The ACA’s Advanced Paddlesports Guide certification courses equip paddlers with the trip planning and leadership skills to provide safe and enjoyable long-term expeditions in more technically challenging coastal or river environments. The certification is part of the ACA’s Leadership and Guide certification program, and it is appropriate for paddlers who seek development and certification as paddlesports guides and expedition leaders. This may include guiding companies, outdoor leadership organizations, university degree programs, camps offering long trips, paddle club and meetup leaders, or any other paddler who wants to safely lead others on expeditions on remote waterways. These trips may occur in wilderness areas and involve challenging waters.
Advanced Paddlesports Guide courses are delivered in one of two different environments to equip participants to lead in each environment - the Advanced Coastal Guide course and the Advanced River Guide course. These courses are offered in a Guide Certification course format, which includes training and examination. Once certified, Advanced Paddlesports Guides may extend the paddlecraft they guide on by completing the appropriate skills assessment. They may also cross over to the other environment by attaining the necessary skills assessment and then challenging the exam.
Advanced Coastal Guide Course:
Those participating in the Advanced Coastal Guide course will be equipped to lead in large lakes or coastal waters with exposure to wind and waves. Advanced Coastal Guide candidates will focus on developing the competencies necessary to lead multi-day expeditions. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate is certified as an Advanced Coastal Guide whose operating conditions are determined by their level of paddlecraft skills assessment, and the size of the group follows the same maximum ratio for Leader Trainers.
Advanced River Guide Course:
Those participating in the Advanced River Guide course will be equipped to lead with moving water with rapids. Advanced River Guide candidates paddling river canoes, kayaks, packrafts, paddle and oar rafts, will focus on the competencies necessary to lead multi-day expeditions in Class III-IV waters. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate is certified as an Advanced River Guide their level of paddlecraft skills assessment, and the size of the group follows the same maximum ratio for Leader Trainers.