top of page

ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Workshops

The American Canoe Association instructor certification process has two components: the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW), and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).

 

The Development Workshop is designed to give participants a foundation in teaching and skills coaching, and depth in topic knowledge required to become an instructor. The Certification Exam then challenges each candidate to demonstrate individual proficiency in the presentation (teaching) and demonstration (modeling) of sea kayaking subjects, general paddling knowledge, safety, and leadership. Instructor Certification levels include:

 1 - Introduction To Kayak - For teaching on calm water in any type of kayak.

 2 - Essentials Of Kayak Touring - For teaching in near-shore coastal environments.

 3 - Coastal Kayak - For teaching in coastal waters with sea conditions such as waves and current.

 4 - Open Water Coastal Kayak - For teaching in open coastal areas including longer crossings and surf zone environments.

 5 - Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayak - For teaching in advanced open water conditions.


Requirements For Beginning The Instructor Process

All participants attempting a certification at level 3 or above must pass as Skills Assessment at that level prior to being allowed into the IDW. 

Regardless of certification level, if you don't feel comfortable with ALL topics in the skills assessment we suggest taking one of our Skills Courses first. A course will provide you with breath of knowledge in a short amount of time.

"I have heard nothing but great things from all our leaders...We will be in touch and continue to send folks up to the course as long as you are running them."

Ryan Wagner - Camp Manitowish Wilderness Program Director

 

"I participated in an ACA coastal kayak course with Greg and Lost Creek Adventures last summer. I really enjoyed Greg's insight and varied teaching methods, as well as his encouragement and personality. I absolutely loved the comfortable learning atmosphere and level of professionalism that he and his staff provided. Great location and great fun made for solid learning."

Lucas Will - Lutsen Resort Outdoor Program Director

 

The IDW will teach you everything that you didn't know you didn't know about your kayaking strokes. It refined my own paddling significantly, and gave me the language and methods to better teach kayaking to others. Greg sets the bar high, but he provides the tools and support needed to help participants meet their individual goals, whatever they may be."

Liz Carson - Participant

Passing The Exam

There is a lot of information covered in the IDW that is often new to participants, information that takes a while to be comfortable with. For this reason, instructor candidates will often wait up to a year before taking the exam.

Candidates in the exam should paddle comfortably with grace and style in the sea conditions you hope to certify in. You will be assessed not only on your personal paddling ability, but more importantly your ability to instruct on and off the water, your group management skills, safety & judgement, and knowledge of paddlesport topics such as tides and currents, navigation, and others as listed on the instructor criteria.

In order to pass, ALL criteria for that level must be met. If your skills are lacking in an area you may be certified but at a lower level until you have demonstrated improvement in that area. This policy insures that instructors are well-rounded and able to meet the requirements of a diverse student population.

DSC_0101.JPG 2015-9-11-16:55:51

About Your Trainer...

Greg Weiss is an ACA Instructor Trainer for Open Water Coastal Kayaking (L4) and Whitewater Kayak (L4). He has been teaching and guiding since 1990 at locations throughout North and South America. Greg has also spent time instructing skin on frame kayak building and continues to carve traditional paddles. He keeps busy teaching adjunct courses at Northland College, running Lost Creek Adventures, homesteading, and of course, paddling.

ACA cert course calendar
COURSE CALENDAR

You may also Contact us to set up custom dates for your group of 3 or more.

Level 1-2: Instructor Certification Workshop (& Level 2 Upgrade) - 2025 dates to be determined

This certification workshop is a combined IDW & ICE.

Tuition: $375 

Level 1-2: Coastal Kayaking Instructor Update - 2025 dates to be determined

This is a one day stand-alone update for Level 1 and 2 Kayaking Instructors.

Tuition: $275 

Level 2-3: Kayak Rolling Instructor Endorsement - 2025 dates to be determined

This is a great stand alone course for those interested in teaching the kayak roll, as well as an endorsement for ACA Kayaking Instructors at levels 2 and 3. 

Tuition: $125

Level 3: Instructor Development Workshop - May 16-18, 2025

New candidates must pass a level 3 or above ACA Trip Leader or Skills Assessment prior to attending the IDW. 

