The ACA’s Advancved Paddlesports Leader (APL) certification courses equip paddlers with the trip planning and leadership skills to provide safe and enjoyable day trips 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 proficient paddlers who are seeking development and certification as paddlesports leaders. This may include paddle club and meetup leaders, camps offering technical day trips, university trip leaders, guides working for outfitters or any other paddler who wants to safely lead others on day trips that progress beyond protected waterways into more complex leadership environments.
Advanced Paddlesports Leader courses are delivered in one of two different environments to equip participants to lead in each environment - the Advanced Coastal Leader course and the Advanced River Leader course. These courses are offered in a Leadership Certification course format, which includes training and examination. Once certified, Advanced Paddlesports Leaders may extend the paddlecraft they lead on by completing the appropriate skills assessment. They are able to upgrade to a Guide or Advanced Guide multi-day certification by successfully completing a Guide or Advanced Guide course, or challenging the exam portion of a course.
Advanced Coastal Leader Course:
Those participating in the Advanced Coastal Leader course will be equipped to lead in large lake or coastal waters with exposure to wind and waves. Advanced Coastal Leader Candidates will focus on developing the competencies necessary to lead day trips. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate is certified as an Advanced Coastal Leader whose operating conditions are determined by their of paddlecraft skills assessment, and the size of the group follows the same maximum ratio for Leader Trainers.
Advanced River Leader Course:
Those participating in the Advanced River Leader course will be equipped to lead with moving water with rapids. Advanced River Leader Leaders candidates paddling river canoes, kayaks, packrafts, paddle and oar rafts, sit-on tops, and SUPs will focus on the competencies necessary to lead day trips and perform essential swiftwater rescue in Class III-IV waters. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate is certified as an Advanced River Leader of paddlecraft skills assessment, and the size of the group follows the same maximum ratio for Leader Trainers.