This five-day ACA Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) is an intensive and immersive program designed for guides and whitewater professionals seeking to achieve ACA instructor certification for Swiftwater Rescue. The American Canoe Association (ACA) is internationally recognized as the leading authority in paddlesports education, setting the benchmark for safety, technical proficiency, and instructional excellence.

This workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to advance their careers while refining their instructional techniques. It combines in-depth technical training, real-world teaching practice, and professional mentorship to prepare participants for the responsibilities of an ACA-certified instructor.

Program highlights include:

• Comprehensive instruction in Rescue techniques, rescue strategies, and safety management.

• Practical teaching experience with feedback from experienced ACA instructor trainers.

• Rigorous preparation to meet the ACA’s high standards for certification.

Achieving ACA certification is a significant professional milestone that enhances credibility, broadens career opportunities, and equips participants to teach with confidence and authority. This workshop is an invaluable step for professionals looking to elevate their expertise and establish themselves as leaders in paddlesports education.

On Location! 🇨🇷 This is a unique opportunity to train in the warm waters of Costa Rica! 🇨🇷 Come down for this course, make it a vacation, and explore many of the great rivers that the country has to offer. Based in Turrialba, rivers such as the Pacuare, Pejibaye, and others are easily accessible day runs. Being one of several whitewater hubs in CR, Turrialba offers many amenities for international travelers as well as several local river companies which can help with trips and logistics if you wish to boat before or after this course.

Please contact the Instructor Trainer, Elisha McArthur, with any questions or to discuss the instructor path.

Offered in 2027:

• January 15 - 19

With guest instructor Tommy Gram of Whitewater Attainment.

This two-day course is designed specifically for current American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 4 Kayak Instructors who are seeking to upgrade their certification to Level 5.

Important! Proof of an L5 Kayak Skills Assessment is a required prerequisite before anyone can become an L5 instructor. If you haven’t taken one, or don’t plan to take one elsewhere before this course, we are hosting one the day before this class begins, on May 26th. If you’re interested in taking these courses in combination, please contact CRI for a 20% discount on the Assessment.

Held at the Canyon River Instruction campus and the Arkansas River near Salida, CO, this ACA Instructor Upgrade is a pivotal step for instructors aiming to expand their credentials and expertise to teach in more advanced and challenging whitewater environments.

Key highlights of this course include:

• Preparation to teach Class IV whitewater: Develop the skills, decision-making, and safety awareness required for more advanced whitewater conditions.

• Hands-on training in high-demand environments: Gain experience navigating and instructing in complex river scenarios.

• Expert mentorship: Work with seasoned instructors to refine your techniques and instructional methods.

• Certification upgrade: Earn the Level 5 Advanced Kayak Instructor designation, opening doors to teach in more challenging and demanding settings.

By achieving the Level 5 Kayak Instructor designation, participants will:

• Be qualified to teach in more complex and demanding conditions, broadening their instructional opportunities.

• Enhance their professional development and credibility within the paddlesports community.

• Be well-positioned to work with advanced groups and take on leadership roles in higher-risk environments.

This course is an invaluable opportunity for those committed to advancing their career and becoming leaders in paddlesports education.

RESCHEDULED TO NEXT SEASON DUE TO LOW WATER

Offered in 2027:

• May 27 - 28

This one day course is appropriate for all those who kayak Class IVwhitewater and is intended as an official documented benchmark or competency check.

“This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate your ability to perform all of the skills listed and demonstrate an appropriate level of paddling knowledge. This assessment course provides the opportunity for you to receive documentation of having achieved this level of paddling ability.”

This Assessment class is open to all, but you are encouraged to be an American Canoe Association member before taking this class. ACA members will receive the official Assessment Award after the class. Assessment Awards are required before participation in an ACA Instructor, Instructor Upgrade, and Leader/Guide Training Course.

The program will cover all the essential strokes, maneuvers, and concepts for kayaking Class IV whitewater. Particular emphasis will be put on safety and proficiency. While the skills covered will be in the category of a review, plenty of attention will be given to skills refinement and progression, as well as video analysis as time allows.

Prerequisites:

• A basic roll in a hardshell kayak is required.

• Comfort level with kayaking in a Class IV environment, such as the Numbers at medium flows.

• Participants should be prepared to bring their own kayak or arrange a rental from a kayak shop of their choice.

Offered in 2027:

• May 26

Note: Update and Assessment courses can be arranged on a custom basis for you, your group, or your organization. Please contact us to discus alternate date options.

An Advanced L5 Assessment for Class IV Whitewater is possible on an individual or custom basis. This option would require proficiency on a section similar to The Numbers of the Arkansas and can be arranged after a consultation with our lead kayak instructor.