Share your passion for kayaking.
Improve your skills as a paddler.
Help others unlock their potential.
Refine your ability to teach, coach, and lead on the river.
This summer the Outdoor Sport Institute is offering two different opportunities for river-based kayak instructor certification through the American Canoe Association (ACA).
Level 2 Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor Certification
August 5th - 7th, 2026
This is a Level 2 Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor certification course through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This awesome 3-day training includes a 2-day Instructor Development Workshop and a 1-day Instructor Certification Exam. Candidates registering for this course should meet the essential eligibility requirements outlined by the ACA, and be prepared to meet the ACA’s Level 2 Instructor Criteria or the Level 2 Sit-on-top Instructor Criteria.
*Course Tuition - $575
Level 3 & 4 Whitewater Kayaking Instructor Certification
Instructor Development Workshop: Wednesday Aug 12th - Friday, Aug 14th
Instructor Certification Exam: Thursday, Aug 20th & Friday, Aug 21st
This is a Level 3 & 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This 5-day experience is comprised of a 3-day Instructor Development Workshop and a 2-day Instructor Certification Exam. Candidates registering for this course should meet the essential eligibility requirements as outlined by the ACA, and must complete a Level 3 Skills Assessment with a certified instructor prior to participating. This course is a full five days of learning, teaching, and sharing concepts around whitewater kayaking and student development. To learn more about the instructor certification criteria visit these links: Level 3 Criteria & Level 4 Criteria.
*Course Tuition - $725
Throughout these certification courses candidates will focus on developing the following areas -
Technical Knowledge
Teaching Ability
Paddling Skills
Safety Awareness and Risk Management
Interpersonal Skills
These courses are open to kayakers that meet the ACA’s essential eligibility requirements, and are ready to pursue certification at their level of comfort and proficiency.
Register and pay securely online. We stand by the education we provide. If you’re not satisfied with your experience, we’ll refund your money. It’s as simple as that.
*Food & lodging are not provided as part of the course tuition. These courses will take place on the river, approximately 45 minutes from Millinocket, ME. We are happy to recommend camping and lodging options.
Check Out What Others Have Said About Their ACA Instructor Certification Experience.
“I feel way more confident working with others on the water.”
“It was awesome to share ideas and gain new perspectives on things I already thought I knew how to teach.”
“I came away feeling like a stronger paddler personally, as well as a better teacher.”
The Outdoor Sport Institute & Our Community
Our mission is to empower active, resilient outdoor communities. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization. Through OSI you can access resources, support, and a network of peers to connect with and share ideas.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@outdoorsi.org.