Skills Course Overview

This course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and skill development. The skills and knowledge gained through this course can set the stage for a lifetime of exploration, adventures, a healthy lifestyle, appreciation of water and the natural world, lasting memories with family and friends, and a rewarding experience for all - we paddle because it is fun.

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!

Skills Course Prerequisites

Course Duration

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).

Course Location / Accessible Venues

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.

Ideally, this course should include a brief approach to the venue, carrying the deflated packraft.

Course Size:

5 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2.

For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.

Instructor

This assessment course may be offered by Level 2: Essentials of River Packrafting (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.

Succeeding Courses

Possible Course Outline:

Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics