddlenmore.com to request registration. Upon receiving your request, an invoice will be created and sent to you for payment. Note that your spot will remain open until payment is received. Spots are limited due to the low instructor trainer to candidate ratio mandated by ACA standards, ensuring a quality training environment. Secure your place early to avoid missing out!
Cancellation Policy for ACA Instructor Certification Programs
To ensure fairness and manage preparations effectively, we adhere to the following cancellation policy:
- Cancellation Notice: Participants may cancel their registration and receive a full refund if the cancellation is made at least two weeks prior to the first day of the program. To cancel, please notify us in writing via email at jennifer@paddlenmore.com
- Late Cancellation: No refunds will be provided for cancellations made less than two weeks before the start of the program. This policy helps us manage our resources and commitments to other participants and instructors.
- Program Cancellation: If for any reason the program must be cancelled by the organizers, participants will be notified immediately and will receive a full refund within a specified period.
- Exceptions: Exceptions to this policy may be considered on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances, such as severe illness or family emergency. Documentation may be required and decisions on exceptions are at the discretion of the program organizers.
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