This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate your ability to perform all of the skills listed and demonstrate an appropriate level of paddling knowledge. This assessment course provides the opportunity for you to receive documentation of having achieved this level of paddling ability.
Moving water on rivers rated up to and including class I.
A rapid class includes rapids at the lower and upper ends of the difficulty range, designated “-“ and “+” respectively.
5 Participants: 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 10.
This assessment course may be offered by Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators with the ACA Paddlesports Fishing Endorsement.
The sequence of assessment should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location, time allowance, and kayak being used. Participants must be able to perform all strokes, maneuvers, rescues, and skills in the appropriate venue. In addition, the participant must demonstrate the appropriate level of knowledge for this level of skill assessment.
Participant Name: ________________________________
Participant ACA Membership #: __________________
Course Venue: _____________________________________
Course Date(s): ____________________________________
Y = Meets Standard, N = Below Standard, DNO = Did Not Observe
Participant must be able to perform all strokes and maneuvers, rescues, and skills in the appropriate venue. In addition, the participant must demonstrate the appropriate level of knowledge for this skill assessment level.
| Personal and Group Safety | Pass? P/N/DNO |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates use of appropriate life jacket (PFD) and fishing-specific safety gear. | |
| Identifies personal safety considerations when combining fishing and paddling. | |
| Demonstrates awareness of environmental hazards (wind, weather, boat traffic, hooks, sharp gear). | |
| Shows understanding of Leave No Trace and ethical angling practices. |
| River Safety & Awareness | Pass? P/N/DNO |
|---|---|
| Identifies hazards unique to river environments (strainers, current, hydraulics). | |
| Demonstrates use of safety gear suitable for river fishing. | |
| Shows upstream/downstream awareness of: river hazards, others using the river, and fishing locations. | |
| Shows understanding of Leave No Trace and ethical angling practices. |
| Equipment Knowledge and Use | Pass? P/N/DNO |
|---|---|
| Identifies essential fishing and paddling equipment for kayak fishing. | |
| Demonstrates proper use of rod holders and gear storage. | |
| Shows ability to manage tackle and rods without compromising boat stability. | |
| Uses fishing gear without compromising river safety. | |
| Demonstrates secure storage of rods/tackle in current. | |
| Explains anchor use in moving water and associated risks. |
| Kayak Handling | Pass? P/N/DNO |
|---|---|
| Enters and exits the kayak safely with fishing gear. | |
| Demonstrates forward paddling, stopping, turning, and reverse strokes with fishing gear stowed. | |
| Maintains balance and control while handling rod and paddle interchangeably | |
| Demonstrates ability to position kayak safely for casting and retrieval. | |
| Maintains ferry angles and boat control while fishing. | |
| Demonstrates eddy turns and peel outs with gear onboard. | |
| Positions kayak for effective fishing in current. |
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