To become an ACA-certified kayaking instructor, individuals must meet specific qualifications and undergo a comprehensive certification process. This article delves into the essential requirements, skills, and steps involved in becoming a qualified kayaking instructor.
What are the Basic Requirements for ACA Kayak Instructor Certification?
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Membership: Candidates must be current members of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and join the ACA Safety Education and Instruction Committee (SEIC).
- First Aid and CPR Certification: Instructors must maintain current First Aid and age-appropriate CPR certifications.
- Paddling Experience and Skills: Candidates should have a good grasp of essential paddling skills and knowledge prior to enrolling. They should not attend the course if they are looking to learn how to kayak or lack basic to intermediate paddling ability.
- Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE): The certification process involves two parts: the IDW, which focuses on teaching methods and skills, and the ICE, which evaluates the candidate’s teaching and paddling abilities.
What Skills and Knowledge are Required for Kayaking Instructors?
- Personal Paddling Skills: Strong basic/intermediate skills, boat control, and professional paddling mode.
- Teaching Skills: Knowledge of teaching methods, learning styles, organized lesson plans, group management, and presentation ability.
- Modeling Skills: Ability to visually present and break skills down into teachable parts.
- Attention to Safety: Use of risk management skills, assessing student skill levels, and group control.
- Group Management: Ability to set up and maintain a suitable teaching location and manage a group in various settings.
- Technical Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of paddlesports, including safe car-topping procedures, boat design, common paddling injuries, tides, surfing, and regional hazards.
How Can One Become an ACA Instructor Trainer?
- Prerequisites: To become an Instructor Trainer (IT), one must first be a certified ACA instructor. ITs are certified by the ACA to teach instructors.
- Training and Certification: ITs undergo additional training and certification beyond the standard instructor certification. This includes training by Instructor Trainer Educators (ITEs) who are certified to teach ITs.
- Assessments and Evaluations: ITs must demonstrate advanced teaching and paddling skills, as well as the ability to evaluate and train other instructors effectively.
Why is Maintaining Current CPR and First Aid Certifications Important?
Maintaining current CPR and First Aid certifications is crucial for ensuring that instructors can respond effectively in emergency situations. This enhances the safety of students and participants during kayaking courses, and it is a requirement set by the ACA to ensure that all courses meet the highest standards of safety and instructional quality.
Additional Information
- Course Duration and Costs: The certification process typically involves a 5-day workshop, with costs varying by instructor trainer. For example, some courses may cost around $200 to $750, depending on the level of certification and the provider.
- Custom Programs: Some providers offer custom programs that can be scheduled at the candidate’s location, requiring a minimum number of participants.