Welcome to ACA Instruction!
 
For newcomers, we offer advice, instruction, referrals and information. For experienced paddlers we offer resources, suggestions and information on skills courses, Instructor Certification, advanced teaching techniques, teaching outlines and more.

Paddler Skills and Assessment Courses

The ACA offers skills courses and certification programs to paddlers of all skill levels. The courses represent sets of skills, safety procedures and other materials deemed appropriate for the particular environments of the disciplines. Choose one of the options below to learn more about skills courses and certification.
  • ACA Canoe & Kayak Instruction - Why Instruction?
  • Canoe Instruction
  • Kayak Instruction
  • Raft Instruction
  • Safety and Rescue Instruction
  • Adaptive Paddling Instruction

    • Instructor Certification

    The ACA offers instructor certification in multiple disciplines.
    Specific Instructor Certification information and criteria are avaialble on each of the Disciplines webpage.

    General Requirements for ACA Instructor Certification:

    • Instructors shall be at least 18 years of age
    • ACA membership ($40 Individual) and SEIC (Safety Education and Instruction Council) Registration ($25 Instructors / $75 IT-ITEs) is required for participation in Instructor Certification Courses
    • Successfully complete an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and a subsequent Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)

    To find an instructor certification course in your area, visit our Calendars page, or you can search our listings and contact an Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator (IT/ITE List) in your area.

    Certification Resources:

  • Frequently Asked Questions about ACA Instructor Certification
  • What Certification is right for me?
  • ACA Instructor Certification: Requirements, Maintenance and Insurance
  • Required Texts and Materials

    • Instructor Resources

    SEI Focus - the monthly electronic newsletter for ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers and Instructor Trainer Educators.

    Instructor resource pages are available to ACA Certified Instructors, Trainers and Educators in:

  • Adaptive Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Safety and Rescue

    • These resource pages include all the forms and paperwork needed by ACA Instructors to maintain high quality programs and documentation.