ACA Adaptive Paddling Program

Since 1990, the ACA has been a leader in offering training to paddlesport instructors and program providers in the best practices of Inclusive Outdoor Recreation opportunities.

The ACA Adaptive Paddling Program offers programming to support and enhance the decades strong National Paddlesport Instruction Program. Through train-the-trainer programs, the Adaptive Paddling Program teaches the skills and knowledge needed to outfit equipment and modify teaching styles to allow people of all abilities to participate in paddlesport.

Adaptive Paddling Workshops

These workshops are designed to provide instructors, outfitters, recreation program providers, and rehabilitation professionals with the information they need to integrate paddlers with disabilities into their programs. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, a person may not be excluded from a program just because they have a disability. Program providers need to be prepared to integrate persons with disabilities into existing programs. The workshop includes how to compensate for paddlers loss of function due to disability, how to adapt equipment and instruction and how to focus on the paddlers' ability. This course includes a classroom and hands-on learning, an on-water pool session and open water paddling. ACA certified paddling instructors can receive the Adaptive Paddling Endorsement upon completion of this workshop.

An Adaptive Paddling Workshop (APW) has a three fold purpose

• train currently certified instructors to get the Adaptive Paddling Endorsement
• educate assistant instructors
• provide a skills course for individuals with disabilities

Adaptive Paddling Courses