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Instructional Offerings - Proficiency Requirements

 

Duration of Course:

  1. 8 to 16 hours for the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)
  2. 8 to 16 hours for the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)

General Requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Successfully complete IDW and ICE series
  3. ACA member ($35 min/yr.)
  4. Pay SEIC Registration ($25/yr.)
  5. Purchase IDW/ICE Course – Instructor’s Notebook ($25)
  6. Knowledge of the ACA as an organization, the ACA Policy Manual and Paddlesports in general.
  7. Fundamentally it is expected that the paddler should become an experienced kayaker in flatwater conditions, before presenting themselves for assessment as an instructor candidate at the Introduction to Kayak level.

Proficiency Standards: (Please go the ACA website – www.acanet.org and refer to ACA Course Outlines for Quickstart and Introduction to Kayak. A certified instructor for Introduction to Kayak should be able to perform (demonstration quality) all of the skills listed on the course outlines (and more) and have the depth of knowledge and ability to teach any topic on that outline.

  1. Competent on calm and protected waters (Ability to paddle consistently with finesse, efficiency & mental tranquility)
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model the basic paddle strokes; forward, reverse, sweeps, stern draw, rudder and draw and have an awareness of the sculling draw and high and low braces.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach, model, and perform basic rescue techniques; T-rescue, Rafted T, T-X Rescue, Paddle Float Self Rescue, both with and without a stirrup and the Hand of God. Also have an awareness of other rescues – Scramble, Reentry and Roll (with and without a Paddle Float), All-In and Scoop, etc. A reliable roll is not a proficiency requirement for this level of certification.
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to teach the following; Safety issues and hazards of kayaking, hypothermia/hyperthermia prevention and treatment, wind, waves and weather, kayak design and construction, paddle design and construction, safety equipment, etc.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to paddle comfortably with grace and efficiency and to perform rescues effectively in calm water.
  1. Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe and effective instructor.
  1. Interpersonal skills and professionalism. An ambassador and asset to the ACA.

 

Introduction to Kayak Instructor Candidates who successfully complete the Introduction to Paddling Certification will be certified to teach ACA Quick Start and Introduction to Kayak courses.

 


ESSENTIALS OF KAYAK TOURING CERTIFICATION

Duration of Course:

  1. 22 hours (minimum) for the Instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Certification Exam.

General Requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Successfully complete IDW and ICE series
  3. ACA member ($35 min/yr.)
  4. Pay SEIC Registration ($25/yr.)
  5. Purchase IDW/ICE Course – Instructor’s Notebook ($25)
  6. Knowledge of the ACA as an organization, the ACA Policy Manual and Paddlesports in general.
  7. Fundamentally, it is expected that the paddler should be a competent kayaker in mild to moderate inland and/or marine waters, before presenting themselves for assessment as an instructor candidate at the Essentials of Kayak Touring level.
  8. Note: The primary difference between IK and Essentials level of certification is the instructor candidates’ depth of knowledge and experience in the marine environment.

Proficiency Standards:

  1. Competent in 1 ft. seas & 10 knot winds (Ability to paddle consistently with finesse, efficiency & mental tranquility & not just survive).  As an Essentials to Kayak Touring Instructor your maximum teaching conditions will be on calm and protected ocean environments and inland flatwater settings, within swimming distance from shore.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model the basic paddle strokes; forward, reverse, forward and reverse sweeps, stern draw, rudder, draw, sculling draw, and a working knowledge of high and low braces and various other kayak strokes and maneuvers.

 

  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach, model, and perform basic rescue techniques; T-rescue, Rafted T, T-X Rescue, Paddle Float Self Rescue (both with and without a stirrup), and the Hand of God. In addition have a working knowledge of other rescues – Scramble, All-In and Scoop, etc. A reliable roll is not a proficiency requirement for this level of certification.
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to teach the following; Safety issues and hazards of inland and coastal kayaking, weather conditions important to the kayaker, hypothermia/hyperthermia prevention and treatment, signaling devices and safety equipment, rules of the nautical road, kayak design and equipment. Should have basic competency in chart reading, use of a compass and towing.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to consistently paddle comfortably with grace and efficency and to perform rescues effectively in calm water.
  1. Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe and effective instructor.
  1. Interpersonal skills and professionalism. An asset and ambassador to the ACA.

Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor Candidates who successfully complete the ACA Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor Certification will be certified to teach Quick Start, Introduction to Kayak and Essentials of Kayak Touring classes.

 

COASTAL KAYAK BASIC INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION

Duration of Course:

  1. 16 to 24 hours for the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)
  2. 16 hours for the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)

General Requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Successfully complete IDW and ICE series
  3. ACA member ($35 min/yr.)
  4. Pay SEIC Registration ($25/yr.)
  5. Purchase IDW/ICE Course – Instructor’s Notebook ($25)
  6. Knowledge of the ACA as an organization, the ACA Policy Manual and Paddlesports in general.
  7. Fundamentally it is expected that the paddler should become an experienced sea kayaker in mild to moderate conditions, before presenting themselves for assessment as an instructor candidate at the Basic level.

