The Introduction to Canoeing course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level individuals in the public, private and commercial setting.
If you’re a student who would like a resource to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide a free online paddling safety course, here. A certificate of completion is included!
The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
Flat water, protected from wind, waves, and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots, and within swimming distance of shore.
Tandem: 6 participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor, the ratio can be 12 : 2.
Solo: 5 participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
This course may be offered by Level 1: Introduction to Canoeing (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.
The following is a general summary of course content for the Level 1 Introduction to Canoeing course. The content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location, and time allowance. The course content includes the National On Water Standards for human powered craft. The full rubric for Level 1 can be found in the above link, pages 17-65.