Hosted by Sarapiqui Paddle Sports in Costa Rica! Please contact Stanley at SPS for on the ground logistical information and to register!
ACA Instructor Certification Workshops (ICWs) are comprehensive, hands-on professional development programs specifically designed for whitewater guides and paddlesports professionals seeking to achieve certification through the American Canoe Association (ACA). As the globally recognized authority in paddlesports education, the ACA certification is a prestigious credential that enhances professional credibility, opens doors to advanced career opportunities, and signifies a commitment to excellence in safety and instruction.
These workshops are not just about earning certification—they focus on helping participants refine their teaching techniques, deepen their technical expertise, and build the skills necessary to lead effectively in a wide range of paddlesports environments.
Key benefits of the ACA ICW include:
Professional growth: Gain a respected credential that elevates your standing within the paddlesports community.
Enhanced teaching skills: Learn advanced methods to effectively communicate, engage, and inspire students.
Technical mastery: Refine your paddling and safety techniques to meet the rigorous standards of ACA certification.
Expert instruction: Receive mentorship from experienced professionals committed to helping you succeed.
The instructor trainers for this course will be:
Alan Cammack - Owner of Canyon River Instruction in Salida, CO, Alan shares 30+ years of his experience of rivers and whitewater whenever he teaches. He is the Vice Chair of the ACA Safety Education & Instruction Council Executive Committee and is an Instructor Trainer for kayak and swiftwater rescue as well as an instructor for canoe, raft, and packraft. This course will be the final step in becoming an instructor trainer for canoe as he co-teaches with Kent Ford.
Kent Ford - Kent is an internationally recognized expert of whitewater canoeing. He is the author and creator of the immensely influential videos under the Performance Video label. From his time as a slalom competitor, coach, and instructor at many river schools across the USA, Kent brings an unparalleled lifetime of river running and instructional experience.
Additional Course Information
An ACA instructor certification course consists of both an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).
By your participation in this course, it is assumed that you possess and can competently and comfortably demonstrate all of the skills and concepts listed on the Instructor Criteria and Sample Skills documents. This includes demonstrating paddling and rescue proficiency in your chosen river craft in Class III whitewater. An ICW is intended to refine these skills for demonstration quality and give you the tools and framework to effectively communicate these concepts to your students in a dynamic whitewater environment. A pre-course questionnaire and study material will be assigned and due before the course. Please note that there is an additional $70 ACA Instructor Membership Fee. It is required to be a current ACA member before the start of this course.
Course Overview
Fundamentally, participants are expected to have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates at an Instructor Certification Course (IDW, ICE, or ICW).
Course Prerequisites
18-years of age or older
Competent class-III kayaker
Demonstrate general knowledge of the purpose and significance of the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
Be a current ACA member
Understands and acts in accordance with ACA's Code of Conduct
Completion of the appropriate level skills course, assessment course, or equivalent skills
Completion of an ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue skills or assessment course is strongly suggested
Given the common remoteness of this course venue, Wilderness First Responder WFR or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is strongly suggested
Please contact Alan Cammack with any questions or for clarification!
Please review the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) and a basic gear list here.
Click here to find the Canoe Instructor Criteria document from the American Canoe Association