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The ACA Level 1-3
Coastal Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop consists of 2 essential and
required parts; - Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)
- Instructor
Certification Exam (ICE)
Our 4 day program is an intensive hands-on
cooperative learning workshop experience that is designed to refine your
instructional techniques and familiarize you with the processes and curriculum
of the American Canoe Association (ACA).
Days 3 and 4 (the "exam")
are assessment days which require all participants to prepare and present
lessons to fellow students to demonstrate, among other essential skills,
teaching and paddling abilities. The Instructor Certification program is
designed for paddlers who wish to lead classes or trips, or provide
paddlestrokes instruction. It is very valuable training (and often required)
for Recreation department staff, scout leaders, camps and program leaders, and
guides or lead paddlers who plan or teach for clubs and schools.
Instructor
Candidates should be confident paddlers with basic knowledge of kayaking
terminology, equipment, rescue techniques, chart reading, and safety
considerations (a roll is recommended, though not required). Throughout the
Workshop and Exam, instructor candidates (that's YOU!) will be assessed in the
following areas: Personal Paddling Skills Strong basic/intermediate skills,
boat control and general professional paddling mode at all times.
Teaching
Skills Knowledge of teaching methods and learning styles, and how to use them
to give an effective presentation. We are also looking for organized lesson
plans, group organization, speaking and presentation ability and attention to
details in the classroom, on land and on the water. Modeling Skills/Technique
Ability to visually present and break skills down into teachable/learnable
parts.
Attention to Safety Use of risk management skills, assessing student
skill levels and group control. Group Management Ability to set up and maintain
a suitable teaching location as well as managing a group in the classroom, on
land and on the water in both a teaching and guiding situation. Technical
Knowledge Thorough knowledge of all aspects of paddlesports.
Everything from
teaching safe car-topping procedures, boat design, and common paddling injuries
and avoidance to tides, surfing and regional hazards. Coaching Being able to
identify student errors and give corrective feedback. To participate in this
course, all participants must be current ACA Members.
If certification is
awarded at the end of the course, instructor candidates must also become
members of the ACA Safety Education and Instruction Committee (annual fees
apply). Students should plan to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
(SeaTac; use aiport code "SEA") and camp or find lodging in the
Redmond area for Days 1-2. Contact the IT for more information.
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