1. Welcome Instructor Trainers / ITEs:
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop Revised: February 2018
In a continuing effort to provide useful resources, this presentation was developed to assist you in certain aspects of conducting an Instructor Certification Workshop.
Feel free to use all or some of the slides (or add your own), and incorporate them appropriately into your individual certification courses. If you have a different method of appropriately conveying the following information, that is fine as well.
This powerpoint is a sample presentation and intended to be an additional resource for ITs and ITEs.
If you have suggestions for improving this presentation, please let us know.
Thank you for your continued support of the ACA and paddlesports.
SEI Department

2. Instructor Certification Workshop
Date:
Instructor Trainer(s):
Education. Recreation. Stewardship. Exploration. Competition.

3. Who is the ACA?
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Founded in 1880, the American Canoe Association (ACA) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing EDUCATION related to all aspects of paddling; STEWARDSHIP support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport COMPETITION, EXPLORATION and RECREATION.

4. ACA History 1880: Established on August 3rd by twenty-three
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
1880: Established on August 3rd by twenty-three
notable canoeists on Lake George, NY
1903: Purchased Sugar Island in Canada
1927: Incorporated in NY
1944: Women given the right to vote in ACA
1979: ACA Slalom & Wildwater Teams win
World Championships!
1980: Susan Chamberlin is the first woman to be
elected Commodore
1990’s: Clean Water Act enforcement (24 cases)
2004: Strategic Tenets of the ACA defined
2008: Founded the National Paddlesports Conference
2010: Rapid Media becomes official magazine partner
2014: Hosted the inaugural Adaptive Paddling Summit
2017: Became the National Governing Body (NGB) for the Olympic
sports of slalom and sprint, and the Paralympic sport of paracanoe 4

5. Education National Paddlesports Instruction Program
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
National Paddlesports Instruction Program
Safety Education & Instruction Council
Youth Development Program
Extensive Paddlesports Safety Education Information
Courses: Skills, Assessments, Certifications, Endorsements,
and Paddlesport Safety Facilitator

6. ACA Instructor Certification Program
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Established 1972
8,500 certified Instructors – 250 certified Instructor Trainers
Canoe (Touring, FreeStyle, River)
Kayak (River, Coastal, Surf, Sit-on-Top, Prone, Surkski)
Raft
Safety & Rescue
Adaptive Paddling
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
(Flatwater, Whitewater, Surf, Coastal, Yoga)
Estimated 809,000 students taught annually

7. Stewardship Water Trails Database L.L.Bean Stewardship Grants
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Water Trails Database
L.L.Bean Stewardship Grants
Environmental Film of the Year
Local, Regional & National Initiatives
Founding Member - Outdoor Alliance
Enhance water quality
Support local waterway access projects

8. Recreation Support over 4,000 yearly events
The ACA & YOU!
Support over 4,000 yearly events
Promote paddlesports events across
the nation
Sanctioned over 200 races
Provide insurance for club events and festivals
Support the development of new initiatives for paddlesports recreation opportunities

9. Competition – Olympic & Paralympic
The ACA & YOU!
The ACA is the National Governing Body (NGB) for the Olympic paddlesports of canoe slalom and canoe sprint and the Paralympic sport of Paracanoe. Both disciplines include events for both canoe and kayak.

10. Competition – International Canoe Federation
The ACA & YOU!
The ACA is recognized by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) for the non-Olympic paddlesports of:
Whitewater Freestyle
Ocean Racing (Surfski)
Marathon
Wildwater
Canoe Polo
Dragon Boat

11. Competition Outrigger FreeStyle Canoeing Canoe Sailing Canoe Poling
The ACA & YOU!
Outrigger
FreeStyle Canoeing
Canoe Sailing
Canoe Poling
Open Canoe Slalom
Collegiate Canoe & Kayak Championship Race Series
Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver
Youth Races

12. Topic 1 Topic 2 Topic 3 What’s New at the ACA?
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Topic 1
Topic 2
Topic 3
Additional info can be found online or in the latest issue of Paddle eMagazine 12

13. Paperwork & Procedures
ACA Instructor Certification
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Paperwork & Procedures

14. Terminology ACA – American Canoe Association
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
ACA – American Canoe Association
SEI – Safety Education & Instruction Department
SEIC – Safety Education & Instruction Council
IDW – Instructor Development Workshop
ICE – Instructor Candidate Exam
ICW – Instructor Certification Workshop (IDW & ICE)
U – Instructor Update
END – Instructor Endorsement
IT – Instructor Trainer
ITE – Instructor Trainer Educator

