ACA Instructor Certification

If you are interested in becoming an ACA instructor this is where you start. Just give us a call and we can help to determine where you are in your level of knowledge and what class would be best to start off with.

ACA Instructors teach paddling skills in approved ACA course outlines after qualifying in various disciplines and at various levels. An ACA Instructor can teach both skills courses and assessment courses up to their level of certification.
ACA Instructors are expected to represent and promote the ACA and paddle sports in a positive manner.

General Requirements for ACA Instructor Certification:

Instructors shall be at least 18 years of age
Maintain current ACA Membership and SEIC dues
Maintain an appropriate level of First Aid and age appropriate CPR trainings

Instructor Certification Process:

To become an ACA Instructor, an Instructor Candidate must:

Participate in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and pass an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). These courses are offered either as separate courses with time between for skills and presentation development and practice, or can be offered concurrently (at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer) as an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW).
Perform paddling skills consistently with demonstration quality
Demonstrate effective teaching skills
Demonstrate technical knowledge of paddlesport
Demonstrate appropriate safety & rescue ability
Demonstrate effective group / course management and positive interpersonal skills

Registration Process & Dues:

All Instructor Candidates must be a current member of the ACA prior to the start of the course. Any membership type is valid, except the 6 month Introductory Membership.

If an individual is registering with the ACA for the first time with the sole purpose of taking an upcoming IDW, ICE or ICW, they can register online as an Instructor Candidate (which has all the benefits of a regular ACA membership).

Upon successful completion of an ICE or ICW, the new Instructor must then pay their SEIC dues. This can either be given to the Instructor Trainer to submit with the course paperwork or done online afterwards.

Once the ACA office has received the course paperwork and dues are current, all Instructor Candidates who have successfully certified, will have their membership status transferred to Instructor in the ACA database and receive their card and certificate.