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).
Level 4: Performance Surf Kayaking instructors should be able to coach students in all aspects of surf kayaking using sit- on-top kayaks (with thigh straps), whitewater kayaks, surf-specific kayaks, and wave-skis in significant surf.
Combined Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) - minimum 3 days (24 hours).
Sandy beach break with significant surf – a majority of steep (plunging) waves during sets, and access to flat water.
Note: When selecting a venue, careful consideration should be given to hazards including other surfers, rip currents, long- shore drift, rocks, and human-made structures.
5 Instructor Candidates : 1 Instructor Trainer; with an additional instructor, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of candidates permitted is 10.
This certification course may be offered by Level 4: Performance Surf Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructor Trainers or Instructor Trainer Educators.