15. To Become Certified: Upon Certification:
Instructor Certification Requirements
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
To Become Certified:
You must be at least 18 years old
Be or become a full member of the ACA
Acquire the ACA Instructor’s Manual
Successfully complete an IDW & an ICE at the appropriate level
Upon Certification:
Register with the SEIC ($25)

16. Exhibit good judgment & group management
Instructor Certification Requirements (con’t.)
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Instructor Candidates must be able to demonstrate their proficiency at each level in:
Technical knowledge
Paddling ability
Teaching ability
Rescue ability
Exhibit good judgment & group management
Exhibit positive interpersonal skills

17. Attendance does not mean Certification
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
At the conclusion of an ICE, an Instructor Candidate can either:
Pass (receive certification at a certain level)
Be Continued (must address specific deficiencies prior to receiving certification: an appropriate course of action will be developed with the facilitating Instructor Trainer)
Fail (must retake either the IDW or ICE, or both)
An Instructor Candidate continued at one level can be awarded a lower level of certification if earned. (Aka an Instructor Candidate can earn a Level 1 certification in a Level 3 certification course)

18. Instructor Maintenance Requirements
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Instructor Certification is valid for 4 years provided:
Maintain annual ACA Membership & SEIC Registration
Teach & properly report at least two classes with at least one being at your highest level of certification
Successfully complete an Instructor Update
Instructors should obtain and maintain appropriate first aid, and CPR training
Please note: Certifications expire on 12/31 of the fourth full year
after your initial certification, then every four years thereafter
provided maintenance requirements are met.

19. Instructor Updates
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Complete one of the following options every 4 years:
Complete a formal Instructor Update course
Co-teach and IDW or ICE with an IT or ITE
Co-teach a skills course, at your highest level of certification, with an IT or ITE
Take an IDW or ICE in your discipline at your highest certification level
Take an Endorsement (must have SEI pre-approval as on as only certain endorsements qualify as an Update)

20. Five(5) Types of Courses
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Skills
designed to expose and develop participants skills, offered in all disciplines and at all levels
Skills Assessments
participants must successfully complete a checklist of skills in order to receive a skills assessment credential from the ACA
Certifications
Instructor Certification Workshops (ICWs) are offered in all paddlesports disciplines (Instructor Criteria)

21. Five(5) Types of Courses
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Endorsements
 a certified ACA Instructor can become endorsed to teach additional, specialized courses
Paddlesports Safety Facilitator
 designed primarily for staff from paddling outfitters, guide services, and livery businesses. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting.

22. Paperwork – Skills Courses
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Skills Course Registration Forms
- Calendar
- Insurance
Skills Course Report Forms
- Skills Course Report Form
- EZ Skills Course Report Form
- Online & Smartphone Reporting!
($, Original Signed Waivers)

23. Paperwork – Assessment Courses
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Assessment Course Registration Forms
- Calendar
- Insurance
Assessment Course Report Forms
- Assessment Course Report Form
Must include Roster
Students must be ACA members to receive credential
- Online Reporting!
($, Original Signed Waivers)

24. Additional Topics: ACA Instructor Manual
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
ACA Instructor Manual
SEIC Policy Manual (revised version 2/10/16)
Instructors can teach the body of knowledge contained within the respective course outlines
always has the up to date, currently approved course outlines

25. Additional Topics continued:
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
If possible, report all courses taught, not just the required two
Participation Cards for students
Comprehensive Instructor Resources can be found at:
Other: _____

26. What is my extra $25 SEIC Registration for?
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop 26

27. What is my extra $25 SEIC Registration for?
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Office Support
National Paddlesports Instruction Program management
Grant Projects
Curriculum development
Outreach at events & conferences nationwide
Represent paddlers interests to various organizations
and regulatory entities
Educational Resources
Canoeing – Human Kinetics
Kayaking – Human Kinetics
Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart Curriculum
Paddling 101 (Award Winning)
Know Your Limits
Infographics
Coastal & River Kayaking Wall Charts
Paddlesports Safety DVDs & Videos
Waterproof Paddlesports Placards
For more information, visit

28. Learning Theory ACA Instructor Certification
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Learning Theory

29. Characteristics of an Effective Instructor
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Knowledge of Paddlesport
Enthusiastic
Program Organization
Positive Attitude
Physical Setting
Ability to Model Effective Technique
Leadership Ability and Good Judgment
Appropriate Equipment
Ability to effectively convey knowledge to a range of students

