Performance Video

Course Description:    The American Canoe Association (ACA) has one of the best established instruction programs anywhere in the world.   The courses are comprehensive, but allow enough flexibility for individual teaching and paddling styles.  The main benefit to taking the course is improving your understanding of paddling technique and theory, so you can paddle more efficiently and teach more effectively.  A secondary benefit is the development process which can give you structured feedback on how you sit as an instructor.  Of course, the insurance, liability, and networking benefits are significant if you choose to pursue certification.  Instructor development workshops are very rewarding and enjoyable, because of the opportunity for idea exchange. 

Instructor Trainer Kent Ford:  Kent's unique background includes twenty years of international  racing and coaching, combined with similar experience teaching recreational boating to all levels of paddlers. His twenty videos and books on paddlesports have influenced the education of half a million paddlers.  Kent is an American Canoe Association Instructor Trainer Educator.

Level 4 Whitewater Kayak:     This is a instructor development workshop and an instructor certification exam (IDW/ICE) for level 4 Whitewater. ACA courses are structured for several levels of certification for instance: Introduction to Paddling, River Kayaking (formerly Moving Water), and Whitewater.  Our courses are targeted at instructors who expect to be teaching on whitewater.  However, this is no guarantee that you will earn that level of certification.  Not everyone will receive “Full” whitewater instructor certification, especially if this is their first exposure to formal paddling instruction.   No worries!  There are means for upgrading within about a year. 

Instructor Updates:     Current ACA instructors may join the first two (and on approval last two) days of the class to fulfill every 4 year update requirements.  (on space available basis).

Course Locations:      Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers.  Meetings will be held at Rock Gardens Resort.  Expect river temperatures of 45 to 55 degrees and air temps of 45 to 70 degrees (As always, be prepared for cold, rainy weather).

Prerequisite Skills:    Class II-III paddling skills are required along with a solid river roll. Bring a boat you will use for teaching.  (Generally,  a creek or river running boat). 

Pre-course Assignment:    Important:  Join ACA online www.acanet.org  ($40 for ACA individual membership and $25 for Instructor Membership of Safety Education Instruction Committee).  Bring receipt and ACA number to class.  Review instruction section of the ACA website, including course registration and reporting, course outlines, and insurance information.