ACA River Kayaking Course Outlines
The following course outlines are sample courses that can be taught by instructors at the appropriate level. ACA Instructors are certified to teach the body of knowledge included in the Course Outline and Instructor Criteria of the certification(s) held.
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.
Essentials of River Kayaking: Level 2 is designed to give the student the necessary tools needed to travel down a moving river (up to Class I) from point A to point B. They will be presented with information on river hazards and features, strokes and basic skills such as catching a large eddy, doing a gentle ferry, Great for camps, groups or individuals that want to do day trips down easy moving water rivers up to Class I. Designed as a stand-alone course, students desiring more intensive skills would proceed to the ACA Whitewater Kayaking course, depending on interest and hull type.
River Kayaking: Level 3 is designed to build on the tools needed to travel down a moving river (up to Class I-II) presented in teh Essentials course, including more emphasis on safety & rescue in class I rivers. Designed as a stand-alone course, students desiring more intensive skills would proceed to the ACA Whitewater Kayaking course, depending on interest and hull type.
Whitewater Kayaking: Level 4 The ACA Whitewater Kayak Course is a two-day (16 hour) program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings. Instruction takes place on flatwater and rivers up to Class II-III whitewater. Designed as a stand-alone course, students desiring more intensive skills development would proceed to Advanced Whitewater Kayak, depending on interest and ability.
Advanced Whiteweater Kayaking: Level 5 is designed to refine and extend the judgment and technique of intermediate paddlers on class III to IV whitewater. This course is not to be taught on water of greater difficulty than class IV. Participants will be introduced to advanced techniques including boat control, playboating and river running as appropriate to the site. This course will use on-the-water scenarios to assess risk, evaluate rapid features and complexities, develop strategies, and nurture good judgment. Course will emphasize use of proactive, aggressive rescue skills stressing self reliance. This course should only be taken by those with a reliable river roll and self rescue skills. Completion of a whitewater course and proficiency and experience in executing all strokes, maneuvers and techniques needed for paddling on class III whitewater and a reliable roll and the ability to aggressively self rescue are required prerequisites. Additional participation in a Swiftwater rescue course is strongly recommended.
Kayak Rolling is a 2-6-hour course that is designed to by used with river and sea kayak hard shell, closed-deck designs. Students will learn the fundamental components of the roll and improve their bracing skills.
River Kayak Assessments
- River Kayak Day-Trip Leading Assessment is intended to provide the minimum skills and training necessary for an adult leader possessing basic paddling skills to lead a trip for participants with beginner level paddling skills. The emphasis of this course is trip leading, safety education and rescue, not paddling instruction. The content is relevant for clubs, camps, scouts and other entities providing trips. This is an Assessment Course with a written Examination. Those desiring certification to teach kayak paddling should get ACA Instructor Certifications.
- River Kayak Day-Trip Leading Assessment Instructor Guide & Exam
River Kayaking Skills Assessments
