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!
General Knowledge Module Duration: Minimum of 4 hours
Discipline Specific Module Duration: Minimum of 1 hour per module
Flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots and within swimming distance of shore.
12 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 24 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 24.
This course may be offered by currently certified ACA Level 3 (or higher) Kayak 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.
Endorsements can be given by any currently certified ACA Level 1 or higher Kayak Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator. If an ACA Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator from another discipline would like to offer the Kayak PSF endorsement, they must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Kayak Assessment.
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
The following is a list of the criteria used to evaluate Facilitator Candidates. The content and sequence of evaluation should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location, and time allowance.