ACA Level 1-4: Whitewater Kayaking Instructor Certification Course (IDW & ICE)

General Requirements for all ACA Certifications:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Successfully complete the appropriate Instructor Certification Workshop (IDW & ICE)
• ACA membership including the Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC)
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of Paddlesports and the ACA

Maintenance Requirements:

• Teach at least two courses that meet ACA standards within the four-year certification period and report the results to the National Office
• Complete an Instructor Update, at the highest level of certification, during the certification period as required by SEIC policies and procedures.
• Maintain ACA membership and SEIC registration annually

This five day intensive course is for those looking to become a certified whitewater kayak instructor. The American Canoe Association is the governing body for kayak instruction in the USA. Candidates must first be members of the ACA. Must be a solid class III paddler with a solid roll for a Level 4 certification.

It is highly recommended that individuals flying in from out of state purchase travel insurance to safeguard against any unexpected trip interruptions or delays.

Locations, Dates, and Times:

All classes begin at 9am and end at ~5pm.

Colorado River, Dotsero, CO

Day 1
Topics:
Meet and Greet
ACA information
Learning Styles
Teaching Styles
 
 
Day 2
The Instructor Development Workshop (IDW). The IDW presents students with the skills and knowledge that are required to become an instructor.
Topics
- Introductions & Logistics
- Equipment
- The Wet Exit
- Fundamentals
- Strokes (Sweep, forward and stern draw)
- Maneuvering
- Lunch around noon
- Bow Rescues
- Bracing
- Rolling
- Wrap up
 
 
Day 3
The Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). The ICE is an opportunity for each candidate to demonstrate his/her proficiency in the presentation (logical progression) and demonstration (proper modeling) of the skills, knowledge necessary for certification.
Topics
- Introductions & Logistics
- Equipment
- Safety
- The Wet Exit
- Fundamentals
- Strokes (Sweep, forward and stern draw)
- Maneuvering
- Lunch around noon
- Bow Rescues
- Bracing
- Rolling
- Wrap up
 
 
Day 4
The Instructor Development Workshop (IDW). The IDW presents students with the skills and knowledge that are required to become an instructor.
- Introduction & Logistics
- Equipment
- Hydrology
- River Safety
- Maneuvering
- Eddy turn
- Ferry
- Lunch around noon
- Peel out
- Swimming
- Boat recovery
- Wrap up
 
 
Day 5
The Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). The ICE is an opportunity for each candidate to demonstrate his/her proficiency in the presentation (logical progression) and demonstration (proper modeling) of the skills, knowledge necessary for certification.
- Introduction & Logistics
- Equipment
- Hydrology
- River Safety
- Maneuvering
- Eddy turn
- Ferry
- Lunch around noon
- Peel out
- Swimming
- Boat recovery
- Wrap up

***For the ACA course that meets over 2 separate weekends, the first 3 days take place at Chatfield gravel pond in Littleton, CO. The remaining 2 days take place at Dotsero Landing, in Dotsero, CO.

***For the ACA course that is 5 consecutive days in a row, the meeting location is Dotsero Landing, Dotsero, CO.

Chatfield State Park

Open Directions (Google Maps)

For the 2017 - 2019 seasons, Chatfield is undergoing construction. Please check their website to guarantee that each entrace has access to the gravel pond.

www.chatfieldreallocation.org/construction

Entering the park from Wadsworth Blvd.:

After leaving the gate house off of take a right at the first stop sign.  Follow the main road about 1.8 miles south. You will pass a road on your right that goes to the horse stables.  The road will curve to the left and you will see the gravel pond on your right.  Take the next right turn on to a dirt road and follow it to a large parking lot. Class meets next to the large pond on the right.

Entering the park from N. Roxborough Park Rd.: 

After leaving the gate follow the main road for about 2.2 miles. You go past a campground and go over a river. After you cross the bridge make a left turn on to a dirt road and  follow it to a large parking lot. Class meets next to the large pond on the right.

The reservoir has a gate fee of: $8.00 or have a Season Pass. Due to parking issues at the gravel pont, this class begins at 8:30 am.

Dotsero, CO

Open Directions (Google Maps)

From Denver: Take I-70 to the Dotsero exit (exit 133), about 130 miles. After taking the off ramp, turn right onto the frontage road going west for about 100 yards. The meeting place is in a dirt lot on the right of the road named Dotsero Landing, immediately before you get to the Colorado River. If you cross the river you've gone too far. The dirt parking lot is on the upstream side of the frontage road next to the river. This class begins at 9am.

Camping options near Dotsero, Co:
Deep Creek Camp Sites
Directions from Denver: Take I-70 Exit 133 at Dotsero and turn north onto County Road 301 (Colorado River Road). Follow for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn at the National Forest Access sign onto Deep Creek Road. Go through private property for the first 2 miles until enter BLM. Campsites are marked along the road, as well as walk-in sites at the Coffeepot trailhead. White River National Forest access is further up the road. Be careful of trucks on road. Located 4.5 miles from Dotsero, CO

Upper Colorado River-Lyons Gulch Camp Site
Directions from Denver: Take I-70 Exit 133 at Dotsero and turn north onto County Road 301 (Colorado River Road). Follow road for 3.8 miles until site on right side with two parking areas. Located 4 miles from Dotsero, CO

Hotels options near Dotsero, Co:
The Hotel Glenwood Springs - Great for kids
52000 Two Rivers Plaza Rd
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 928-8188
www.thehotelglenwoodsprings.com

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Eagle
0075 Pond Road Eagle, CO 81631
(970) 328-8088
www.hiexpress.com

AmericInn Lodge & Suites Eagle
0085 Pond Road Eagle, CO 81631
(800) 634-3444
www.americinn.com