Certification 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 level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates at an Instructor Certification Course (IDW, ICE, or ICW).

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to teach across the full curriculum; during the development workshop and certification exam this will be assessed through at least two presentations in each category (one prepared, one impromptu), from which overall teaching competence will be evaluated.

Candidates are highly encouraged to use the Skills Assessment and Guide document for preparation and clarification on all required skills necessary for successful completion of a certification course. All candidates must be able to perform, role model, teach and troubleshoot all skills in the document to pass the certification exam.

Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Be a current ACA member
• Understands and acts in accordance with ACA's Code of Conduct
• Effective October 1, 2026, all instructor candidates in the River Kayak Discipline seeking certification at Levels 3–5 must have successfully completed and provide documentation of the corresponding ACA River Kayak Skills Award (L3–L5) prior to being admitted into an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) or Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).
• Completion of an ACA Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue skills or assessment course is highly recommended.

Course Duration

Combined Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) - minimum 4 days (32 hours).

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

5 Instructor Candidates : 1 Instructor Trainer; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of instructor candidates permitted is 10.

For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.

Instructor Trainer

This certification course may be offered by Level 3: River Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructor Trainers or Instructor Trainer Educators.

Succeeding Courses

• Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking Skills, Assessment, or Certification Course

General Requirements for all ACA Certification Candidates

• Be at least 18 years old
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of paddlesports and the ACA
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC), ACA Code of Conduct, and ACA’s Equity and Access Initiatives
• Successfully complete an Instructor Certification Workshop (combined ICW or IDW and ICE)
• Upon successful completion, register with the Safety Education and Instruction Council
• Have and maintain venue-appropriate first aid and age-appropriate CPR
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately perform, model, and teach all of the following material, unassisted, in the appropriate venue
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately perform, model, and teach all of the material contained within the official ACA skills course and assessment course outlines corresponding to their level of certification and all levels below, if applicable

Certification Maintenance Requirements

• Teach a minimum of two courses that meet ACA standards within the four-year certification period and properly report the courses using the ACA Course Management System (CMS). At least one course must be at their highest level of certification
• Complete an Instructor Update, at the highest level of certification, during the four-year certification period
• Maintain ACA membership and SEIC registration annually
• Maintain appropriate CPR and first aid certification for the duration of certification

ACA Level 3: River Kayaking Instructor Requirements

Demonstrate a knowledge of ACA administrative processes:

• How to register and report a course (with and without insurance)
• An understanding of the ACA Waiver and Release of Liability
• Familiarity with the ACA website and the resources and SEIC policies available

Demonstrate a knowledge of teaching and learning theory:

• Understand multiple methods of teaching and how they impact different learners
• Differentiate instruction targeting different learners
• Use effective teaching methods including appropriate skills progressions when teaching complex skill sets
• Present information effectively, both prepared and impromptu
• Focus on core principles rather than specific techniques
• Effective methods of providing feedback

Demonstrate the ability to appropriately model and apply teaching and learning theory:

• Characteristics of different types of learners
• Barriers to learning
• Effective general teaching methods
• Effective prepared and impromptu presentations
• Evaluate student performance and provide feedback effectively
• Team teaching and co-teaching
• Use of progressions in skills, venue, and mental comfort

Demonstrate the following core instructional skills:

• Positive interpersonal skills to include all items outlined in the ACA SEIC Policy Manual
• Appropriate group management skills including leadership and judgment
• Ability to choose an appropriate venue / class site
• Effectively make documented skill assessments

Demonstrate ability to paddle efficiently and comfortably in venue utilizing:

• Boat stability (trim, stance, etc.)
• Safe and effective body usage: biomechanics (body, posture, linkage, and rotation)
• Efficient and effective paddle placement for intended maneuver
• Parts of strokes: CPR (catch, power, recovery), static and dynamic