INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
How to Prepare for the Course:
Look over the enclosed packet. Be sure to print and bring the ACA course outlines* and note anything that you have questions on. The most current outlines are available on the ACA web page (www.acanet.org). Read and be familiar with all the web site information and the SEIC Manual, course report forms, insurance guidelines, Divisions/DIFs etc..
*(Understand that if you seek to certify at Basic River Canoe, and are successful, you will be certified to teach ACA Courses : Smart Start, Quick Start, Intro, Essentials and Basic. All of those outlines become important. It is necessary to know what not to teach at levels below your "Cert."
Be in good physical condition. The days are long and full.
Come with an open mind.
Bring any Canoe books/materials that you feel will be helpful in preparing your presentations.
Prepare teaching and presentation aids.
Write up your two presentation outlines and be ready to give a 12-minute talk on any one of them. [make them handouts for the class ?]
Make sure your personal paddling gear and attire is in proper working condition.
The class starts on time, whether you are there or not. Arrive ahead of time to give yourself plenty of time to unload and prepare your boat and equipment.
What to Bring:
Bring all of your personal equipment, including appropriate boats and accessories to be on and in the water. Particularly for the ICE, it is assumed that Instructor Candidates will own or have access to, all the appropriate equipment for their desired level of certification, or may be able to rent from us by prearrangement. We do have top end boats and gear available.
Bring a folding chair or something to sit on and a notebook and pencil.
Lunches will be working lunches, so bring a bag lunch that is simple and quick.
Include lots of snacks and fluid.
While we will try to build in some time for relaxation in the evening and only work a 9-10 hour day, be prepared to spend evenings involved in classroom presentations, group study, video review, etc., as necessary. We may have a group pizza working dinner or two.
ACA membership number and SEIC membership should be done before the class.
While certification is the goal of most candidates, it should be emphasized that becoming certified as an ACA instructor is a learning process. Instructor candidates come to IDW’s and ICE’s with a wide range of prior paddling instruction and teaching experience. We hope this course will be educational and fun for students at either end of the spectrum. Candidates are encouraged to arrive at the IDW and/or ICE with an open mind and to look at this process as part of a journey, If certification is your desired destination, pay attention to the journey and don’t get discouraged if it takes you longer than others. Remember certification is just as valuable, whether it takes you two months or two years to complete the requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the class, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or phone.
We look forward to working with you to meet your objectives.
Bring all of your personal equipment, including appropriate boats and accessories to be on and in the water. Particularly for the ICE, it is assumed that Instructor Candidates will own or have access to all necessary equipment (or rent from us), including outfitted canoe, helmets, tow systems, web slings, throw rope, appropriate for yoyr level of certification
Contact us for available equipment and Boats.
Minimum Gear Required:
Canoe [with flotation for ww, optional otherwise]
PFD*
Paddle* and spare
Clothing suitable for the conditions (Wetsuit and/or Drysuit, etc.)
Whistle
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with strap
Water (at least 3 quarts per day)
Food
Hat
Folding Chair for Breaks
Pencils and Paper
Reference Materials
Additional Recommended Gear
(Participants in the IDW do not have to have the items listed below. If you are going for certification (ICE) it is expected that you either own or have access to the following equipment.
Accessible Spare Paddle*
Knife
Throw bag/rope
Personal First Aid Kit
Sling*
Helmet for Intro - (Optional) WW required*
*means we have some available for discounted rental or sale