ACA Coastal Kayak ICW (Level 2/3) in California

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  • CK ICW - Level 3
     August 21, 2024 - August 25, 2024
     08:20 - 17:30

ACA LogoJoin Jeff Atkins and RiverCoast for an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) for Level 2/3 Instructor.

Please note that an ACA Level 3 Skills Assessment is required prior to participation. The required Level 3 assessment helps ensure that candidates are prepared so that the course can be focused on refining paddling, teaching, and group management skills in a supportive and fun environment.  A current Level 3 ACA Instructor can complete the checkoff with you.  Interested in Level 2 only – contact us!

Description: Participants in the Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) complete a Level 3 (L3) Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) followed by an Instructor Certification Evaluation (ICE).  Instructor Candidates demonstrate knowledge and ability to efficiently/effectively plan and implement appropriate instructional sessions and assessments for different learning styles and ability levels, to include:

  • Differentiation of instruction based on the individual learner (student centered)
  • Use of an appropriate skills progression when teaching complex skill sets
  • Selection of appropriate teaching venue based on ability and desired outcomes
  • Focus on core principals rather than specific technique
  • Provide appropriate, specific and meaningful feedback

Eligibility: To earn instructor certification, instructor candidates complete (a) a Skills Assessment at the appropriate level (L3) prior to (b) participating in an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW).  In addition, please note American Canoe Association prerequisites and membership requirements. See ACA tabs for Coastal Kayak for the criteria for both  Level 2 and Level 3 Instructor.  Note the evaluator’s checklist for Level 3 is linked here from the end of the Assessor’s Guide and Field Grid tab.

Course Leaders: Instructor Trainer Jeff Atkins from WavePaddler.com (bio below) with assistance from Lynne Andrus and Paula Scotney Castle (bio at “About Us”).

After a successful career as a Park Ranger, Jeff is now retired from public service, but continues to work as an outdoor industry professional. He loves coaching and leading trips. As an Instructor for the NC Outward Bound School, he leads expeditions around several parts of the USA. Jeff also holds several certifications including Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and Coastal Master Naturalist for SC. Paddlesports is his passion and he loves to spread the “infectious” recreation activity to others. He believes in having fun and helping others to expand their confidence and skills by while learning. “There is nothing like the feeling of seeing a person smile because they just did something they didn’t think they could do”.

Jeff’s ACA Certifications:

  Canoe, Coastal Kayak, Kayak, Touring/Freestyle Canoe
  12/31/2023
  12/31/2022
  Canoe, Coastal Kayak, Kayak, SUP, Touring/Freestyle Canoe
  12/31/2019
  12/31/2022
  4/1/2017
  5/3/2016

Wednesday – Thursday – Friday – Saturday – Sunday:  August 21 –  25, 2024 with venue near McKinleyville including Mad River, California coast, and area bays and lakes (as dictated by conditions).  Starting Wednesday, home base for any classroom instruction (e.g., video, navigation) will be at a VRBO house on Mad River.

Course Conditions : Level 3 conditions include lakes or coastal waters with constant access to safe landing and within 1.5 nm from shore and at least three of the following four conditions (for assessment): · 10 – 15 knot winds · 1 – 2 foot waves (chop) (0.3 – 0.6 meters) · 1 – 2 foot surf (0.3 – 0.6 meters) · 1 – 2 knots of current. Note – Requisite conditions are required to complete an IDW or ICE level. If conditions are not safe or available, students may opt to return for assessment at a mutually convenient date and venue.

Course Waivers: Please review in advance the ACA/RiverCoast waiver as all paddlesports can be risky.  Please contact Lynne (see info below) if you have any questions or clarifications or trouble accessing any links or other information that you may need.  Please feel free to contact your legal counsel in advance before signing this waiver.

Rentals & Nearest Airport: A limited number of quality sea kayaks (e.g., NDK) and paddles are available for rental during class. The Eureka/Arcata Airport (ACV) is a regional airport located about 16 miles (20 minutes) north of Eureka.  According to websites:

  • It is currently served by United Airlines & Avelo.
  • To ensure a rental car is available, please reserve in advance.

Nearest Major Airports & drive times to Eureka:

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 284 miles – 5.5 hours drive time
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK) 285 miles – 5.5 hours
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) 290 miles – 5.5 hours
  • San Jose Airport (SJC) 316 miles – 6 hours

Contact:  Questions or clarifications?  Feel free to contact Lynne Andrus ([email protected]) or Paula@ RiverCoast.com or office phone 512-292-9968.  We are alerted immediately if you leave a message and call back if not immediately, then within 24 hours. Registration below.

 Projected Tides and station information are available for Eureka from NOAA.

Venue:  

Description:

We have rented a cabin on Mad River and participants will have day access to the private property and the surrounding grounds with beach access to the Mad River bank and bluffs overlooking the Pacific ocean. Guests will also have access to the locked garage where some supplies can be stored during the class.