Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Instructor Criteria

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).
Be a currently certified ACA Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking Instructor Instructor in good standing, having taught and reported at least two Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking skills or assessment courses.
Given the common remoteness of this course venue, Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is strongly suggested.
Completion of an ACA Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue skills or assessment course (or higher) is required.

Course Duration

Combined Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) - minimum 2 days (16 hours).

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Sections of rivers rated class III-IV, in rapids where precise 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

3 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 6 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 6.

For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.

Instructor Trainer

This certification course may be offered by Level 5: Whitewater Kayaking ACA Instructor Trainers or Instructor Trainer Educators.

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