Course Overview

Fundamentally, participants are expected to have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this course content prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as an Endorsement Candidate.

This endorsement course provides the knowledge and skills needed for effective, reliable kayak rolling instruction in calm water. Participants will learn techniques that minimize the risk of injury, both mental and physical, to the student and instructor throughout the progression of the roll. The following are the endorsement criteria for currently certified instructors**.** The following items are NOT step-by-step instructions for teaching the kayak roll.

Course Prerequisites

Course Duration

Minimum of a half day (4 hours) or more.

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Flat water, protected from wind, waves, and outside boat traffic, with a firm bottom upon which to stand.

Course Size

5 Endorsement Candidates : 1 Instructor Trainer; with an additional rolling endorsed instructor, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 10.

Instructor Trainer

This endorsement course may be offered by:


The following is a list of the criteria used to evaluate Endorsement Candidates. The content and sequence of evaluation is to be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location, time allowance, and be craft appropriate.

General Requirements for all ACA Endorsement Candidates