aca

This is a great course for those who want to develop their skills and become certified to instruct for one of the world's most respected
paddlesports organizations. A bonus to joining the ranks of the ACA instructor team is that you can teach anywhere in the world, be
advertised, and be insured!

The ACA instructor certification process has two components: the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW), and Instructor
Certification Exam (ICE). The IDW presents Instructor Candidates the skills and knowledge that are required to become an
instructor. The ICE challenges each candidate to demonstrate proficiency in the presentation (logical progression) and demonstration
(proper modeling) of paddling subjects, general paddling knowledge, safety, and leadership. Certification levels for coastal kayaking in
order of expertise are;

Introduction to kayak
Essentials of kayak touring
Coastal kayak
Open water coastal kayak
Advanced open water coastal kayak

These certification levels correspond to the ACA course levels which you are then able to teach to.

About Your Trainer
Greg Weiss is an Instructor Trainer for Open Water Coastal Kayak and instructor for Whitewater Kayak and River Canoe thru the
ACA. He has been teaching in the outdoors since 1990 in locations throughout North and South America. Greg has also spent time
instructing skin boat building and continues to build boats and carve traditional paddles. He is a full-time educator, teaching leadership
& outdoor skills to college students, while during the summer leading wilderness-based trips with Outward Bound and other
organizations.

RECOMMENDED FOR ENTERING THE COASTAL KAYAK INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM
Most candidates begin with the Instructor Development Workshop. Following is a list of suggested minimum attributes for entering
the certification process.

*Ability to effectively use the paddle; forward & reverse strokes, forward and reverse sweeps, draw and sculling draw, high and low
braces.
*Have experience with basic rescue techniques; T-rescue, Side-by-Side, Rafted-T, and Paddle Float. Also have working knowledge
of other rescues; Scramble, Reentry and Roll with Paddle Float, Reentry and Roll, All-In, and Scoop.
*Ability to perform a reliable kayak roll. (for coastal level & above)
*Developing knowledge of; safety issues and hazards of coastal kayaking, basic chart reading and compass use, weather conditions
important to the kayaker, hypothermia prevention and treatment, signaling devices and safety equipment, boat traffic & rules of the
road, kayak design and equipment, kayak towing technique.
*Developing ability to paddle comfortably with grace and style, and to perform rescues efficiently, in calm water.
*Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe, effective instructor.

If you are unsure of your ability we suggest taking a coastal kayak specific advanced skills course or assessment course with an ACA
instructor or instructor trainer.

PRE-REQUISITES FOR COASTAL KAYAK INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
In rare cases, advanced level coastal kayakers with extensive teaching experience and ACA administrative knowledge can submit a
written request to enroll directly into the Certification Examination. This request must be directed to the lead Instructor Trainer well
before the ICE with the understanding that the instructor candidate is responsible for all material covered in the Instructor
Development Workshop. Otherwise, the Instructor Certification Exam can be taken if the candidate meets the following
pre-requisites:

*You have successfully completed an ACA Instructor Development Workshop or the equivalent. (BCU coach training, etc)
*For certification at the Coastal Kayak Instructor level, (level 3) you must be able to perform all items suggested for entering the
instructor program as listed above. This is not a comprehensive list though it does highlight a few of the major points of the
assessment.

Candidates are judged on their paddling, group management, safety, teaching ability as well as general paddlesport knowledge. (i.e.
depth & breath & prior experience) In order to pass a given level, ALL criteria for that level must be met. (see resources below for
criteria) If you are lacking in one of these areas you may be certified at a lower level until you have demonstrated improvment in the
areas needed. This policy insures that instructors are well-rounded and able to meet the requirements of a diverse student population.
Candidates who complete the IDW will sometimes put off taking the ICE for up to a year depending upon personal skill development
needs shown through the IDW process.

COURSE CALENDAR
JULY 2010 - Monroe, New York
IDW- date TBD
ICE - date TBD
Update/Upgrade: So you are already certified? Great! you can use the ICE portion to complete your 4 year update requirement. If
you are interested in upgrading your current level of certification, you may do this here as well. Option: As an already certified
instructor coming for your update, you may be able to volunteer during the IDW in exchange for your tuition. Space limited.

August 2010 - Portland, Oregon
Instructor Development Workshop - August 18-20
Instructor Certification Exam & Update/Upgrade - August 21-22
So you are already certified? Great! you can use the ICE to complete your 4 year update requirement. If you are interested in
upgrading your current level of certification, you may do this here as well.

October 2010 - Ashland, Wisconsin
Instructor Development Workshop - October 16-18
Instructor Certification Exam & Update/Upgrade - October 30-31
So you are already certified? Great! you can use the ICE to complete your 4 year update requirement. If you are interested in
upgrading your current level of certification, you may do this here as well.

PRICING POLICY & REGISTRATION
TUITION:
IDW-$285 - 3 days
ICE-$190 - 2 days
Update/Upgrade $95 - 2 days (you must already have current certification)

TEXTS: The ACA instructors manual is $25, ($15 for CD coming soon) payable with course registration. You must have this manual
with you at course start, but you may purchase it directly through the ACA website if you want to receive it sooner.
MEMBERSHIP: The ACA requires all candidates to be active members, which is $40 for an annual membership. Register online
now and retrieve your member number. Once you have passed the exam you must join the ACA SEIC (Safety, Education and
Instruction Committee) which is $25 for an annual membership and allows you to register the ACA courses you teach and have
insurance for your students. You will need to give your member number to your trainer who will send it in with the paperwork post
exam.
REFUNDS: Registration amount for either or both IDW/ICE is fully refundable prior to 30 days before the course, 50% refundable
(price minus deposit) up to 15 days prior to course and non-refundable thereafter. Texts are non-refundable as they will be purchased
for you when you register.
EQUIPMENT: You must bring your own boat and equipment. During early season courses a drysuit or thick farmer-john style
wetsuit is necessary. For courses located in Ashland, Wisconsin You may rent from the Northland College Outpost. Reserve early!
Call 715-682-1265.
LODGING: I will send you information on lodging upon registration. There are several inexpensive options for camping as well.

To reserve your spot I must receive at least 50% deposit plus $25 for your manual (unless you already own one). I will then send you
your course packet. Please contact me with any other questions you may have.

To register: send your information & payment to;
Greg Weiss
ACA Instructor Workshops
P.O. Box 133
Cornucopia WI 54827
(715) 209-6496
greg (at) nativeways.com (let me know if you'd like to be on the mailing list for kayak instructor workshops)

HELPFUL RESOURCES
Course Specific Information
Instructor criteria - level 1 introduction to kayak (pdf)
Instructor criteria - level 2 essentials of kayak (pdf)
Instructor criteria - levels 3-5 coastal kayak (pdf)

Lesson Plan Example Outline (pdf) To help plan your lessons.
Equipment list for courses (pdf)
Northland College Campus Map (pdf) for courses in Ashland, WI

Instructor Development & Training Resources
Instructor and Instructor Trainer Information Brochure (mspub)
Online Videos: technique, rescue, and more... coming soon

Other Resources
ACA website
ACA Safety, Education, & Instruction Council policy manual
Cold Water Survival Brochure
Rules of the Road Brochure
Wear It! Lifejackets Matter Brochure