Park Happenings

Event Details

Join Ranger Demetriou on Poplar Tree Lake at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for a comprehensive, two-day Instructor Certification Workshop designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater kayaking skills. This course combines the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) to prepare and evaluate candidates for official ACA Level 1 Instructor certification.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WORKSHOP CRITERIA

Course Details

• Dates: July 18 and July 19
• Times: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day (16 hours total)
• Lead Instructor: ACA Certified Instructor Trainer, Ranger ANDe Demetriou

Course Prerequisites

Before attending the workshop, all instructor candidates must meet the following entry requirements:

• ACA Membership: Must be a current member of the American Canoe Association. Join at https://americancanoe.org/join-the-aca/
• Skills Prep: Completion of the appropriate level skills course, assessment course, or possession of equivalent skills prior to the workshop. All instructor candidates are expected to know the information contained in this document: ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking Skills Course
• Code of Conduct: Understand and act in accordance with the ACA’s Code of Conduct.
• Essential Eligibility Criteria: Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC).
• Candidates must have their own kayak, lifejacket, paddle.

General Certification Requirements

To successfully obtain certification at the conclusion of the workshop, candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of paddlesports, the ACA, the ACA Instructor's Manual, and official ACA administrative processes (including course registration, waivers, and reporting).
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of teaching and learning theories (such as lesson progressions, presentation skills, and providing effective student feedback).
• Demonstrate strong group management, leadership, judgment, safety protocols, and interpersonal skills.
• Have and maintain venue-appropriate First Aid and age-appropriate CPR certifications.
• Register with the Safety Education and Instruction Council (SEIC) upon successful completion.

Technical Skills & Venue Expectations

Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to unassistedly perform, model, and teach flatwater paddling skills. Note: The use of spray skirts is not appropriate for Level 1 courses.

• Course Venue: Flat water protected from wind, waves, and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots, and within swimming distance of shore.
• Paddling Mechanics: Demonstrate boat stability, efficient biomechanics (posture, linkage, and rotation), and correct paddle placement (catch, power, recovery).
• Required Strokes: Candidates must teach and model fundamental maneuvers, including Forward, Back, and Sweeps (forward and reverse).

Certification Maintenance (Post-Course)

Once certified, instructors maintain their status over a four-year period by:

• Maintaining annual ACA membership and SEIC registration.
• Keeping CPR and First Aid certifications current.
• Teaching a minimum of two ACA-standard courses within the four-year cycle (reporting them through the ACA Course Management System), with at least one course at the Level 1 tier.
• Completing an official Instructor Update during the four-year period.