Please register with our partners at ACE Adventure Resort using the link to the right.

Join Instructor Trainer Candidate Kevin Terrell and Instructor Trainer Educator Elisha McArthur for these ACA Instructor Certification courses. ACA Instructors come from a variety of backgrounds with different goals but reach similar outcomes through the certification process. First, there are the bits of knowledge and experience shared by fellow candidates. By seeing things from another perspective, we can deepen our understanding of paddling and its associated skill sets. Second, the Instructor Trainers will provide a proven set of instructional best practices. These educational models will give you a framework that allows for the addition of your own creativity and personality. Third, ACA Instructors have access to a slew of benefits. Whether you want to run your own courses utilizing ACA insurance or get great equipment at unbeatable prices with exclusive pro-deals, being an ACA Instructor is for you!

All courses include:

• PRIMITIVE CAMPING AT ACE ADVENTURE RESORT (ADDITIONAL LODGING OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL FEES)
• TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM RIVER LOCATIONS
• ALL RAFTS, FRAMES, OARS, PADDLES, AND OTHER GROUP EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MED KIT
• WET-SUIT RENTAL AVAILABLE
• LUNCH (TYPICALLY DELI OR BBQ SANDWICH BAR WITH SIDES; NOTIFY US OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OR DIETARY RESTRICTIONS AT BOOKING)

Participants need to bring:

• A $40 ACA MEMBERSHIP (+$30 SEIC DUES ONCE THE COURSE IS COMPLETED) IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATION.
• PERSONAL COMPUTER OR OTHER DEVICE FOR COURSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ASSIGNMENTS
• APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND GEAR FOR THE SEASON AND WATER TEMPERATURE (45-60* F)
• PERSONAL RESCUE GEAR INCLUDING PFD, HELMET, THROW ROPE, CARABINERS, WHISTLE, KNIFE
• A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN

L5 INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM (UPGRADE)

The American Canoe Association (ACA) L5 Advanced Whitewater Rafting Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) – Paddle & Oar is for current ACA L4 instructors interested in becoming L5 Instructors while refining the skills required to instruct and efficiently paddle and/or row a raft on rivers with class I-IV rapids. All candidates for this intensive 2-day course should possess and be able to demonstrate all skills and concepts listed on the Instructor Criteria and Sample Skills documents (see below). Instructor candidates may choose to be a candidate for only the paddle or oar certification.

Rivers: New, Gauley, Cherry, Meadow (up to class IV)

Dates: August 10-11, 2025

Price: $400 (includes camping at ACE Adventure Resort)

Meals: Lunch is provided each day of instruction

Prerequisites: 2+ years experience as a L4 Instructor; ACA membership dues ($40); Current first aid and CPR certifications; Experience on class III-IV whitewater; Completion of an ACA, Rescue III, or similar swiftwater rescue course within the last 3 years

Additional Costs: ACA Safety, Education, and Instruction Council (SEIC) dues ($30) upon completion of the course to receive your certification(s); any upgraded lodging costs (book ahead)