ACA Instructor Offerings

ACA certified instructors can teach skills classes to the general public.  The ACA website is periodically updated to provide recommended classes for all levels of students.  Something relatively new for the ACA are assessment courses.  Many organizations are interested in an independent organization providing some type or verification of a person's skills to lead trips.  This is great for organizations like the Boy Scouts and provides an extra level of assurance/vetting.  Assessments simply note that the individual has demonstrated a certain level of skills on a given date.  A record of this achievement is maintained in perpetuity by the ACA and available upon request.  All individuals desiring an assessment must be ACA members.  Further information is provided at: ACA Courses.

ACA Partner Organizations

The ACA has developed strong relationships with many government and non-government organizations to promote safe boating.  Here are a few:

NOTE: This is just a sampling.  The ACA has also contributed to Red Cross WFA publications and works closely with Team River Runner for their adaptive paddling program.  The key point is the ACA has extensive connections and is widely recognized as experts in paddle sports safety and education.

ACA History

The ACA started as an organization way back in 1880 - hard to believe.  The instructor certification program didn't start until 1972.  The SUP (Stand Up Paddling) discipline is a relatively recent addition.  Sam Fowlkes has shared a wonderful presentation on the ACA history which is quite fascinating: ACA History - A Rich Tradition.

Know your discipline

As a trainer, you need to know every skill in your discipline and stay current.  The various discipline committees update their skills and assessment classes on a frequent basis, it pays to review all of the suggested class topics once a year to ensure you know each and every skill.  If anything is unclear, contact an ITE or the discipline chair: List of SEIC Contacts.  All ACA Skills Class outlines are on the following link: ACA Skills Course Outlines.  There is a drop down box and a hyperlink for each discipline.
          

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