Course itinerary & site logistics

ACA Level 3: River Kayaking

We will be using the ACA recommended Kayak Class agenda for this class. The River Kayaking class attempts to develop all skills necessary to paddle confidently in Class II whitewater.  This is a full day class as there's a fair amount of material to cover.  How much is covered depends a great deal on students experience and preparation. As a general rule, instructors tend to focus on topics that provide the most value to their class makeup. The ACA class agenda we are using is: ACA Level 3: River Kayaking.

Site Logistics

We hold this class on both US Park Service Property and parklands controlled by Maryland whom has jurisdiction over the waterway. Parking is limited at Lock 5 so we highly recommend arriving by 7:30 AM so we can organize parking and leave spaces for other visitors and park service vehicles. Please use discretion when changing clothes as many park visitors pass by this area. Leave no trace is always a good rule to follow. Although Lock 5 has restroom facilities, they may be out of order the day of the class. We are very fortunate to have such a great place to run our training classes - please treat this area with respect so we are always welcome in the future.

Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics

This website is a compilation of a number of articles and various web resources that cover all topics listed in the ACA (American Canoe Association) Level 3: River Kayaking suggested curriculum. The ACA River Kayaking class is targeted towards Beginner/Novice boaters. Novice boaters need decent boat control skills, self-rescue skills like swimming with boat & paddle, and basic rescue skills to save their buddys.

When I teach this class, I feel it is very beneficial to have students review this material at their leisure from home. This online curriculum contains a significant amount of background material many will find interesting. The standard ACA beginners class along with some seat time on easy runs will provide very solid preparation for this class. For those so inclined, there are a number of really nice books targeted towards novice/intermediate kayakers.

Novice boating is far more than simply navigating class II whitewater. Understanding of rescue skills and using the right equipment are also part of the required skills package. A great companion course is the standard ACA Level 3 Safety & Rescue course: ACA River Safety & Rescue Level 3 Course. In the Winter time, consider taking a CPR and First Aid class as well.

We start this class by getting to know the participants, their paddling backgrounds, and perhaps specific goals they are interested in learning about from this class. Safety in all ACA classes is absolutely paramount. A key rule in every ACA class is the concept of "Challenge By Choice". Put quite simply, if a particular exercise is well beyond your comfort level - skip it.

Level 3: River Kayaking

Course Overview

The River Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings.

PFD designed for whitewater use, whitewater helmet, clothing suitable for paddling, protective footwear, boat, paddle.

NOTE: The CCA does not provide boating gear.  Participants need to acquire gear and properly outfit prior to the class.

This is typically a two day class to be taught on rivers up to class II rapids.

ACA Official Curriculum: Level 3: River Kayaking

Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics

 Getting Started
 

The Paddling Environment

 

 

 

 

Personal Preparation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

River Reading River Running

Equipment

 

 

 

 

Safety & Rescue Strokes

 

Optional at instructors’ discretion: Roll (Taught by L3 instructor with Kayak Rolling endorsement or L4 or L5 Kayak Instructors) 
 

 

 

 

Maneuvers

 

Flatwater Practice

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   

Whitewater Practice Conclusion & Wrap Up

 

 
 
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