Skills Course Overview

This course is designed as a 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.

The Rafting - Paddle course is for individuals interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle a raft on rivers with class I-II rapids. This course includes advanced river reading, safety considerations, and paddling techniques. In addition, the skills required to captain, or guide, a paddle raft in class I-III rapids will be introduced. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted rafts.

Skills Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct
• No prior paddling experience or training is required to participate in this course

Course Duration

2 days (16 hours) minimum

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Sections of rivers rated up to and including class I-II, where limited maneuvering in current is required to avoid obstacles.

A rapid class includes rapids at the lower and upper ends of the difficulty range, designated “-“ and “+”  respectively.

Course Size

6 Participants : 1 Instructor ; with an additional instructor, the ratio can be 12 : 2.

For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.

Instructor

This course may be offered by Level 3: Rafting - Paddle (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.

Succeeding Courses

• Level 3: Rafting - Paddle Assessment, Guide Certification, or Instructor Certification Course
• Level 4: Whitewater Rafting - Paddle Skills, Assessment, Guide Certification, or Instructor Certification Course

Complementary Courses

• Level 3: Rafting - Oar Skills, Assessment, or Certification Course
• Level 4: Whitewater Rafting - Oar Skills, Assessment, or Certification Course

Course Learning Objectives

While a paddle raft navigating in this course venue, the participant will learn to:

• Identify whitewater features and hazards
• Become familiar with paddle rafting equipment and the river environment
• Maneuver a paddle raft