Proficiency Standards:

  1. Competent in 2 ft. seas & 15 knot winds (Ability to paddle consistently with finesse, efficiency & mental tranquility & not just survive). As a CK Basic Instructor your maximum teaching conditions will be waves to 1 foot, winds to 10 knots, groups kept within ½ mile from shore).
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model the basic paddle strokes; forward, reverse, forward and reverse sweeps, stern draw, rudder, draw, sculling draw, high and low braces, and low brace underway.

 

  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach, model, and perform basic rescue techniques; T-rescue, Rafted T, T-X Rescue, Paddle Float Self Rescue (both with and without a stirrup), and Hand of God. In addition have a working knowledge of other rescues – Scramble, Reentry and Roll (with and without a Paddle Float), All-In and Scoop, etc. Needs to be able to consistently perform a roll from a set-up position. The roll must be a shoulder safe roll.
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to teach the following; Safety issues and hazards of coastal kayaking, basic chart reading and use, weather conditions important to the kayaker, hypothermia/hyperthermia prevention and treatment, signaling devices and safety equipment, boat traffic – rules of the road, kayak design and equipment, and kayak towing techniques.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to paddle comfortably with grace and efficiency and to perform rescues effectively in calm water.
  1. Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe and effective instructor.
  1. Interpersonal skills and professionalism. An asset and ambassador to the ACA.

Basic Coastal Kayak Instructor Candidates who successfully complete the ACA Basic Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification will be certified to teach Quick Start, Introduction to Kayak and CK Basic Strokes and Rescues course. By attending the Kayak Rolling Endorsement and CK Introduction to Traditional Kayak Skills Endorsement, the Basic Coastal Kayak Instructor will be eligible to teach those courses.

COASTAL KAYAK OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION

 

Duration of Course:

  1. 24 to 32 hours for the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)
  2. 24 hours for the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)

General Requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Successfully complete IDW and ICE series
  3. ACA member ($35 min/yr.)
  4. Pay SEIC Registration ($25/yr.)
  5. Purchase IDW/ICE Course – Instructor’s Notebook ($25)
  6. Knowledge of the ACA as an organization, the ACA Policy Manual and Paddlesports in general.
  7. Fundamentally, it is expected that the paddler should become an experienced sea kayaker in a variety of conditions, including rough water, before presenting themselves for assessment as an instructor candidate at the Open Water level.

Proficiency Standards:

  1. Competent in 3 - 5 ft. seas, 20 - 25 knot wind, 2 ½ - 3 ½ foot surf, 3 – 5 tidal current with waves. (Ability to paddle consistently with finesse, efficiency and mental tranquility, not just survive. As a CK Open Water Instructor, your maximum teaching conditions will be waves to 2 feet, winds up to 15 knots and groups kept within 1 mile from shore).
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model the basic paddle strokes; forward, reverse, forward and reverse sweeps, stern draw, rudder, draw and sculling draw, high and low braces, as well as the Bow Rudder, Stationary or Hanging Draw and Low and High Brace Turn Underway.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach, model, and perform basic rescue techniques; T-rescue, Rafted T, T-X Rescue and Paddle Float Self Rescue, both with and without a stirrup. Also have a working knowledge of other rescues – Scramble, Reentry and Roll (with and without a Paddle Float), All-In and Scoop, etc.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to consistently perform at least three rolls with one from a non-set-up position. Ability to perform a “demo” quality and shoulder safe roll and demonstrate ability to teach a minimum of one style of roll and have a working knowledge of others.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to paddle comfortably with grace and effeciency in surf, tide rips and rough water.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to perform rescues efficiently in rough water.
  1. Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe and effective instructor.
  1. Interpersonal skills and professionalism. Asset and ambassador to the ACA.

Proficiency Standards for CK Open Water Instructor (cont)

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to teach the following:
    1. Weather conditions important to the kayaker
    2. Hypothermia/hyperthermia prevention and treatment
    3. Signaling devices and safety equipment
    4. Boat traffic – rules of the road
    5. Kayak design and equipment
    6. Kayak towing techniques
    7. Wind, weather and waves
    8. Tides and currents
    9. Chart reading, compass reading and basic navigation
    10. Ferry angles
    11. Group formation and communication
    12. Surf zone characteristics and hazards
    13. Coastal features and hazards
    14. Safety issues and hazards of coastal kayaking

Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Candidates who successfully complete the Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification will be certified to teach the following courses: Quick Start, Introduction to Kayak, Essentials of Kayak Touring, CK Basic Strokes and Maneuvers, Kayak Rolling, CK Open Water Navigation and Touring, CK Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement, CK Surf Zone Skills and CK Tidal Current Skills. By attending the CK Introduction to Traditional Kayak Skills Endorsement, the Coastal Kayak Open Water Instructor will be eligible to teach this course as well.

