(423) 641-0100

Overview

This course is for you if:  You want to be trained and certified as an ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor. 

There are few things better than kayaking – but one of them may be sharing your love of kayaking with others. If you want to learn how to teach whitewater kayaking while improving your own paddling in the process, the ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor Course (Level 4) is the national standard. Led by L4 Whitewater Kayak IT Scott Fisher, the course reviews and polishes fundamental paddling skills for instructor candidates, as well as presents methods to teach new kayak students and improve skills of more experienced kayakers. Instructor candidates receive instruction and feedback on teaching methods, paddling skills, group management, rescue skills, and risk management principles.
 
The course is 5+ days in length divided into two weekends. The dates shown during booking reflect the first weekend only and participation in both weekends is required for successful completion. Dates for 2024 are:

  • May 17-19 (IDW) & Jun 1-2 (ICE) - must attend both weekends 
  • Additionally, there is a mandatory livestream May 28 from 6:00-8:30 pm
The first weekend - the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) - will focus on teaching principles, flatwater skills, and an introduction to whitewater skills.  The second weekend - the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) - will put greater focus on whitewater paddling and rescue skills, and on evaluating candidate teaching skills.  Candidates should expect lots of feedback and should be willing to try new techniques and approaches.  To receive certification, candidates will be evaluated on their paddling, teaching, group management and rescue skills.  Each of these areas is important – paddling skills are critical but they’re only part of the overall picture.  More details on the ACA certification process can be found here.  Specific performance requirements for level 4 whitewater kayak certification can be found here. At the end of the second weekend participants may be certified as level 4 ACA kayak instructors, certified at a lower level, or not certified.  All candidates will receive written feedback on areas for improvement and, if they don’t receive the certification level they’re looking for, clear guidance on needed next steps for level 4 certification. Certification is valid for four years and maintained through class reporting and participation in periodic updates.

This course can be used as an update for current L3/4 instructors by attending the second two days of the IDW. This meets the ACA requirement to participate in an update every 4 years in order to maintain certification (ACA guidelines can be found here). Instructors should be prepared to teach any portion of the kayak curriculum at their level of certification. Upon uccessful completion instructors receive update credit good for 4 years. To schedule contact us at info@nolilearn.org or 423-641-0100.

This course can also be used for an instructor upgrade for current ACA L2/3 certified kayak instructors looking to upgrade to a higher level of certification by participating in the ICE portion of the class (2 days). Instructors seeking an upgrade must meet all appropriate performance criteria. To schedule contact us at info@nolilearn.org or 423-641-0100.

Highlights

Highlights:

  • 5+ days of professionally-led instructor training 
  • Preparing and coaching candidates to succeed 
  • A supportive environment to learn and perform
  • An evaluation process that is clearly communicated and fairly assessed 

Location

USA Raft & Lower Nolichucky River

What to Expect

  • Review of learning and teaching theory
  • Review and polish fundamental paddling skills
  • Learn how to perform, model and teach basic kayak strokes and maneuvers  
  • Learn how to perform, model and teach basic rescue techniques
  • Learn and teach general kayaking knowledge including boat design, equipment, risk management and hyrdology
  • Be able to perform and review how to teach safe, effective kayak rolls
  • Instruction and guidance on how to meet all ACA L4 kayak instructor requirements
  • Review of ACA organization, administration and history
  • Evaluation of candidate performance during the ICE
  • Certify instructor candidates meeting performance criteria as L4 kayak instructors

Prerequisites

  • Age 18+
  • Solid class 3 or greater kayaking skills, ideally with experience leading or safety boating on paddling trips
  • Combat roll
  • Good overall health and fitness
  • Ability to self-rescue from an overturned craft
  • Comfortable swimming in moving water
  • Current certification in CPR and first aid is encouraged but not required (once certified, however, instructors are required to be current in CPR/first aid prior to teaching an ACA-sanctioned course; plus, it's just a good idea); to see upcoming CPR and wilderness medicine classes click here
  • ACA Course participants need to be ACA members and can join here; upon becoming certified as an ACA Instructor, there is an additional Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC) dues payment annually
  • Full eligibility requirements and prerequisites can be found here
  • Not sure if you meet the pre-requisites for this course? Contact us at info@nolilearn.org or by phone at 423-641-0100 and we'll be glad to discuss it with you

Includes

  • 3-day IDW
  • 2- day ICE
  • 2- hour livestream prior to the ICE to answer questions and cover additional information
  • Pre-course resources to help candidates prepare 
  • Ongoing support throughout

What to Bring

Whitewater kayak, paddle, PFD (Type 3 or 5), sprayskirt, helmet, clothing suitable for the conditions (on- and off-water), throw rope, towel, sunscreen, closed-toe water shoes (open-toe footwear/sandals not permitted), drinking water or sports drink, meals, snacks, notebook, pen, camp chair. 

Meeting Location

We will meet at USA Raft. Directions can be found here. Specific meeting location will be sent out separately prior to the IDW.

Additional Information

Food and  lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping is available onsite and can be reserved directly with either USA Raft or Nolichucky Gorge Campground.

Testimonials

"Absolutely the best assessment I have participated in for Instructor Certification.  Robin and Scott provided excellent instruction and coaching throughout the program for each candidate to succeed in meeting the standards.  I learned more to improve my presentation and feedback skills in this course than previous programs.  They require high standards and set each candidate up for success to perform at their optimum.  I look forward to future opportunities with both of these instructors to continue to mature my personal skills and my ability to instruct other paddle sports enthusiasts."

- Scott B.