Share the magic of whitewater with others.
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 Development Workshop through the American Canoe Association (ACA). This awesome 3-day experience is intended to prepare candidates for the follow up 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 three 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.
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 West Branch of the Penobscot River.
Weds, July 17th to Fri, July 19th
8 AM to 5 PM
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 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, 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 - $425
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.