The ACA’s Paddlesports Leader (PL) certification courses courses equip paddlers with the trip planning and leadership skills to provide safe and enjoyable day trips in coastal or river environments. The certification is part of the ACA’s Leadership and Guide certification program, and it is appropriate for paddlers who are seeking development and certification as paddlesports leaders. This may include paddle club and meetup leaders, camps offering day trips, university trip leaders, guides working for outfitters or any other paddler who wants to safely lead others on day trips that may progress beyond sheltered waterways.
Paddlesports Leader courses are delivered in one of two different environments to equip participants to lead in each environment - the Coastal Leader course and River Leader course. These courses are offered in a Leadership Certification course format, which includes training and examination. Once certified, Paddlesports Leaders may extend the paddlecraft they lead on by completing the appropriate skills assessment. They are able to upgrade to an Advanced Paddlesports Leader certification by attaining a Level 3 or higher skills assessment and successfully completing an Advanced Coastal Leader or Advanced River Leader course, or challenging the exam portion of a course.
Coastal Leader Course:
Those participating in the Coastal Leader course will be equipped to lead in moderate conditions on gently flowing rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Leader Candidates paddling canoes, kayaks, sit-on-tops, Sand SUPs will focus on developing the competencies necessary to lead day trips that may include participants using varying paddlecraft. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate is certified as a Coastal Leader 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.
River Leader Course:
Those participating in the River Leader course will be equipped to lead on flatwater to mild whitewater conditions. Leaders candidates paddling river canoes, kayaks, packrafts, rafts, SUPs, and sit-on tops will focus on the competencies necessary to lead day trips and perform essential swiftwater rescue in Class I-II waters. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate is certified as a River Leader who can operate in conditions established by their level of paddlecraft skills assessment, and the size of the group follows the same maximum ratio for Leader Trainers.