Course Overview

We expect Smart Start for Safe Paddling facilitators 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 at least one of the Smart Start for Safe Paddling discipline specific modules: canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboarding (SUP).

This program was formerly known as “Paddlesports Safety Facilitator” and was officially re-branded as “Smart Start for Safe Paddling” in October 2025.

If you’re a student who would like resources to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide the Smart Start for Safe Paddling suite of resources, which features a comprehensive resource book, student activity workbook, facilitator’s guide, and free online coursework. Page numbers from the resource book are noted beside corresponding content in the outline below for quick reference.

The 100% free Smart Start for Safe Paddling interactive online course can be found here. A certificate of completion is included!

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

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

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.

Who Can Teach This Course

This course may be offered by currently certified ACA:

• Level 3 Instructors (or higher)
• Level 1 and 2 instructors with a Smart Start for Safe Paddling Endorsement. If the ACA Instructor would like to offer this course in another discipline (other than which they are currently certified), they must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Award in that additional discipline to offer that module
• Leader Trainers (or higher)
• Guide Trainers (or higher)
• Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator as described below

Endorsements

Endorsements can be given by any currently certified ACA Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator. If the ACA Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator would like to offer the Smart Start for Safe Paddling endorsement to an instructor certified in a different discipline, the IT or ITE must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Award in that discipline.

Succeeding Courses

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