Letter

 

Thank you for signing up for the upcoming ACA Instructor Certification program. To become a certified instructor, there are two courses involved: the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).

Workshop and Certification information
Starting time each day will be at 9:00 am.

Select Venue : Here

The Instructor Development Workshop
The IDW is an intensive, comprehensive one to three days of learning, teaching and developing skills and confidence for the Instructor Candidates. It has been designed to orient you to the teaching standards, policies, and certification requirements of the American Canoe Association. During the course, you will be exposed to different teaching methods and will have a chance to experiment with them while presenting your topics.

The Instructor Trainer (as well as the other candidates) are there to give you feedback on the process and content of your presentations. We encourage you to try different teaching methods during the IDW.  Remember that the IDW is not an assessment but rather a training session.

The Instructor Certification Exam. Here you will be evaluated on your knowledge, technical skills, modeling form and leadership abilities. Equally important, for Open Water instructor candidates, you will be assessed on your comfort level in waves, rough water and surf. As in the IDW, you will be pre-assigned teaching topics.

ACA Membership
One of the requirements for this course is that you are a member of the ACA. Please have a check, money order or cash for $40 or your current membership card if you are already a member. This will be collected on Day 1 of the IDW. At the end of the ICE, candidates who successfully complete the ICE will need to join the Safety, Education and Instruction Council ($25) to become a participating instructor. You can pay for everything on the first day with one check if you like.

Weather
The weather is one of the main variables in any outdoor workshop. There is no way to foresee what Mother Nature will dish out to us. You must be prepared for any contingency. Dress for the water temperature. If you don’t own the proper clothing, either buy it or borrow it. Please be prepared. At the very least, being uncomfortable will hamper your performance.

What to bring:

* ACA Card or at least know your number (if member)
* Money for incidentals, possibly eating out with the group.
* Checkbook or visa card for SEIC fees
* Sea Kayak with fore and aft bulkheads (or secured flotation bags)
* Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
* Proper fitting spray skirt (Neoprene recommended)
* Boat and Paddle
* Paddle float, pump and 14-16 ft. rope (preferably one which floats) – for stirrup rescues
* Helmet L3 L4 and optional skull cap (for warmth)
* Orienteering  Compass and Marine Deck Mounted Compass if possible
* Any personal safety devices and signaling equipment you may have
* Casual clothing for classroom and evening
* Water bottle and snacks
* Anything you might use for your teaching topics
* Medication if needed
* Bathing suit
* Lunch
Clothing Considerations
* Paddling Jacket
* Farmer John/Jane Wet Suit
* Capelin Tops and Bottoms
* Dry Suit L4 or Water Temps below 60

Accommodations
Should you be arriving from out of town it is advisable to arrive the night before if possible so we have a fresh start in the morning. Classes will start at 9:00 am (see the schedule). Please do not be late for the start of the classes. It is not fair to the others nor does it set a good example for you as an Instructor Candidate.

The Instructor Certification Examination is designed to evaluate each Instructor Candidate regarding their overall skills as an instructor. Each candidate must be proficient in the following areas for all levels of certification:

* General knowledge of canoe sport
* A working knowledge of all the ACA courses that you are certified to teach
* Technical knowledge of Coastal Kayaking
* Teaching ability, which includes modeling physical skills in variable conditions
* People skills, including interpersonal skills with students and co-instructors

The Instructor Certification Examination outcomes are determined by the level of instruction you plan to offer and your skill level at the conclusion of the ICE. In response to numerous instructor and student requests, the ACA Coastal Kayak Committee has segmented the Coastal Kayaking Curriculum into three levels of instruction and instructor certification plus one level of general kayaking as follows:

 

LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION

LEVELS  1-4

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING AN INSTRUCTOR
( Please note certification is not Guaranted )

* Be at least 18 years old.
* Successfully complete an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)
* Be an ACA member in good standing
* Pay yearly SEIC registration fees
* A Level 3 Skills Assessment required prior to Level 3 IDW or ICE
* Demonstrate a general knowledge of canoe sport and the ACA

Additional information:  For details on course registration, logistics, equipment needs, course curriculum, certification requirements or your readiness to participate, please call Tom Nickels at
(843) 817-3138

We’re excited about this course and look forward to a fun and productive workshop.  Remember the goal of the IDW/ICE process is to facilitate your growth as an instructor by developing and refining your teaching and paddling skills and/or to evaluate your readiness to teach for the ACA.  We hope that each of you will go on to complete the certification process and promote the ACA and safe kayaking.

Sincerely,
Tom Nickels

ACA Coastal Kayak Open Water Instructor Trainer

Riverwind logo( Please note certification is not Guaranted )