Course Overview

We expect Paddlesports Safety Facilitators (PSF) to be able to effectively maneuver their craft and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. This module is to be taught in conjunction with the Paddlesports Safety Facilitator General Knowledge Module.

This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.

If you’re a student who would like a resource to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide a free online paddling safety course, here. A certificate of completion is included!

Course Prerequisites

Course Duration

General Knowledge Module Duration: Minimum of 4 hours

Discipline Specific Module Duration: Minimum of 1 hour per module

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots and within swimming distance of shore.

Course Size

12 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 24 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 24.

Instructor

This course may be offered by currently certified ACA Level 3 (or higher) Canoe Instructors. Additionally, this course may be offered by currently certified ACA Level 1 and 2 instructors with a Paddlesports Safety Facilitator Endorsement. If the ACA Instructor would like to offer the PSF course in another discipline (other than which they are currently certified), they must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Assessment in that additional discipline.

Level 1: Intro to Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, or Packrafting Skills, Assessment, or Certification Course

Community Paddlesports Leader (CPL) Certification Course

Paddlesports Leader (PL) Certification Course

Certification Maintenance Requirements

ACA Paddlesport Safety Facilitator (PSF) - Canoe Module Requirements

Demonstrate the following:

Demonstrate the ability to perform the following safety and rescue skills: