ACA Coastal Kayak IDW or ICE (Level 3)

Description: Join Jeff Atkins and RiverCoast for an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) for ACA Level 3 Instruction.  Folks that have previously completed a Level 3 IDW may achieve their L3 Instructor Certification with this course serving as their Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).

NOTE:  COVID-19 is a viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets. It can cause a wide range of serious effects, including death. The disease can be transmitted by individuals who are not experiencing any symptoms, making it particularly difficult to control. Any contact among people introduces the risk of transmission including RiverCoast courses and events. As ACA Trip Leader or Instructor candidates, please understand ACA’s guidelines on COVID-19.  RiverCoast will adhere to these guidelines.  However, each participant must take responsibility for choices regarding participation in any and all activities.

Please note that an ACA Skills Assessment 3 is required prior to participation.  Please see Event Calendar or contact Lynne at [email protected] for assistance.  Lynne is planning a L3 Skills Assessment in late August or early September for those who sign up for the course.  Note that Jeff is leading a course in Texas the prior weekend for Skills and Assessment.

Description: Participants in the concurrent Level 3 (L3) Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) or Instructor Certification Evaluation (ICE) 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

For paddlers who are knowledgeable and comfortable in L3 paddling conditions, this course helps refine and improve the paddling and teaching skills at the IDW or ICE level.

Eligibility: To earn instructor certification, instructor candidates complete (a) a Skills Assessment at the appropriate level (L3) prior to (b) participating in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW). Then, instructor candidates demonstrate their ability to paddle and teach with appropriate safety and group management to certify through (c) an Instructor Certification Evaluation (ICE). In addition, please note American Canoe Association prerequisites and membership requirements. See ACA resources for becoming an instructor and for more detail for Level 3 Instructor. The L3 requirement for prior skills 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.

Instructor Candidates. This course may have a mix of ICE candidates (who have previously completed a prior IDW) and IDW candidates. In addition, current L3 certified instructors may use the course as an update. ICEs are offered at many places and dates with RiverCoast (https://rivercoast.com) planning a follow-up L3 ICE locally.  Watch the events page for updates!

Instructor Trainer: Led by Jeff Atkins, IT L3 Coastal Kayaking with assistance from Lynne Andrus (bio at “About Us”).  Jeff Atkins has over 25 years as a Park Ranger with South Carolina State and County Parks.  His experiences include instruction with the Outward Bound School throughout the USA.  Jeff is a Level 5 Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor and Level 3 Instructor Trainer IT) in Coastal Kayaking and Level 2 IT in Canoeing. In addition, he is a SUP Instructor, Wilderness First Responder and Leave no Trace Master Educator.  Jeff’s credentials are detailed on Jeff’s website at WavePaddler.com.

Friday – Saturday – Sunday:   September 25-26-27, 2020 at San Luis Pass (and other beaches, Intercoastal Canal, and Freeport Harbor, if meeded)

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.

Optional Room & Board.  Starting Friday night, home base for any classroom instruction (e.g., video, navigation) will be on-the-water in the Treasure Island subdivision. Depending on COVID concerns, a limited number of beds with breakfast and lunch daily may be available for $85 per night for Friday through Monday night.  Additional accommodations (private or shared room) may be available through 979 Vacation Rentals or VRBO.

Rentals & Nearest Airport: A limited number of quality sea kayaks (e.g., NDK) and paddles are available for recent.  Nearest airport is William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU) with possibility of car-sharing.

Contact:  Questions or clarifications?  Feel free to contact Lynne Andrus at River Coast.com using at [email protected], 512-917-0939 (cell/text) or 512-292-9968 (office).  Registration below. Note that lunch is included with registration.

 Projected Tides and station information at San Luis Pass available from NOAA.