Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking is the highest level of the ACA Coastal Kayak discipline, where coastal kayakers apply their skills in complex sea kayaking venues and conditions. The Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor certification is an upgrade opportunity for currently certified Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructors. As continuing education for certified instructors, the focus is on coaching and mentoring kayakers and working in dynamic conditions. The Level 5 Instructor Criteria is cumulative, building upon the Level 3 and Level 4 Instructor Criteria.
Passing a Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment is required before the start of instructor development. By the time of evaluation, candidates are expected to exceed the Level 5 skills and technical knowledge, including the “developing skills,” as identified in the Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment.
Instructor Candidates will focus on the mentoring aspect of developing kayaking skills and knowledge for those who wish to learn to kayak in conditions up to and including Level 5. In general, Level 5 instructors work cooperatively with their students to develop practice progressions based on student readiness and environment. They facilitate students’ ability to analyze their performance and provide feedback to optimize their technique. Successful candidates will teach, lead, and manage groups in complex environments where conditions may limit verbal communication. Level 5 certification workshops focus on planning, designing, and delivering continued learning experiences and multi-day programs, as well as the roles and responsibilities of an ACA instructor.
Combined Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) - Minimum 6 days (48 hours).
Instructor Trainers (IT) shall choose a location with exposure to conditions where an area of retreat is accessible. During the course, the IT shall keep participants within 2.0 nautical miles of shore. Participants must be assessed while paddling in any three of the four conditions below.
An area of escape from rough conditions must be accessible. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to read and interpret environmental conditions and their contributions to student learning and risk, including effects of multiple criteria superimposed simultaneously; effects of wind, swell, and current direction; and character of a surf break (for example, spilling vs dumping, beach vs rocky shore). Selection of and continued operation in venues must be guided by a sound understanding and continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, with candidates demonstrating the application of sound judgment to ensure the safety and provision of an optimal learning environment.
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.