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 COURSE IS FULL**
This is a Level 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor certification course through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This awesome 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. 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 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 five consecutive days on the West Branch of the Penobscot River.
Weds, Aug 4th - Fri, Aug 6th -
8 AM to 5 PM
Instructor Development Workshop
Sat, Aug 7th - Sun, Aug 8th
8 AM to 5 PM
Instructor Certification Exam
Topics include
Teaching & Learning Theory
Understanding fundamental skills & techniques in whitewater kayaking
Strokes, maneuvers, bracing, and rolling
Hydrology
Effectively working with beginner and intermediate 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 experienced whitewater kayakers that meet the ACA’s essential eligibility requirements, and are ready to pursue a 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 - $595
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 & The OSI Community
Our mission is to help people make human-powered outdoor sports an integral part of their lives and communities. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization.
The OSI Community is a peer-driven network for individuals whose interest in outdoor sport fits into one or more of the following areas –
Pursuing outdoor sport personally
Teaching and mentoring others
Building capacity for outdoor sports in their community
Through the OSI Community members can access online and in-person instruction, a growing online resource library, and a network of peers to connect with and share ideas.
Join for free HERE.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@outdoorsi.org.