Tuition: $375 Register Now

Level 3: Instructor Certification Exam & Update - May 16-18, 2025

The exam is for candidates who have taken a level 3 IDW and are ready to take the exam. May also be used as an update for certified L3 instructors.

Instructor Exam: $375 Register Now

Instructor Update (Days 1&2 only required): $250 Register Now

Level 4: Instructor Certification Workshop - October 2025 dates to be determined

This workshop will take place within the "Rough Water Weekend" kayak mini-symposium. Current level 3 instructors may apply for upgrade to level 4 by taking this level 4 ICW.  Candidates must meet the following requirements for participation:

Tuition: $400 Register Now

Level 4: Instructor Certification Update - October 2025 dates to be determined

This update will take place within the Rough Water Weekend sea kayak mini-symposium.

If you are already certified at level 4 you may use this course to complete your four-year update requirement.

Tuition: $400 Register Now

Course Information

 

Tuition

Tuition covers instruction and course materials. We offer discounts to groups of 6 or more.

Required Materials

The ACA instructors manual is required for certification courses. (Not for updates) You may purchase it directly through the ACA website store.

Required Equipment

You must bring your own boat and equipment or rent. You can rent a kayak package from Lost Creek, (kayak, paddle, pump, float, etc) as well as purchase certain needed items from our store. (tow belt, compass, etc) 

During early season courses a dry suit or thick farmer-john style wetsuit with dry top is necessary. We do not have dry suits available for rent, however we do rent 3mm wetsuits and you can usually double up on them.

Required Memberships

The ACA requires all candidates to be members in good standing in order to take an IDW and to hold a certification. This cost  is $40 for an annual membership. Become a member online before your course and retrieve your member number.

Once you have passed the exam you must join the ACA SEIC (Safety, Education and Instruction Committee) which is $30 for an annual membership and allows you to register the ACA courses you teach and use the ACA's liability insurance.

Refunds

Registration policies follow our class reservation policies. 

Lodging

Stay with other paddlers at our Apostle Islands Bunkhouse. There are also other inexpensive options for camping and local lodging available.  See our resources page for ideas.

To Register

1st Read through the information via the ACA's Instructor Resource Center. These are all the 'need to knows' and important updates about being an ACA instructor.

2nd Read about the level system and where you fit into the process via the ACA Instructor Criteria page. You must meet ALL criteria at the level you are attempting to certify at.

3rd Once you feel confident that you are ready to start the instructor candidate process, obtain your ACA membership # You MUST be registered at course start.

4th Download a copy of the ACA Instructor Policy Manual. This will give you the details on staying current, and staying within the parameters of your certification. Get familiar with it.

5th - Register! We will send you a confirmation to let you know that you have been accepted to the course. Prior to course start we will send you the course packet which includes the course outline, your teaching topics, and other items to help you prepare.

Helpful Resources

Sea Kayak Instructor Topics & Resources

Kayak Tutorial Bow Rudder
03:12
The Proper Kayak Forward Stroke for All Kayakers
04:23

