L2 River Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop (IDW/ICE)

Share the joy of river kayaking and moving water. This workshop develops moving water skills and teaching technique. Develop the paddling and teaching skills necessary to become an American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 2 Essentials to River Kayak Instructor. This three day class will allow students to develop the skills necessary to teach and demonstrate the paddling skills necessary for success on moving water. To read more about class offerings check out the classes page.

Day 1 focuses on the flow of a River Kayak class, providing an overview of required kayak equipment, stroke mechanics and rescue techniques to ensure you are equipped for safe paddling on calm lakes and slow-moving rivers. Day two develops teaching techniques and learning styles with a focus on water safety and rescue. It includes plenty of time to practice paddling and teaching skills. Day 3 will further develop and demonstrate the skills required for teaching on moving water. We will get on the water each day paddling various sections of the San Marcos River including Rio Vista and the Tom’s Rapid to Sculls sections.

River Kayak Instructor Candidate Information

Review the course outline for Essentials of River Kayak that you will be certified to teach on the ACA website prior to class to prepare for candidate qualification. Qualifying candidates must meet the ACA requirements outlined in the Instructor Criteria

Instructor candidates must have completed an Introduction to Kayaking class or participated in a Paddlesport Safety Facilitator session. Reach out by email to grace.arianoutsos@gmail.com to schedule time to be considered for this class.

Final River Kayak Instructor certification will be granted to those successfully demonstrating the paddle strokes, safety techniques and teaching skills. Certification at the time of class is not guaranteed, a continuance is possible with a path to completion provided.

River Kayak Specific Skills

After this class Instructor Candidates will be able to demonstrate the ability to teach and model the following moving water skills and techniques in addition to the basic kayak paddle strokes. Basic safety and rescue skills will also be covered.

RIVER KAYAK SKILLS

• Eddy turns
• Peel outs
• Ferrying across a river
• Front ferry with control
• Duffek turning stroke