Courses

Each of the 5 tracks will be led by a nationally recognized American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator.  An Auxiliarist who is also a qualified ACA Instructor will assist in teaching up to 10 participants on each track.  

The ACA has recently released “Smart Start for Safe Paddling,” a holistic suite of learning materials to teach core paddling principles that keep paddlers safe on the water. Our program will draw heavily on the Smart Start program, along with the ACA Level 2 Essentials of Kayak Touring curriculum.

Track A: Essentials of Kayak Touring, ACA Level 2 Skills

This course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings. Stand Up Paddleboard training included. No prior kayaking experience required for this introductory track.

ACA Instructor Trainer: Bev Cosslett

Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Michelle Stoddard

Track B: Essentials of Kayak Touring, ACA Level 2 Skills Refinement and Assessment

Applicants must have some experience with the strokes, maneuvers, rescues and other skills as outlined in the ACA Essentials of Kayak Touring curriculum. The course is not intended to teach participants these skills for the first time. Rather, to refine and hone the skills with the goal of assessment by the conclusion of the course. Stand Up Paddleboard training included. 

ACA Instructor Trainer Educator: Jeff Atkins

Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Caroline Kotras

Track C: Essentials of Kayak Touring, ACA Level 2 Instructor Certification Workshop

Become an ACA L2 Instructor and teach others the skills you have mastered. This class is intended to refine skills and build instructional competencies. Applicants should have a commitment to teaching and prior assessment of their L2 Kayak touring skills. Participation does not guarantee certification.

ACA Instructor Trainer Educator: Ashley Brown

Auxiliary/ACA Instructor Trainer Candidate: Roland McDevitt

Track D: Facilitator Training, ACA Smart Start for Safe Paddling

Hands-on instruction and practice based on topics in the Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator’s Guide. Who should apply? Anyone engaged in paddlecraft safety outreach on land or on the water, including state boating agency outreach specialists, state park staff, and Coast Guard Auxiliarists committed to public outreach. Prior on-water paddling experience is helpful but not required. Expect to become a more effective promoter of paddlecraft safety, learn some new skills, make new friends from around the country, and, most of all, have fun! We plan to paddle on the lake at the park and on nearby coastal rivers with sit-on-top kayaks, touring kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. 

ACA Instructor Trainer: Scott Szczepaniak

Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Chris(tine) Howe

Track E: ACA Level 2 Instructor Development/Update, with focus on Assessing Skills
Participants must be currently qualified ACA Instructors. The focus of the course is to develop instructors’ knowledge, skills and abilities. There will be a strong emphasis on developing instructors’ skills to assess students. Stand Up Paddleboard training included.
May include Incident Management training with Instructor Scott Brown, and assets and personnel from Coast Guard Sector / Station Charleston and Air Facility Charleston.

ACA Instructor Trainer Educator: Josh Hall

Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Joey Taguding