The Proper Kayak Forward Stroke for All Kayakers

Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: https://americancanoe.org/paddlesports-online-course/ Ken Whiting breaks down the technique for an efficient, comfortable and powerful forward stroke while paddling a kayak. Learn kayak tips from a professional kayaker. Other paddling gear I use and recommend: NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks! KAYAKS I recommend Sea Eagle 380x: https://bit.ly/37jRbxP Sea Eagle 393rl: https://bit.ly/3mVOXbw Sea Eagle 385ft: https://bit.ly/3eYJ8H2 Tucktec: https://bit.ly/3mQnmcn Pakayak: https://pakayak.com/?uap_ref=ken Decathlon Itiwit: https://bit.ly/3Pk7bk9 Oru Kayak Inlet: https://bit.ly/3vpjxhS AquaGlide Chelan 120: https://bit.ly/3IRNde0 Advanced Elements Advanced Frame: https://bit.ly/3hJNpAl Star Rival Inflatable Kayak: https://bit.ly/3lipNno Isle Switch Hybrid SUP/Kayak: https://islesurfsup.sjv.io/5bJMJn Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5: https://bit.ly/3phR8aS Wilderness Systems Pungo 120: https://bit.ly/3E5BoOl Perception Pescador: https://bit.ly/3FPuWeK PADDLES Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle: https://bit.ly/3xHYpn7 Aqua Bound Tango Fibreglass Paddle: https://bit.ly/3iaGleJ Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle: https://bit.ly/3z1kiOH FOOTWEAR NRS Kicker Remix Shoe: https://bit.ly/36F1B6Y NRS Boundary Boot: https://bit.ly/2TaCMgl PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt: https://bit.ly/3yVID8j NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt: https://bit.ly/3dkDYaD NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt: https://bit.ly/3xF43pX NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt: https://bit.ly/3yZGbO2 NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt: https://bit.ly/3wCvoI3 NRS Riptide Splash Jacket: https://bit.ly/3BbAZZJ NRS Flux Dry Top: https://bit.ly/2U3Pvlw PFD’S NRS Odyssey PFD: https://bit.ly/3ibIk2n NRS Zen PFD: https://bit.ly/2VCfrF3 NRS Chinook PFD: https://bit.ly/2TaEAG9 OTHER PADDLING GEAR Zoleo Communicator: https://bit.ly/3zw7gw1 NRS Drylander Sprayskirt: https://bit.ly/36z5BG6 WRSI Current Helmet: https://bit.ly/2Te6KA6 PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS NRS Benny Board Short: https://bit.ly/2VIbK0L NRS Hydroskin Shorts: https://bit.ly/3hCXPl2 SUNGLASSES WileyX: https://bit.ly/3NtJQKR FOLLOW KEN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoPaddle/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paddle365/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gopaddle Blog: https://in4adventure.com MADE POSSIBLE with the Support of: Ontario Creates: https://www.ontariocreates.ca/ PRODUCED BY Heliconia: https://www.heliconia.ca Contact: info@heliconia.ca
Kayak Tutorial Side Slip
02:46
Ocean's Tides Explained
05:11

Ocean's Tides Explained

This video explains why the oceans experience two high tides and two low tides each day? Find out in this video. For the Sun's effect on tides see https://youtu.be/HdI_PyMFNro. The oceans on the earth's surface are attracted to the moon through the effects of gravity. Because the strength of the gravitational attractions depend on the separation distance of objects, the oceans on both sides of the earth, as well as the earth itself, experience different gravitational forces towards the moon, causing two oceanic bulges which result in two high tides daily. The video also explains why tides as well as moon rise and moon set are 50 minutes later each day, based on the moon's orbit around the earth. Subscribe to watch more online chemistry courses & science videos: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiX8pAYWBppIbtUZTfGnRJw?sub_confirmation=1 About Atomic School: Atomic School supports the teaching of Atomic Theory to primary school & science students . We provide lesson plans, hands-on classroom resources, demonstration equipment, quizzes and a Teacher's Manual to primary school teachers. Animated videos that clearly explain the scientific ideas supports learning by both teachers and students. As a teacher, you don't have to look anywhere else to implement this program. Our work has been verified by science education researchers at the University of Southern Queensland, Dr Jenny Donovan and Dr Carole Haeusler, who confirm that primary students are capable of learning much more complex scientific concepts than previously thought, and crucially, that they love it. Students run to class! The program has been trialed in Australian schools as well as schools in the Philippines, Iran and India. It is conducted as holiday workshops at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, the Queensland Museum as well as the World Science Festival. It has attracted wide media interest, including TV, radio and print, and the research data has been presented at prestigious American Education Research Association and Australian Science Education Research Association conferences. Atomic Theory underlies all the other sciences- genetics, electronics, nanotechnology, engineering and astronomy- so an early understanding will set them up for a more successful learning sequence for all their science subjects, and support their mastery of mathematics as well. We also have extension programs that cover Biology, Physics and Astronomy to an equal depth. About Ian Stuart (Email: ian.douglas.stuart@gmail.com): The founder of Atomic School, Ian Stuart, taught Chemistry and Physics for 25 years at senior levels before he realized that his 8-year old son, Tom, could understand Atomic Theory at a much deeper level than he expected. After visiting Tom's class at school, he discovered that his peers could also grasp the abstract scientific concepts, as well as apply it usefully to the real world. Ian then developed a program to teach the advanced concepts of high school Chemistry, Physics and Biology to students 10 years younger than they normally would. He found that this engaged their interest in modern science early, and sustained it through to high school and beyond. It also sets them up for future success in their academic and career paths. Ian has a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from the University of Queensland and a Master's degree in Electrochemistry from the University of Melbourne. Connect with Atomic School on social media: http://facebook.com/AtomicSchool http://twitter.com/AtomicSchools http://instagram.com/AtomicSchools Video transcript:
The Biggest Myth In Education
14:27

