This is an ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)/Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) and Optional Paddlesports Angler Instructor Endorsement Add-On + Community Cookout Celebration!

The L1 Kayak IDW/ICE (ICW) course will take place over a period of 2 full days (Oct. 11th and 12th). Time will be spent in the classroom and on the water. Each candidate will be expected to not only demonstrate the required elements, but also be able to teach how to perform the required elements of the class. Instructor certification will be earned based upon the candidate’s ability to successfully demonstrate/teach the elements of the class. Participation does not guarantee a certification.

The Paddlesports Angler Instructor Endorsement will consist of one day on the water/classroom as well as one zoom/online meeting. The endorsement is an add-on for ACA instructors who would like to teach kayak fishing courses in addition to the traditional introduction to kayaking curriculum. The on water class will be held on Oct. 13th and the zoom/online night will be held on Thursday, Sept. 29th.

The class will be held at Cove Lake State Park in Caryville, TN. Camping is available at the park. There are also hotels in close proximity to the park. Lodging is the responsibility of each participant. ACA Tennessee is hosting a celebratory cookout for all of the participants in these classes the evening of Wednesday, October 12th and is inviting local ACA-affiliated club leaders and ACA instructors to help grill the burgers for you! It is an awesome opportunity for our local paddlesports representatives and statewide paddling leaders to get to know each other. We hope you will join us in building strong community relationships in this region.

Cost of this L1 Kayak IDW/ICE is $310.

Cost for the optional Paddlesports Angler Instructor Endorsement add-on is $155.

Instructor Candidates who enroll in both will receive a discount of $50, for a total of $415.

No refunds are available for this class unless the instructors cancel; thank you for understanding about the level of preparation that is required to put on an instructor certification weekend. The ACA requires a minimum of 4 instructor candidates to enroll in this class for the class to "make". In the event that fewer than 4 people enroll, the instructor will provide refunds in full.

• ACA membership is required for participation in this certification course.
• Tennessee fishing Licenses is required for all participants in the Paddlesports Angler Endorsement Class

L1 Kayak IDW/ICE Topics covered will include:

• Knowledge of ACA paperwork
• Knowledge of teaching/learning theory
• Ability to demonstrate and teach paddling efficiently and comfortably, in flat water
• The ability to teach and model the following strokes: Forward, Back, Sweeps (forward, reverse), Draws (out of water and in water recovery), Stern Rudder, Low Brace
• The ability to teach and model basic maneuvers effectively
• Demonstrate the ability to teach and model basic rescue techniques/concepts effectively
• Demonstrate leadership, group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe, effective instructor.

For a more detailed list of L1: Intro to Kayaking expectations and skills please click here.

For the Paddlesports Angler Instructor Endorsement, topics covered will include:

• How to safely paddle/fish with a kayak loaded with fishing gear
• How to mitigate common hazards associated with kayak fishing (entanglements, anchoring, etc.)
• How to properly select the most common types of fishing gear (rods, reels, baits)
• How to locate fish in different types of water
• How to properly set/use and anchor and anchor line
• How to paddle a loaded kayak efficiently
• How to use local/online resources to plan a safe kayak fishing trip
• Kayak rigging and safety concerns

For a more detailed list of Angler Endorsement expectations and skills please click here.

The following gear will be necessary to complete this course:

• PFD
• Paddle
• Kayak: Sit-on-tops are acceptable, but if certified as an instructor in a sit-on-top you will only be allowed to teach others in a sit-on-top. If certified in a sit inside kayak, you will be certified to teach students using either sit-on-top or sit inside kayaks.
• Paddlesports Anglers:
  
• Fishing rod/reel (what you are most comfortable with)
• Fishing lures (what you are most comfortable fishing with)

Where to stay?

There are currently open camp sites at Cove Lake State Park in Caryville, TN. You can reserve campsites at Cove Lake State Park here. There are also several hotels in the area of Cove Lake State Park. Lodging is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the cost of the class.

What to bring?

• Gear and equipment for your camping/lodging
• Camp chair
• Food and water for your entire weekend
• Lunches could be on the water (so plan accordingly)
• Proper clothing (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, closed toe shoes with traction and attach at the ankles, strap for glasses, rain jacket, etc.)