Note: Open Water Certification cannot take place unless the conditions necessary for rough water assessment are present during the workshop. If the conditions listed above are not available, the only option is to conduct a Basic IDW and ICE.

ADVANCED OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION

Duration of Course:

  1. 12 To 16 hours for the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)
  2. Prerequisite: Open Water Instructor for two years. No IDW for AOW is necessary.

General Requirements:

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Successfully complete IDW and ICE series
  3. ACA member ($35 min/yr.)
  4. Pay SEIC Registration ($25/yr.)
  5. Knowledge of the ACA as an organization, the ACA Policy Manual and Paddlesports in general.
  6. Fundamentally, it is expected that the paddler should be a very experienced Open Water Instructor (2 years minimum) in a variety of conditions, including rough water, surf and tidal currents before presenting themselves for assessment as instructor candidate at the Advanced Open Water Level.

Proficiency Requirements:

  1. Competent in 4 - 6 ft. seas, 20 - 25 knot wind, 3- 4 foot surf, 3 – 5 tidal current with waves. (Ability to paddle with finesse, efficiency and mental tranquility, not just survive. As an AOW Instructor, your maximum teaching conditions will be seas to 5 feet, winds to 25 knots, surf to 4 foot, and currents to 5 knots).
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model launching and landing in mild surf.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model strokes in rough water.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model rough water towing.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to teach and model rough water rescue and techniques including; Back deck rescue, bow and paddle shaft rescue, self rescues, T-rescue variations, loaded boat rescues, etc.
  1. Demonstrate the ability to consistently roll in rough water, wind and surf.
  1. Demonstrate ability to paddle comfortably with grace and style in surf, tide rips and rough water.
  1. Demonstrate leadership and group management skills, experience and judgment necessary to be a safe & effective instructor.

AOW Instructor Candidates who successfully complete the AOW Certification will be certified to teach the above courses and the CK Rough Water Maneuvering and Towing and Rescues course. By attending the CK Introduction to Traditional Kayak Skills Endorsement, AOW Instructor will be eligible to teach this course as well.

Note: AOW Certification cannot take place unless the conditions necessary for rough water assessment are present during the workshop

STROKES AND SKILLS

X =MINIMUM SKILLS KAYAK INSTRUCTORS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPETENT IN           O =WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF

INTRO TO KAYAKING (IK)
ESSENTIALS OF KAYAK TOURING
BASIC COASTAL INSTRUCTOR

OPEN WATER
COASTAL
INSTRUCTOR

Forward – Touring

X

X

X

X

Forward - Power

O

O

X

X

Reverse

X

X

X

X

Stopping

X

X

X

X

Forward and Reverse Sweep – No edging

X

X

X

X

Forward Sweep and Reverse Sweep – With edging

O

O

O

X

Draw Stroke – In and out of the water recovery

X

X

X

X

Sculling Draw

X

X

X

X

Static or Hanging Draw (Sideslips)

O

O

O

X

Stern Rudder and Stern Draw

X

X

X

X

Bow Rudder

O

O

O

X

Low Brace

O

O

X

X

High Brace

O

O

X

X

Sculling for support

X

X

X

X

Low Brace Turn Underway

O

O

X

X

RESCUES

X =MINIMUM SKILLS KAYAK INSTRUCTORS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPETENT IN    O =MUST HAVE AN AWARENESS OF

INTRO TO KAYAKING (IK)
ESSENTIALS OF KAYAK TOURING
BASIC COASTAL INSTRUCTOR

OPEN WATER
COASTAL
INSTRUCTOR

Re-enter and Pump

X

X

X

X

‘T’ and ‘TX’ Rescue both with and without stirrup

X

X

X

X

Paddle Float (with and without stirrup)

X

X

X

X

Paddlefloat Re-entry Roll

O

O

X

X

Scoop

X

X

X

X

All-In

O

X

X

X

Bow/Stern/Paddle Rescue – (Eskimo)

O

O

O

X

Paddle Float re-enter and roll

O

O

X

X

Tandem Assisted and Unassisted

X

X

X

X

Hand of God

X

X

X

X

Rolling Abilities

O

O

1 from Set-up

3 from non-set-up

CONDITIONS
INTRO TO KAYAKING (IK)
ESSENTIALS OF KAYAK TOURING
BASIC COASTAL INSTRUCTOR

OPEN WATER
COASTAL
INSTRUCTOR

Flat water experience

X

X

X

X

Open Water experience

O

O

½ mile from shore

1 mile from shore

Up to 1 foot waves

X

X

X

X

Up to 2 foot waves

 

 

X

X

Up to 5 foot seas

 

 

 

X

Up to 3 foot surf

 

 

 

X

Up to 10 knot winds

X

X

X

X

Up to 15 knot winds

 

 

X

X

Up to 25 knot winds

 

 

 

X


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