Friday, May 1, 2015
from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

$390 per person per participant

In addition to stardardized sea kayaking skill building courses, the ACA developed a system of workshops to provide experienced paddlers with the tools needed to share their skills with others. ACA Certification is a two step process that includes the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). The IDW/ICE is recommended for those who are interested in becoming kayak instructors as well as for those seasoned paddlers who want to take advantage of this invaluable training opportunity.

This Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) is an interactive learning/teaching exercise and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) is the formal evaluation of skills. Certification is based upon both paddling and teaching skills and is not guaranteed. Certification for this course offering is available at two levels: Introduction to Kayaking and Essentials to Touring Kayak. Attendence of the IDW portion of the course will serve as an Instructor Update for those who are currently Certified by the ACA as Coastal Kayak Instructors.

Karen Knight will serve as the Instructor Trainer for this course offering by the River Connection.


This ACA Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) / Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) is offered as a 3 day course. The purpose of the IDW is to teach potential instructors what they need to teach, how to teach it and how to demonstrate professionally in the ACA Coastal Kayaking Standard Courses. The IDW is a prerequisite for the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) and is designed to help prepare instructor candidates for the ICE.

During the course students will become acquainted with the ACA model and the teaching techniques, paddling skills, technical knowledge and rescue and safety competencies necessary for successful completion of the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). The IDW will focus on fine-tuning each candidate’s paddling, rescue, group management and teaching skills, as well as expanding their knowledge in various aspects of kayaking, seamanship and the marine environment. This process should provide students with a benchmark from which to evaluate their level of competency and identify those areas where they need work before attending the ICE.

The ACA Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) serves as an opportunity to evaluate the Instructor Candidate for certification. Candidates should be proficient in all skills on the appropriate ACA course outlines before attending the ICE. Throughout the certification process, candidates will be instructed and evaluated on their paddling skills, teaching ability, professionalism, safety/technical rescue skills and depth of knowledge of kayaking.

All of our programs require pre-registration. You can register by contacting us directly at 845.229.0595


Program Launch & Location Information:

River Connection Boathouse
6 Dock Street
Hyde Park, NY 12538


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