ACA Certification Pathways

The ACA offers different pathways to achieve certification, including as an instructor and as a leader for single day trips. Both are described on this page.

Instructor Certification Courses

The ACA instructor certification process:

Instructor Development Workshop (IDW): The IDW is designed to be a stand-alone learning experience and evaluation that will help prepare instructor candidates for certification .  During the IDW, candidates will be assessed on their personal paddling skills, ensuring core competencies and readiness for certification.  The primary focus of the IDW is the refinement of teaching techniques, skills and proper modeling of paddling strokes. This process should provide you with a benchmark from which to evaluate the level of your own skill/knowledge, and help you to identify those areas where you need work before attending the ICE.

Successful completion of an IDW is required in order to participate in an ICE. Successful completion of an assessment may also be required.

Instructor Certification Exam (ICE): The ICE is designed to evaluate instructor candidates as an instructor. Each candidate must be proficient in:

1) a general knowledge of paddling including the technical knowledge of coastal kayaking, equipment, the maritime environment and safety;

2) teaching ability; which includes the appropriate application of interpersonal skills, group management, modeling and feedback skills, the use of standardized terminology, technical understanding and the ability to break down skills and concepts into their component parts;

3) on-water skills, to include demonstrated proficiency in maneuvers, strokes, rescues, roll (L3), an acceptable level of comfort in variable conditions and an incorporation of the skills you will teach into your own paddling style.

Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW): An Instructor Certification Workshop is a combined IDW and ICE that happen jointly. All level 2 certifications are offered as an ICW, and at times, we facilitate level 3 as an ICW.

Ready to enroll?
Contact us to learn more and see if this is the right fit for you.

Before you sign up, make sure you’ve got:

  • Current first aid and CPR certifications (or ability to obtain)
  • ACA membership
  • Successfully complete the L3 assessment if enrolling in a level 3 course (contact us to arrange)
  • Review the appropriate Instructor Criteria below

Check out our course calendar or give us a call to get started.

Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring
Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

$450

October 9th – 12th, 2025

April 23rd – 26th, 2026

  • Deception Pass State Park at Bowman Bay, Anacortes
Level 3: Coastal Kayaking

$350

(Our IDW and ICE in October may combine into a five-day ICW, should enough people express interest)

IDW + Instructor Update: October 3rd – 5th, 2025

ICE + Instructor Update: October 17th – 19th, 2025

ICE + Instructor Update: April 17th – 19th, 2026

  • Deception Pass State Park at Bowman Bay, Anacortes
  • Prerequisites: ACA Level 3 Assessment

Leader Track Certification Courses

ACA Leader Certification Pathway equips paddlers with essential skills in leadership, trip planning, risk management, and rescue. Standing alongside the ACA’s well-established Instructor Certification pathway, this streamlined program is designed to empower new leaders and guides with a professional certification. With accessible entry points and a strong focus on decision-making, planning, and safety, the program empowers new leaders and guides to lead groups.

Community Paddlesports Leader

The ACA Community Paddlesports Leader offering is your entry point to leading on the water. Whether you’re seeking certification for work or club outings or simply want to share your passion for paddling with friends and family, the ACA Community Paddlesports Leader program provides a perfect blend of support, challenge, community, and play. Gain the confidence you need to safely and effectively lead day excursions on calm waters. You’ll dive into a dynamic learning experience that covers decision-making, communication, planning, risk management, and rescue solutions—all while having fun. Join us and develop the skills you need to become a confident and capable paddlesports leader.

The Community Paddlesports Leader program was created for:

  • Camps and outdoor nonprofit staff
  • Club, meetup, university, and park leaders
  • Casual paddlers who want to safely take their friends and family on outings

No courses scheduled at this time. Please contact us if interested in setting up this course for your organization.

Paddlesports Leader

The ACA Paddlesports Leader certification prepares you for a range of environments for short, mild outings to more challenging and adventurous day trips. This program dives into a dynamic learning experience that covers on-the-water management techniques, decision-making, communication, planning, risk management, and rescue solutions—all while having fun and exploring a range of natural environments.

The Paddlesports Leader program is helpful for:

  • Paddle club and meetup leaders
  • Camps, non-profits, and organizations offering technical day trips
  • University trip and program leaders
  • Guides working for outfitters

$350

September 6th – 8th, 2025
  • Deception Pass State Park at Bowman Bay, Anacortes
  • Prerequisites: ACA Level 2 or Level 3 Assessment

Assessment Courses

Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring

$150

  • Deception Pass State Park at Bowman Bay, Anacortes
Level 3: Coastal Kayaking

$150

  • Deception Pass State Park at Bowman Bay, Anacortes
Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking

$200

  • La Push

Other ACA Courses We Offer

Call for scheduling and pricing

Other Important Links

Want to schedule a private course?

We can facilitate updates and assessments for as little as one person, and ICW’s with a minimum of three. We also offer a discount to requests of four or more people.