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American Canoe Association Instructor Certification

The American Canoe Association has a nationally respected certification program for kayaking instructors. The Coastal Kayak Instructor certification process involves a workshop followed within twelve months by the examination. The workshop and examination coordinated by Charles River Canoe & Kayak allows potential instructors to be certified in either basic or open-water instruction.


Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop
This two or three-day workshop is designed for experienced paddlers who are interested in developing their leadership and guiding skills. The IDW focuses on modeling effective instruction of the skills, knowledge, and techniques necessary for successful completion of the Instructor Certification Evaluation (ICE). At the end of the course, each candidate will be individually evaluated and advised as to his or her readiness for entry into the ICE.

$250 includes 2-day Coastal Kayak "Basic" Level 3 IDW.
$375 includes 3-day Coastal Kayak "Open Water" Level 4 IDW.

Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop is based at our Newton Boathouse but will also include ocean paddling. "Basic" Level 3 will be held May 9 & 16, 2009; "Open Water" Level 4 will be held May 9, 16 & 17, 2009; course will run from 9am–5pm each day. Instructor candidates must attend all sessions. Participants provide their own transportation and equipment.
Significant Sea Kayaking Experience Required
Students must have significant sea kayaking experience, especially for the "Open Water" Level of certification. Your ocean paddling knowledge should include technical skills like bracing and basic rescues, plus knowledge of tides, currents, and navigation. To pass the Certification Exam, you are also required to perform three Eskimo rolls (this is not required to take the IDW). If you have questions, please contact us.
Formal Kayaking Instruction Strongly Recommended
We strongly recommend previous formal kayaking instruction, including ocean paddling instruction (especially for the "Open Water" Level). The goal of the IDW is to teach you how to teach these skills, generally not to teach you these skills (though we do expect there to be things you don't already know, and we expect everyone to learn a lot!). If you have questions, please contact us.
Wet Exit Practice Required
Students who have not performed a wet exit may sign up for our ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop but must complete the Introduction to Kayaking course, an Introductory Trip, or a private lesson before participating in our ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop (our Quick-Start Your Kayak is not sufficient). If you have questions, please contact us.
Assisted Rescue Practice Required
Students who have not performed an assisted rescue may sign up for our ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop but must complete the Introduction to Kayaking course, an Introductory Trip, or a private lesson before participating in our ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop (our Quick-Start Your Kayak is not sufficient). If you have questions, please contact us.
Be Prepared to Paddle in Challenging Conditions
Students must be prepared to experience challenging conditions during our ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop. We will hold this trip in conditions of 10- to 15-knot winds and 2- to 3-foot (head-high) waves, if necessary.

If you are not yet comfortable paddling in significant wind and waves, we recommend building your skills in our Ocean Skills trip. If you have questions, please contact us.
Registration & Cancellation Policies for Classes, Trips, and Tours
  • Full payment is due upon registration for a class, clinic, tour, or trip.
  • For cancellations received 7 days or more before your scheduled activity, we will issue a refund less a 10% registration fee.
  • For cancellations received less than 7 days before your scheduled activity, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of registrants is required for any event to run. If we cancel a trip due to low enrollment, we will provide a full refund.
    • Pre-Requisites & Requirements. Before signing up for this class, you must have:
  • Significant sea kayaking experience, including technical skills and knowledge of tides, currents, and navigation.
  • We strongly recommend previous formal kayaking instruction.
  • Previous practice of a wet exit, where you flipped a kayak, removed the sprayskirt, and exited the kayak while underwater.
  • Previous practice of an assisted rescue, where you wet-exited the kayak in deep water and were rescued by another kayaker.
  • Skills to paddle in challenging conditions of 10-15 knot winds and 2-3 foot waves.


    • Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Exam
    This two- or three-day exam is designed to evaluate each instructor candidate's overall skills as an instructor. Participants have taken an IDW within the previous twelve months and will be tested in paddling, teaching, and group management skills. Those candidates who meet American Canoe Association standards will receive Instructor Certification.

    $250 includes 2-day Coastal Kayak "Basic" Level 3 ICE.
    $375 includes 3-day Coastal Kayak "Open Water" Level 4 ICE.

    Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Exam is based at our Newton Boathouse but will also include ocean paddling. "Basic" Level 3 will be held June 27 & 28, 2009; "Open Water" Level 4 will be held June 27, 28 & 29, 2009; course will run from 9am–5pm each day. Instructor candidates must attend all sessions. Participants provide their own transportation and equipment.
    Previous Participation in an Instructor Development Workshop
    Instructor candidates must take an Instructor Development Workshop before participating in the Certification Exam. If you have questions, please contact us.
    Registration & Cancellation Policies for Classes, Trips, and Tours
  • Full payment is due upon registration for a class, clinic, tour, or trip.
  • For cancellations received 7 days or more before your scheduled activity, we will issue a refund less a 10% registration fee.
  • For cancellations received less than 7 days before your scheduled activity, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of registrants is required for any event to run. If we cancel a trip due to low enrollment, we will provide a full refund.
    • Pre-Requisites & Requirements. Before signing up for this class, you must have:
  • Previous participation in an Instructor Development Workshop.

    • ©2009 Charles River Canoe & Kayak
    2401 Commonwealth Avenue; Newton, Massachusetts 02466; (617) 965-5110
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