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Sea Kayak Skills and Trip Leader Assessments

American Canoe Association assessment courses are a great way to confirm your current skills and gain exposure to new information. Perfect for camps and other organizations needing to test staff paddling and leadership skills.

ACA Level 1-2 Kayak Skills Assessment
ACA skills assessments
ACA Level 1-2 Kayak Skills Assessment

No dates currently scheduled

Often taken by those interested in certifying as a level 1 or 2 instructor, but who feel they may need to fill in some gaps in training or just want coaching and teaching tools. Also popular for camp and guide staff or anyone in the position of leading others on flat or moving water. Must provide own equipment or rent. View the Level 2 ACA Skills Assessment 

$125 per person.

 

 Contact us to create custom dates for your group. 

ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Comprehensive Course & Assessment
Sea Kayak Skills Course

Coastal Kayak Skills - Comprehensive Course

May 20-23, 2025
An immersive skills experience designed to boost the confidence of novice to intermediate paddlers. This 4 day course will teach and test your ability in wind and waves, and prepare you to pass the level 3 skills assessment. The assessment is included as an added bonus which allows you to proceed to a Trip Leader Training & Assessment or Instructor Certification course in the future. Course also includes instruction in rolling, normally a separate private coaching session.
$460 for 4 full days of training and the assessment exam. Lodging & Equipment NOT included. Camping available locally.
L3 Skills Assessment
ACA level 3 sea kayak skills assessment
ACA Level 3 - Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment

May 15th, 2025

This is the 'stand-alone' option to the above course. Assessing at level 3 is possible for those who already have formal paddling training and some rough water experience during trips of 5 miles or more. A great course for those looking to confirm their current skills, or for those preparing to take a Level 3 Trip Leader Training & Assessment or Level 3 Instructor Certification. Read more about the level 3 ACA Skills Assessment. Must provide own equipment or rent.

$125 per person.  

Level 4 Skills Assessment
ACA levels 4 sea kayak skills assessment
ACA Level 4 Coastal Kayak Skills Assessment

October 2025 dates to be announced! 

The level 4 Skills Assessment is for those with considerable paddling training and experience, looking to confirm their current skills, or for those preparing to take the level 4 Instructor Certification.

Must provide own equipment or rent.

$400 tuition includes free admission to the entire Rough Water Weekend kayak symposium.

ACA Trip Leader
ACA Trip Leader Assessment
ACA Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Trainings & Assessments

Level 2: Day Trip Leader Training & Assessment

This 2 day course is intended to provide the skills and training necessary for an adult leader possessing basic paddling skills to lead day trips for participants with beginner level paddling skills. The emphasis of this course is trip leading, safety education and rescue on water. The content is relevant for clubs, camps, scouts and other entities providing day trips. Course outline.

Tuition: $250 per participant. This training is designed for groups only with discounts starting at 6 participants.

Not currently scheduled. 

Contact us to create custom dates for your group.

ACA Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Course & Assessment

Level 3 - Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Training Course

The purpose of the Level 3 CKTL training and assessment is to prepare individuals who intend to lead other paddlers, either recreational or professional, in coastal environments.

Successful completion of the assessment will provide evidence of the candidate’s technical skills and confirm their knowledge, understanding, and ability to plan and implement trips for a wide variety of abilities, in environments up to and including level 3 sea conditions. Training Course outline

Tuition: $125 

Not currently scheduled.  

Contact us to create custom dates for your group.

Level 3 - Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Assessment 

This is the "test" for the Level 3: Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Training. 2 days.

Tuition: $250 

Not currently scheduled. 

Contact us to create custom dates for your group.

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