GRN ACA Level 2 River Kayaking Instructor Certification Course
Includes Instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Certification Exam (IDW/ICE)
Are you interested in becoming a certified kayaking instructor who can teach paddlers on lakes and class I rivers? By attending this 3 day class you will have the opportunity to work with Level 4 Whitewater Kayaking Instructor Trainer Francheska Hebden to earn up to Level 2 ACA River Kayaking Instructor credential, based on your performance in the class.
ACA Instructor Criteria: To learn more about what to expect in this class and which skills are required to become a certified ACA instructor at each level of certification, please refer to this documentation from the American Canoe Association. Instructor Candidates can earn up to a Level 2 River Kayaking Instructor certification in this class. Certification is not guaranteed.
ACA Level 2 River Kayaking Instructor Criteria: https://americancanoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/L2_Essentials-of-River-Kayaking-Instructor-Criteria.pdf
ACA Level 1 Kayaking Instructor Criteria: https://americancanoe.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/sei-courses/Level_1_Introduction_to_Kayaking_Instructor_Criteria.pdf
Candidates from this class who are successful at earning an instructor credential will have the opportunity to earn a Paddlesport Safety Facilitator Instructor Endorsement for Kayak, which allows endorsed ACA instructors to deliver the Paddlesport Safety Facilitator professional certification to your students.
For more information on the Paddlesport Safety Facilitator Instructor Endorsement. :
PSF - ACA (americancanoe.org)
PSF General Module: https://americancanoe.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/sei-courses/Paddlesports_Safety_Facilitator_PSF_Certification_Criteria_-_General_Module.pdf
PSF Kayak Module: https://americancanoe.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/sei-courses/Paddlesports_Safety_Facilitator_PSF_Certification_Criteria_-_Kayak_Module-1.pdf
Instructor IDW/ICE Class Dates:
In person instruction August 2-4, 2024
Payne Campground, 2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth GA
Required Zoom Sessions:
July 24 6:30 pm Eastern-9 pm
August 14 6:30 pm Eastern – 9 pm
Location for in person training:
Day 1: Lake Allatoona, Kellogg Creek Day Use Area, 2077 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth GA
Day 2-3: Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area, Metro Hooch, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $375 per person for tuition plus optional camping add on during registration
Camping: Camping at Payne Campground available as an optional add-on purchase during registration. You can also make your own reservation at Payne Campground here.
Time: Class will convene promptly at 9 am each morning. At the Instructor Trainer discretion, the class is likely to include working dinners and evening sessions.
Additional Considerations: There are a few additional costs required by the national certifying body that are not included in the tuition for this class that candidates should consider.
- All candidates pursuing ACA instructor certification are required to be members of the American Canoe Association ($40)
- Candidates who successfully complete the ACA certification will be required to get certified in First Aid and CPR before beginning your own classes as an instructor. You will make your life considerably easier administratively if this is completed before you start the instructor course, but it is not required before you complete the instructor course.
- Candidates who successfully complete the ACA certification will be required to pay an additional Instructor dues to the ACA Safety, Education and Instruction Council (SEIC) ($30)
- You are responsible for your own room and board and transport during this class.
Required Equipment:
- Bring your own kayak, life jacket and paddle.
For optimal performance and maximum versatility of your instructor credentials, we recommend a 9-10' sit inside recreational or whitewater kayak. Up to 12' sit inside or sit on top kayaks are also eligible but you may have difficulties with some of the moves required (longer boats are not as agile for these required moves) or limitations on who you are allowed to teach once you are certified. (Instructors who get certified in sit inside kayaks may teach either SIK or SOT students. Instructors who get certified in SOT kayaks are only certified to teach students in SOT kayaks.) - Bring a camp chair, lunch, plenty of water, a strap for your glasses, closed toe shoes that attach at the ankles, and dress for immersion every day.
Other useful gear to bring:
Drybag, throw rope, tow rope, locking carabiners, paddle float, stirrup/webbing, sunscreen, bug repellent, first aid kit.
