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 is a Level 2 Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor certification course through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This awesome 3-day experience is comprised of 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. This course is a full three days of learning, teaching, and sharing concepts around river kayaking and student development. To learn more about the Level 2 instructor certification criteria visit the ACA’s link.
Throughout this course candidates will focus on developing the following areas -
Technical Knowledge
Teaching Ability
Paddling Skills
Safety Awareness and Risk Management
Interpersonal Skills
The course will take place over three consecutive days on the Kennebec River in Skowhegan, ME.
Thurs, June 27th & Fri, June 28th -
8 AM to 5 PM
Instructor Development Workshop
Sat, June 29th
8 AM to 5 PM
Instructor Certification Exam
Topics include
Teaching & Learning Theory
Understanding fundamental skills & techniques in river kayaking
Strokes, maneuvers, bracing, and rolling
Hydrology
Effectively working with beginner paddlers to refine their skills
Managing groups on and off the water
Safety, risk management, and rescue skills
Refining personal paddling skills and techniques
This course is open to kayakers that meet the ACA’s essential eligibility requirements, and are ready to pursue a Level 2 certification.
Meet your Instructor Trainer.
Mike Smith has had a career teaching, playing, and learning in the outdoors for over 20 years. He has worked as a whitewater kayak instructor in the US and abroad, a raft guide, sea kayak guide, wilderness canoe trip leader, ski coach, backcountry ski instructor, and even spent a bit of time wrenching at a bike shop for a couple years (though he’ll be the first to suggest you have someone else tune your bike).
Mike is an ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor Trainer, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, registered Maine Guide, BICP Mountain Bike Instructor, and a Wilderness First Responder. His passion, however, is in helping people discover new possibilities in themselves and their communities through the outdoors.
It’s this focus that has defined his career and lead to the co-founding of the Outdoor Sport Institute in 2016. Mike has spent over 15 years working with schools, non-profits, businesses, land managers, and local governments to find creative and sustainable solutions to enhancing human-powered outdoor recreation. A dedicated teacher, Mike brings the lens of leadership development to all OSI’s efforts. He understands the value of investing in relationships, and the tenacity required to truly build local capacity.
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.”
*Course Tuition - $625
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. This course will take place on the river in and near downtown Skowhegan, ME. We are happy to recommend camping and lodging options.
Our hosting partner for this training is Skowhegan Outdoors.
This course will be held on the Kennebec River near the Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp in Skowhegan, ME.
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.