Re: [Paddlewise] Instructor ratings

WILAX_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> I have seen references to various instructor ratings (BCA, ACA ???). I have
> an interest in checking out these rates as a road to getting more involved in
> instructing.  Does anyone have any insight?  Do you have to go away to a
> remote part of the world for years learning secrets of the trade or is it
> possible to get a rate while still holding a job?  Websites?  East Coast
> schedules? Fun vacation/learning getaways?

Website: http://www.acanet.org and click on instruction

The ACA certified in flatwater and WW canoe, WW kayak, safety/rescue,
coastal kayak, freestyle, perhaps more. The usual pattern is an
Instructor Development Workshop (50 hours over 3 days) to orient you to
ACA-style instruction and generally assess your abilities, then an
Instructor Certification Exam (again 50 hours over 3 days) to make you
demonstrate your technical paddling ability, knowledge of the sport, and
ability to teach, both on and off the water. 

I've done 2 (WWOC and CK) as a student and was Assistant Inatructor
Trainer for another WWOC, all without taking a leave of absence. I was
tempted to take my CK ICE with Roger Schumann in Monterey (remote part
of the world if youy live in Georgia), but practicality and $$ prevailed
and I did it with Dale Williams at SEa Kayak Georgia.

The price can vary. If a club sponsors it, as Georgia Canoeing
Association has, it can be as low as $150. My CK cert cost me $600, as
it was geared to profesional outfitter instructors.

Fun getaways: Ray McClain has been known to do an instructor course at
his outpost in Costa Rica. Only for WW OC/Kayak so far, I think.

Steve
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