Share your passion for whitewater.
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 3 & 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor Certification Exam through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This 2-day practical exam serves as a follow up to the 3-day Instructor Development Workshop. Candidates registering for this course need to have completed an instructor development workshop and must meet the essential eligibility requirements as outlined by the ACA. To learn more about the instructor certification criteria visit the ACA’s link.
The course will take place over two consecutive days on the West Branch of the Penobscot River:
Mon, Aug 12th - Tues, Aug 13th
8 AM to 5 PM
This course is open to experienced whitewater kayakers that meet the ACA’s essential eligibility requirements, have completd a Level 3 / 4 Instructor Development Workshop, are are ready to complete a Level 3 or Level 4 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, Level 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, registered Maine Guide, BICP Mountain Bike Instructor, and a Wilderness First Responder.
In 2016 he helped found the Outdoor Sport Institute (OSI), a non-profit organization committed to helping people make human-powered outdoor recreation an integral part of their lives and communities. He works full time as the executive director for OSI.
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 though I knew how to teach.”
“I came away feeling like a stronger paddler personally, as well as a better teacher.”
*Course Tuition - $300
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, approximately 45 minutes from Millinocket, ME. We are happy to recommend camping and lodging options.
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.