Basic Coastal Certification is for the candidate that will be teaching students basic strokes and rescues and leading groups up to a half mile off shore in mild conditions. Candidates usually have experience paddling in mild to moderate conditions.
The first phase of the certification program is the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW). Here you will actually learn the techniques for teaching kayaking and develop the skills you will need to pass the Instructor Certification Exam. Emphasis will be placed on effective modeling of skills, presentation techniques, and safety. After the IDW, candidates will move onto the second phase of the program: the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). Here candidates will be tested on their ability to teach and model basic strokes and rescue techniques; their knowledge of more advanced rescues; their ability to perform a reliable roll, paddle comfortably, and perform efficient rescues; as well as their ability to teach other safety topics. Finally, all candidates must demonstrate leadership, group management skills and sound judgment in order to certify as instructors. Certification is a decision made by the instructor trainer and is not guaranteed.
A Basic Coastal Instructor can also get endorsements to teach Traditional Kayak and Kayak Rolling.
Instruction Level : L1–L2
Lead Instructor : Tom Nickels (ACA L-4, IT/BCU 4* CL3)
Guest Instructor : TBA
Local Outfitter : Potomac Paddlesports
Location : Spa Creek / Mayo Beach
Prerequisites : Sea Kayak Starter Package (or equivalent)
2019 Dates :
Duration : 3 days
Time : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
ACA Basic Coastal IDW/ICE
"I was very impressed by your well organized and prepared class subjects, clear explanation for every individual step, allowing enough time to practice/perform things taught, the excellent ratio of instructor to student, providing friendly environment to interact with instructors and outstanding leadership."
Potomac Paddlesports is proud to be an award-winning, charter ACA Pro School.