Tracks
Each of the 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-B: Essentials of Kayak Touring, ACA Level 2 Skills and Assessment (Select Track B on the application form.)
Beginner and intermediate kayak skills development: This course will teach participants the strokes, maneuvers, rescues and other skills necessary to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean, and other flatwater settings. No prior experience is required. Participants meeting the requirements will be awarded the ACA Smart Start award, and an optional ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Skills Assessment will be offered. A successful assessment satisfies many of the requirements to become an AUXPAD Paddlecraft Operator. An introduction to Stand-up-Paddleboarding and kayak fishing safety will be included.
ACA Instructor Trainer: Bev Cosslett
Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Michelle Stoddard
Track C: Essentials of Kayak Touring, ACA Level 2 Instructor Certification Workshop
This track already has a waiting list--please consider another track.
Become an ACA L2 Instructor and teach others the skills you have mastered. This class is intended to refine skills and build instructional competencies for participants who have already demonstrated ACA L2 skills. 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, and Kayak Instructor Certification
Hands-on instruction and practice based on the ACA Smart Start for Safe Paddling Facilitator’s Guide and the NASBLA Presenter’s Guide to Paddlesports Safety. 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 have fun in a stress-free environment! We plan to paddle on the lake at the park and on nearby coastal rivers with sit-on-top kayaks, touring kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Individuals meeting the requirements will be recognized with the ACA Smart Start Facilitator award, and certification as a Level 1 Intro to Kayak Instructor. Hone your ability to influence paddlers’ behaviors in the Mighty Track D!
In response to overwhelming demand, this Track has been expanded to two groups:
Group 1
ACA Instructor Trainer: Scott Szczepaniak
Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Chris(tine) Howe
ACA Instructor: Geoff Chambers
Group 2
ACA Instructor Trainer Educator: Jeff Atkins
ACA Instructor Trainer Educator: Robin Pope
Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Caroline Kotras
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. Level 2 Instructors meeting the requirements will be awarded an instructor endorsement to allow them to teach and certify the Smart Start award.
ACA Instructor Trainer Educator: Josh Hall
Auxiliary/ACA Instructor: Joey Taguding