30. How to Teach a Skill Prepare and Motivate
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
1. Sell It
Prepare and Motivate
Create in your students a receptive attitude and a desire to learn a skill

31. How to Teach a Skill Prepare and Motivate
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
1. Sell It
Prepare and Motivate
Create in your students a receptive attitude and a desire to learn a skill
2. Show It
Presentation, Demonstration
Arrange in such a way that the students can easily follow

32. How to Teach a Skill Prepare and Motivate
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
1. Sell It
Prepare and Motivate
Create in your students a receptive attitude and a desire to learn a skill
2. Show It
Presentation, Demonstration
Arrange in such a way that the students can easily follow
Do It
Application, Practice
Make use of group, partners, and individual methods of class organization according to the type of skill, size of class, and types of learners

33. How to Teach a Skill Prepare and Motivate
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
1. Sell It
Prepare and Motivate
Create in your students a receptive attitude and a desire to learn a skill
2. Show It
Presentation, Demonstration
Arrange in such a way that the students can easily follow
Do It
Application, Practice
Make use of group, partners, and individual methods of class organization according to the type of skill, size of class, and types of learners
Use It
Follow up, Adaptation
The law of use and disuse states that a skill which is used frequently becomes habit

34. Teaching Techniques Whole part Whole Demonstration / Modeling Lecture
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Whole part Whole
Demonstration / Modeling
Lecture
Reciprocal
Role Playing / Scenarios
Progression
Guided Discovery
Teachable Moment
Others…

35. Factors that Affect Learning
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Physical Characteristics
Age
Motivation
Fear
Environmental Concerns
Intellectual Development
Personality
Communication
Others…

36. Different Learning Styles
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
The Thinker
The Doer
The Watcher
The Feeler
Combinations
Others…

37. Lesson Plans / Outlines
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Why?
They help you organize and arrive prepared
Demonstrates a level of professionalism
Keeps you and the course focused on a progression of events
Allows you to look back to see what worked, what did not, and what was actually covered

38. Lesson Plans / Outlines
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
How?
Set out goals for a particular unit, section, or module
(remember “known to unknown”)
Create an Outline
(Area you plan to use, equipment needs, key topics to cover)
Include:
Sell the topic
Presentation
Demonstration
Practice
Review

39. The 6 P’s Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Prior
Proper
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance

40. General Information continued
ACA Instructor Certification
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
General Information
continued

41. ACA Instructor Certification
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop

42. Paddlesports Participation – Trends in the Industry
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Paddlesport participation is at it’s highest levels in the history of the sport.
The paddlesport community needs to expand it’s entry level education opportunities for paddlers.

43. ACA Leadership Academy
Oklahoma City, OK August 24-30, 2018
As part of the ACA’s leadership role in the paddlesports community, we have transitioned to the new ACA Leadership Academy to target all facets of the paddlesports community.
This brand new program will have educational tracks for paddling
clubs, competition disciplines, the SEIC, retail store employees, as well as whitewater and flatwater paddling opportunities.
The new ACA Leadership Academy will take place in conjunction with Paddlesports Retailer.

44. Connect
The ACA & YOU!

45. Thoughtful Quote:
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
YOU are the decisive element in an ACA course.  It is YOUR personal approach that creates the climate.  It is YOUR mood that makes the weather.
As an ACA instructor YOU possess tremendous power to make a student’s paddling experience miserable or joyous.  YOU can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.  You can humiliate, humor, hurt or heal.  In all situations it is YOUR response to student failure and success that determine whether or not a student leaves YOUR course a safer, better paddler, happier, more committed to the sport or depressed, angry and likely to give up paddling.
YOU have great power. Use it wisely.
Adapted by Mark Molina from Kids Don’t Care What your Know Until They Know
That You Care by Dr. Hiam Ghott

46. Personal Contact Information
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Insert Your Personal Contact Information Here:

47. Insert Regional Information Here:
Pertinent Regional Information
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop
Insert Regional Information Here:
For example, area clubs and other organizations contact information

48. Canoe • Kayak • SUP • Raft • Rescue
Contact Information
The ACA & YOU!
ACA
Canoe • Kayak • SUP • Raft • Rescue
503 Sophia St. Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
[fax]

49. Blank Slide
ACA Instructor Certification Workshop