Where Your ACA Certification Can Take You

Written by ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer, Michael Gray

Where can your ACA certifications take you? Pretty much anywhere on earth. When I was young, I read stories of polar exploration and learned of the adventures of Amundson, Scott, Byrd, and Perry. Later, I learned with awe of the incredibly successful “failed” expedition of Earnest Shackelton. While other kids were interested in horses, dogs, and dirt bikes, I was entranced by polar ice and explorers.

As a lifelong kayak guide and coach I also dreamed of going to New Zealand 25 years ago, but couldn’t afford the trip unless I could earn my way. I was able to contract myself out to a company in Abel Tasman National Park and began a very eye opening portion of my life. A quarter century later, I sit at the dining table here in Nelson New Zealand with a mate I worked with back then, swapping paddling tales. That trip enabled me to dream bigger about where my kayak could take me and since then it has been a cash positive adventure in Canada, Michigan, Florida, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, Patagonia, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, South Georgia Island, and now Antarctica. Sea kayaks have been my way to explore our planet in a way I could have even imagined.

So…how can you transmogrify a love of paddlesport into these kind of adventures? First, round out your paddling training and experience across disciplines. If you have certifications in one discipline, cross over into another to expand your repertoire. Second, work with as many coaches and mentors as you can. Not only will you learn more tricks and tips, you will gain precious connections to others in paddlesport that give you onramps to your dream trips. I wouldn’t have ended up in Antarctica working on an expedition ship without connections. Third, get serious about wilderness medical training and be sure to study and complete accredited training. Fourth, utilize prior knowledge: Speak Spanish or Cantonese? Ski Mountaineering? People management skills? These things count and are useful in a work world of international multi-sport adventures. Lastly, don’t be afraid to dream big. The difference between those who read about big

adventures and those who live them is simply stepping past the fear and making a plan. Go for it.