How to become an ACA Instructor
ACA Instructors teach paddling skills in approved ACA course outlines after qualifying in various disciplines and at various levels. ACA Instructors are expected to represent and promote the ACA and paddlesports in a positive manner. ACA Instructors do not issue certificates or certify basic skills, but may issue participation cards to students.
ACA Instructor Course Calendar
General Requirements for ACA Instructor Certification:
- Instructors shall be at least 18 years of age
- Maintain ACA Membership and SEIC dues
Instructor Certification Process:
To become an ACA Instructor, Instructor Candidates must:
- Participate in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and pass an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). These courses are offered either as separate courses with time between for skills and presentation development and practice, or can be offered concurrently (at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer) as an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW).
- Perform paddling skills with demonstration quality
- Demonstrate effective teaching skills
- Demonstrate technical knowledge of paddlesport
- Demonstrate appropriate safety & rescue ability
- Demonstrate group / course management and interpersonal skills
Note: IDW/ICE participation does not guarantee certification. An ICE candidate may certify, be continued as a Candidate, or fail the Workshop. If the candidate is not certified, the deficiencies must be documented to the Candidate and the ACA National Office in writing.
Instructors are required to obtain and maintain current First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Aid certification appropriate to the age of the participants and the course venue.
Instructor Criteria:
The following are approved Instructor Criteria for all ACA Disciplines and Levels:
Canoeing (Canoe Touring)
Canoeing (River Canoeing)
- Level 1: Introduction to Canoeing
- Level 2: Essentials of River Canoeing
- Level 3: River Canoeing
- Level 4: Whitewater Canoeing
- Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Canoeing
Kayaking (Coastal Kayaking)
- Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking
- Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring
- Level 3: Coastal Kayaking
- Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking
- Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking
Kayaking (River Kayaking)
- Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking
- Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking
- Level 3: River Kayaking
- Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking
- Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Kayaking
Kayaking (Surf Kayaking)
- Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking
- Level 2: Sit-On-Top Surf Kayaking
- Level 3: Essentials of Surf Kayaking
- Level 4: Surf Kayaking
Rafting
- Moving Water Paddle Raft
- Whitewater Paddle Raft
Safety and Rescue
- Level 2: Essentials of River Safety and Rescue
- Level 3: River Safety and Rescue
- Level 4: Swiftwater Safety and Rescue
- Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Safety and Rescue
Adaptive Paddling
How to become an Instructor Trainer (IT) / Instructor Trainer Educator (ITE)
