ACA Certifications
American Canoe Association ( ACA ) founded in 1880 is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling as well as stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition, exploration, and recreation. The ACA is nationally recognized as the governing body for paddlesports. Instructor certification workshops are designed for individuals who want to teach flatwater, moving water, and/or white water in canoeing, kayaking, and/or standup paddleboarding disciplines.
As a member of the ACA, you join the ranks of tens of thousands of people who support safe, enjoyable paddling, and the protection of America’s recreational waterways. Click Here to learn about the tangible and intangible benefits of supporting the nation’s oldest paddlesport organization.
ACA Paddle Sport Safety
One Year Facilitator Certification - PSF
The Paddlesports Safety Facilitator (PSF) certification program teaches basic safety and paddling knowledge, as well as simple rescue skills for canoe, kayak, and SUP. The training for this certification includes a base knowledge module (non-craft specific) plus three complementary modules that focus specifically on canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling (SUP). This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddle craft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting
This program allows for the opportunity for Paddlesport Safety Facilitator Certification in canoeing, kayaking, and/or stand up paddleboarding (SUP). The training for this certification includes a base module (non-discipline specific) plus three complementary modules that focus specifically on canoeing, kayaking, and SUP.
Our 1-day certification course will be held in Waterbury Center, Vermont.
May 10th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please call for recommendations on lodging. (802) 253- 2317
ACA Kayak Instructor Certification Exam
Level I: Introduction to Kayaking & Level II: Essentials of River Kayaking
Fundamentally, we expect that participants have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification (Level 1) prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates at an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).
Our 3-day certification course will be held in Stowe, Vermont.
May 15th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
May 16th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
May 17th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please call for recommendations on lodging. (802) 253- 2317
ACA Canoe Instructor Certification Exam
Level I: Introduction to Canoeing
Fundamentally, we expect that participants have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification (Level 1) prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates at an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).
Our 3-day certification course will be held in Stowe, Vermont.
June 7th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
June 8th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
June 9th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please call for recommendations on lodging. (802) 253- 2317
ACA SUP Instructor Certification Exam
Level I: Introduction to Standup Paddleboarding
Fundamentally, we expect that participants have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification (Level 1) prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates at an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).
Our 3-day Certification course will be held in Stowe, Vermont.
June 11th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
June 12th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
June 13th, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please call for recommendations on lodging. (802) 253- 2317