Get the support and feedback needed to improve.
Evaluate your skills and identify next steps.
Expand your existing knowledge with new perspectives and approaches.
Discover where your paddling can take you next.
This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate your ability to perform all of the skills listed within the ACA’s Level 3 River Kayaking Curriculum. This course provides aspiring paddlers and potential instructors the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved this level of paddling proficiency. This course will inform what areas to work on in developing as a paddler personally and professionally. Candidates registering for this course should meet the essential eligibility requirements as outlined by the ACA.
The course will take place on the Kennebec River in Skowhegan, ME.
Topics include
Strokes & Maneuvers
Safety & Rescue
Swimming & Wading Skills
Boat based rescues
Throw Rope Skills
Technical Knowledge
This course is open to experienced river kayakers that meet the ACA’s essential eligibility requirements. This includes educators, program directors, program leaders, and enthusiasts.
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 Experience with OSI.
“I feel way more confident working with others on the water.”
“I came away feeling like a stronger paddler personally, as well as a better teacher.”
*Course Tuition - $195
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.