|
ACA Instructor Certification 
Instructor certification is broken down into two components:
The Instructor Development Workshop (IDW), and the
Instructor Certification
Evaluation (ICE).
The IDW is taken first so that candidates can absorb,
practice and refine the lessons learned and be evaluated in an ICE taken
at a later time.
Our current schedule
reflects:
Two day course: Intro to Paddling IDW/ICE
Three day course: Basic Coastal Kayak IDW
Three day course: Basic Coastal Kayak ICE
Three day course: Open Water IDW
Three day course: Open Water ICE
Three day course: Instructor Update
Three day: Advanced Open Water ICE
Students from different levels will be attending the workshop and
evaluation at the same time. This allows paddlers to each other to broaden the spectrum of learning. The candidates
from the two day courses may elect, with consent of the instructor trainer,
to sit in on the last day of the Open Water IDW and ICE sessions to see
what is expected of them in the future and as practice students for Open
Water and Advanced Open Water candidates to instruct.
The Instructor Development Workshop
The Intro, Basic and Open Water Coastal Kayak IDW is designed to be a
stand-alone learning experience that will help prepare you for the ICE.
Experienced paddlers who do not desire certification are welcome to take
advantage of this excellent training opportunity. The focus of the workshop
is on the refinement of teaching and paddling skills and on expanding
your knowledge of sea kayaking and paddle sports in general. You will
be given instruction on all strokes and maneuvers that you later will
be expected to teach if you elect to attend the ICE. We will use videotape
review and critique to assist you in your learning process, both on water
and off. This process should provide you with a benchmark from which to
evaluate the level of your own skill and knowledge, and help you to identify
those areas where you need work before attending the ICE.
Prerequisites:
Intro to Coastal Kayak candidates should have training equal to ACA Level
1 and 2
Basic Coastal Kayak candidates should have training equal to ACA Level
1 through 3
Open Water candidates should have training equal to ACA Level 1 through
4
The Instructor Certification
Evaluation
The Intro, Basic and Open Water Coastal Kayak ICE is designed to evaluate
the instructor candidate regarding their skills as an instructor at the
level of their certification. Each candidate must be proficient in:
1) a general knowledge of paddle sport; to include the technical knowledge
of coastal kayaking and equipment with elements of history and safety
2) teaching ability; which includes the appropriate application of interpersonal
skills, task/group management, modeling and feed-back 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, braces, rescues, towing and the Eskimo roll, an acceptable level
of comfort in variable conditions and an incorporation of the skills you
will teach into your own paddling style.
Prerequisites:
all levels must have taken an Instructor Development Workshop
Although not required by the ACA, we recommend ACA Level 1 through 4 assessment.
Participant Responsibilities
You will need to do some academic preparation. You will be assigned academic
topics for classroom,
on-water and on-land presentations. A list of suggested reference sources
for this information will be provided in your course packet.
Your greatest challenge will be to sort through all
the information available, decide what is most relevant, then present
it in an interesting, organized way within the given time constraints.
When possible, you should make your presentations "experiential"
in nature. Use activities, visual aids or other methods to engage your
audience through as many sensory channels as you can. It's true the old
proverb "What I hear I forget. What I see I remember. What I do I
understand."
1) Research the topic using whatever resources you have
available.
2) Prepare an outline of your presentation. Fax or e-mail your outlines
a couple of weeks ahead of the course date just to confirm that you are
on track.
3) Practice giving your presentations before you arrive. It is the only
sure way to know if your 15-minute presentation is really a 20 to 30 minute
one that will carry over into someone else's time.
4) Use the "intro, - three main points, -conclusion" method.
Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what
you told them.
Finally, you might put some thought into preparing yourself
for the process of giving and receiving feedback. After presentations,
instructor candidates will be evaluated on the content (information presented)
and process (teaching technique, style, etc.) of their lesson. This is
designed to facilitate the growth of the candidate as an instructor. You
will be asked to provide accurate and meaningful feedback to others, and
to receive the same from them.
The Open Water IDW is not a course for beginners, but
you are NOT required to be a master sea kayaker to attend. You must possess
a reliable roll to complete the Open Water ICE, but a roll is not required
to attend the IDW. Do not spend excess time attempting to "get in
shape" for the workshop. Save your body for when it counts, and focus
your energies later when you know more about what you need to focus them
on.
What To Bring
Sea Kayak w/ proper flotation (front and rear bulkheads are highly recommended)
Paddle float and bilge pump
Primary paddle and a spare
Deck Compass (ICE)
First Aid Kit
Boat Repair Kit
Spray skirt
PFD
Dry suit and/or wet suit (cold water periods only)
Tow system
Signal Devices
Emergency Equipment: emergency shelter, storm cag, whistle, bivvy bag,
windproof lighter, thermos with a hot drink (or the ability to make a
hot drink), emergency food
Water Bottle
Appropriate footwear
Notebook and pen(s)
Waterproof shell top and rain/paddling pants
Change of casual clothes for classroom time
Workshop Times, Costs, and Other Considerations
The Course will begin at 8:00 am at Sea Kayak Georgia, 1102 Hwy 80 Tybee
Island, GA 31328.
The course fee is $400 for the three-day Open Water
IDW and $400 for the three-day Open Water ICE.
The course fee is $400 for the three day Basic Coastal Kayak Instructor
IDW and $400 for the three day Basic Coastal Kayak Instructor ICE.
The Intro to Padding Instructor IDW/ICE course is 2 days for $270.
A number of reference materials and charts of the local area will be available
for your use. There will be boats available for anyone flying.
The fee does not include membership in the ACA, ($40)
and the Safety Education & Instruction Committee ($25), the required
ACA Instructor Manual or materials for construction of your visual aids.
Payment in full is required to reserve a space in workshops and evaluations
and is non-refundable. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Once your payment and reservation have been made we will send you a copy
of the course syllabus, topic assignments, etc.
We do travel to other destinations to run courses when invited by a host
organization. Please contact us regarding pricing and details.
|
