Kayaking Courses
The ACA offers a comprehensive curriculum of kayaking courses for all levels of paddlers. From the entry level QuickStart course designed to give to a brief introduction to the sport of kayaking on flat-water, to advanced levels of kayaking in Coastal, River, and Surf venues there is a course that fits your desire and paddling ability.
Entry Level Kayak Courses
SmartStart Paddler Orientation (Level 1) This one-hour course will expose participants to basic safety and paddling skills. This curriculum is used in combination with the SmartStart for Paddler Presentation and Lesson Plan.
QuickStart Your Kayak (Level 1) QuickStart is a brief, three-hour introduction to paddling a kayak. Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. While designed as a stand-alone, introductory course, QuickStart students often progress to the Introduction to Kayak course to acquire greater paddling skill through significantly more guided, on-water practice time.
Introduction to Kayaking (Level 1) Introduction to Kayaking is a six-hour course focusing on skills needed for any type of kayak including but not limited to sit on tops, recreational, folding and inflatable. Presentations include dressing to paddle safely and potential paddling hazards. Simple rescues are demonstrated by the instructor combined with the paddling skills practiced by students to maneuver safely and comfortably on still water. Designed as a stand-alone course, students desiring more intensive skills would proceed to Level 2 or 3 courses to continue the learning and refinement process, as one progesses forward, the track to follows depends on interest and kayak type.
Flatwater Kayak Safety and Rescue introduces essential flatwater safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency.
Intermediate to Advanced Kayak Courses
For those who desire intermediate to advanced levels of kayak instruction, and decide to broaden their knowledge and skills, a number of different tracks are available:
