In collaboration with the ACA National Office, the SEIC Board and the RAC are excited to offer Multi-Craft Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor Updates in 2024.

These instructor updates will be formatted:

• 1 day for current updating instructors

• 2 days for expired instructors to be re-certified via an ICE (this is a special circumstance approved by SEIC)

Mike Aronoff, along with several other Instructor Trainer and Instructor Trainer Educators have been selected to provide these multi-craft updates. This is an opportunity for current instructors as well as those whose certifications have expired to be updated. Visit www.americancanoe.org for more information or email MIke at mike@ckapco.com.

In collaboration with the ACA National Office, the SEIC Board and the RAC are excited to offer Multi-Craft Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor Updates in 2024.

These instructor updates will be formatted:

• 1 day for current updating instructors

• 2 days for expired instructors to be re-certified via an ICE (this is a special circumstance approved by SEIC)

Mike Aronoff, along with several other Instructor Trainer and Instructor Trainer Educators have been selected to provide these multi-craft updates. This is an opportunity for current instructors as well as those whose certifications have expired to be updated. Visit www.americancanoe.org for more information or email MIke at mike@ckapco.com.

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

This course will be conducted by Don Rice, an Instructor Trainer Candidate being mentored by Mike Aronoff, ITE. For additional information contact Don at (360)681-4190 or email drice@olypen.com, or contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by emailing mike@ckapco.com for additional information.

The L2 River Canoe Skills Workshop will consist of two days of specific training in River Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management. We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

The course venue will be on moving water on rivers up to and including class I sections.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for more information or questions.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, and Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” . We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water. L1 Candidates must attend the first 2 days’ L2 candidates the entire 4 days.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may be used to update or upgrade certifications. Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

For more information please contact Mike at (703) 850-1257 or by email to mike@ckapco.com.

The L2 Essentials of River Kayaking course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on gentle moving water rivers, with up to class 1 rapids . Basic ferrying, peel outs, eddy turns, river reading, wading and rescues are covered.

The L3 River Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings. Class 1 and class II rapids. Goals are: being able to demonstrate and teach ferrying, eddy turns, basic surfing and more ,along with wading, unpinning and more advanced rescues

• Safety: To safely paddle on whitewater, perform self rescue and respond to emergencies that arise. 

• Enjoyment: To become aware of paddling opportunities and the rewards of lifetime participation in paddling. 

• Skills: To help people acquire the skills to safely and enjoyably paddle a kayak on L1/L 2 whitewater.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This instructor certification workshop will be for both skirted and non-skirted kayaks to L2 and skirted kayaks to L3. The ICW may also be used to update or upgrade current certifications.

Contact Mike Aronoff at mike@ckapco.com or (703)850-1257 for more information or to register.

L3 River Canoeing Course Overview: The River Canoeing course is for canoeists interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle on rivers with Class I rapids by catching smaller eddies, making sharp peel outs and effective ferries. Participants at this level aspire to attain a high level of canoeing skills, improve the quality of their strokes and maneuvers, and increase their river rescue knowledge. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted versatile or whitewater tandem and/or solo canoes. It can be taught tandem, solo, or both

The instructor certification workshop enables qualified paddlers to teach skills workshops at the same level. Participants must possess the requisite skills and eligibility requirements to enroll.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for additional information or questions

Course Overview: We expect Paddlesports Safety Facilitators (PSF) for the Canoe Module to be able to effectively maneuver their canoe, and demonstrate competent rescue techniques.

This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. This module is to be taught in conjunction with the Paddlesports Safety Facilitator General Knowledge Module. Facilitators are encouraged to report all Paddlesports Safety classes taught while certified. This is a 4 year, nonrenewable certification

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for additional information or questions.

The L2 Essentials of River Kayaking course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on gentle moving water rivers, with up to class 1 rapids . Basic ferrying, peel outs, eddy turns, river reading, wading and rescues are covered.

The L3 River Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings. Class 1 and class II rapids. Goals are: being able to demonstrate and teach ferrying, eddy turns, basic surfing and more ,along with wading, unpinning and more advanced rescues

• Safety: To safely paddle on whitewater, perform self rescue and respond to emergencies that arise. 

• Enjoyment: To become aware of paddling opportunities and the rewards of lifetime participation in paddling. 

• Skills: To help people acquire the skills to safely and enjoyably paddle a kayak on L1/L 2 whitewater.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This instructor certification workshop will be for both skirted and non-skirted kayaks. The ICW may also be used to update or upgrade current certifications.

Contact Mike Aronoff at mike@ckapco.com or (703)850-1257 for more information or to register.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach Canoe paddlers to teach safely and enjoyably canoeing on lakes , bays and other calm protected flatwater settings. L1 Candidates must participate in the first 2 days. L2 Candidates will participate in all 3 days.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates. An additional day preceding the course to review canoe paddling strokes and maneuvers can be available.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for registration or if you have any questions.

Course Overview: The Introduction to Paddling course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals in public, private, and commercial settings. This course is designed for canoe instructor certifications

Fundamentally, we expect that participants have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification (Level 1) prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

Camping may be available. Please call Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for any questions or interest.

This progressive Instructor Certification Workshop will consist of five days of specific training in River Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management.

L1 Introduction to Canoeing and Essentials of River Canoeing: We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

L2 River Canoeing Course Overview: The River Canoeing course is for canoeists interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle on rivers with Class I rapids by catching seddies, making peel outs and effective ferries. Participants at this level aspire to attain a base level of canoeing skills, improve the quality of their strokes and maneuvers, and increase their river rescue knowledge. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted river or whitewater tandem / solo canoes. You may certify as tandem, solo, or both.

L3/L4 Whitewater Canoeing Course Overview: The Whitewater Canoeing course is for canoeists interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle on rivers with Class II to III rapids by catching smaller eddies, making sharp peel outs, and effective ferries. Participants at this level aspire to attain a higher level of canoeing skills, improve the quality of their strokes and maneuvers, and increase their river rescue knowledge. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted whitewater tandem and/or solo canoes. Certification can be tandem, solo, or both.

Students who participate for all 3 days and who meet ALL ACA criteria, may be awarded the ACA L1 River Canoe Instructor certificate. Those who participate in all 4 days and who meet all ACA criteria, may be awarded the ACA L2 River Canoe Instructor certificate. Those who participate in all days and meet all ACA criteria may be awarded the ACA L3 or L4 certificate. This workshop will be co-led by Brendan Fitzpatrick, ACA L4 Instructor Trainer. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development and/or updates. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for details.

This workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, . We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may be used to update or upgrade certifications. Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by emailing mike@ckapco.com for additional information.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instructional techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Please review what is on the ACA website under Coastal Kayak Curriculum

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others , while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To participate in the L3 ICW, you must have been formally assessed at that level unless you are upgrading from L2.

Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, and Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” . We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water. L1 Candidates must attend the first 3 days’ L2 candidates the entire 4 days.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may be used to update or upgrade certifications. Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

Training Overview: The L2: EKTTL training is designed to expose candidates to the skill-set required for leading paddlers in protected waterways. While this is not a teaching award, a L2: EKTTL should also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them through the environment. This training course is intended to be followed by an assessment course.

Assessment: The purpose of the Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip Leader (L2: EKTTL) program is an assessment process for individuals who intend to lead other paddlers, either recreationally or professionally, in protected waterways. The emphasis of the Trip Leader program is on leadership. Successful completion of the assessment will provide evidence of the candidate’s technical skills and confirm their knowledge, understanding and ability to plan and implement trips, for a wide variety of abilities, in environments up to and including L2: KTTL conditions. Overview: For successful completion of the L2: EKTTL assessment, an individual must demonstrate technical proficiency, trip planning, group management and leadership skills in the L2: EKTTL venue. While this is not a teaching award, an L2: EKTTL must also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them through the environment.

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 for more information or if you have questions.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instructional techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topics specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water. L1 Candidates must attend the first 3 days’ L2 candidates the first 4 days and L3 candidates all 5 days.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may be used to certify, update or upgrade certifications. Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach Canoe paddlers to teach safely and enjoyably canoeing on lakes , bays and other calm protected flatwater settings. L1 Candidates must participate in the first 2 days. L2 Candidates will participate in all 3 -4 days tbd.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates. An additional day preceding the course to review canoe paddling strokes and maneuvers can be available.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Tandem canoes may be rented on site. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for registration or if you have any questions.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may be used to update or upgrade certifications. Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update and will be conducted with Co-Lead Instructor Steven Henkind. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by emailing mike@ckapco.com for additional information.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instructional techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Please review what is on the ACA website under Coastal Kayak Curriculum

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others , while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To participate in the L3 ICW, you must have been formally assessed at that level unless you are upgrading from L2.

Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

This workshop is available for new certifications and updates. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for more information.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions.

This Instructor Certification Workshop will consist of three days of specific training in River Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management. We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

The course venue will be on moving water on rivers up to and including class I sections.

Students who participate for all 3 days and who meet ALL ACA criteria, will be awarded the ACA L2 River Canoe Instructor certificate. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for details.