The Biggest Myth In Education

You are not a visual learner — learning styles are a stubborn myth. Part of this video is sponsored by Google Search. Special thanks to Prof. Daniel Willingham for the interview and being part of this video. Special thanks to Dr Helen Georigou for reviewing the script and helping with the scientific literature. Special thanks to Jennifer Borgioli Binis for consulting on the script. MinutePhysics video on a better way to picture atoms -- https://ve42.co/Atom ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ References: Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning styles: Concepts and evidence. Psychological science in the public interest, 9(3), 105-119. — https://ve42.co/Pashler2008 Willingham, D. T., Hughes, E. M., & Dobolyi, D. G. (2015). The scientific status of learning styles theories. Teaching of Psychology, 42(3), 266-271. — https://ve42.co/Willingham Massa, L. J., & Mayer, R. E. (2006). Testing the ATI hypothesis: Should multimedia instruction accommodate verbalizer-visualizer cognitive style?. Learning and Individual Differences, 16(4), 321-335. — https://ve42.co/Massa2006 Riener, C., & Willingham, D. (2010). The myth of learning styles. Change: The magazine of higher learning, 42(5), 32-35.— https://ve42.co/Riener2010 Husmann, P. R., & O'Loughlin, V. D. (2019). Another nail in the coffin for learning styles? Disparities among undergraduate anatomy students’ study strategies, class performance, and reported VARK learning styles. Anatomical sciences education, 12(1), 6-19. — https://ve42.co/Husmann2019 Snider, V. E., & Roehl, R. (2007). Teachers’ beliefs about pedagogy and related issues. Psychology in the Schools, 44, 873–886. doi:10.1002/pits.20272 — https://ve42.co/Snider2007 Fleming, N., & Baume, D. (2006). Learning Styles Again: VARKing up the right tree!. Educational developments, 7(4), 4. — https://ve42.co/Fleming2006 Rogowsky, B. A., Calhoun, B. M., & Tallal, P. (2015). Matching learning style to instructional method: Effects on comprehension. Journal of educational psychology, 107(1), 64. — https://ve42.co/Rogowskyetal Coffield, Frank; Moseley, David; Hall, Elaine; Ecclestone, Kathryn (2004). — https://ve42.co/Coffield2004 Furey, W. (2020). THE STUBBORN MYTH OF LEARNING STYLES. Education Next, 20(3), 8-13. — https://ve42.co/Furey2020 Dunn, R., Beaudry, J. S., & Klavas, A. (2002). Survey of research on learning styles. California Journal of Science Education II (2). — https://ve42.co/Dunn2002 ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Special thanks to Patreon supporters: Mike Tung, Evgeny Skvortsov, Meekay, Ismail Öncü Usta, Paul Peijzel, Crated Comments, Anna, Mac Malkawi, Michael Schneider, Oleksii Leonov, Jim Osmun, Tyson McDowell, Ludovic Robillard, Jim buckmaster, fanime96, Juan Benet, Ruslan Khroma, Robert Blum, Richard Sundvall, Lee Redden, Vincent, Marinus Kuivenhoven, Alfred Wallace, Arjun Chakroborty, Joar Wandborg, Clayton Greenwell, Pindex, Michael Krugman, Cy 'kkm' K'Nelson, Sam Lutfi, Ron Neal ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Research and Writing by Derek Muller and Petr Lebedev Animation by Ivy Tello Filmed by Emily Zhang and Trenton Oliver Edited by Trenton Oliver Music by Epidemic Sound https://epidemicsound.com Additional video supplied by Getty Images ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
bottom of page