ACA Raft Instructor Certification

ACA Raft Instructor Certification

Become An ACA Raft Instructor

Program Description

Prerequisites:

  • 18 years or older
  • Current ACA member in good standing
  • Able to independently complete all skills, activities, and rescues listed in the ACA Instructor Criteria documents.
  • Be able to effectively communicate, including effective verbal communication
  • Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently
  • Taking an ACA SWR class for further training on rescue is strongly suggested as is WFR or WFA at minimum.

It’s here! Sundance Kayak School proudly introduces our newest professional training course, the ACA whitewater rafting instructor certification workshop. The Whitewater Rafting paddle/oar course is designed for individuals interested in teaching the skills required to efficiently navigate a raft on rivers with class I-III rapids. This class is great for Trainers, guides, instructors, coaches, river parents, and anyone who likes to let their fellow boatman “take the sticks” once in awhile.

The course includes advanced river reading, safety considerations, and rowing techniques. We will explore a variety of teaching topics, including methods for teaching hard skills and for boating concepts. You will learn what goes into giving great presentations both on and off of the water and have opportunities to practice teaching skills. This is also a good time to hone your own personal rowing skills and technique.

You will be tested on your teaching ability, technical knowledge, and your ability to perform rescues and maintain safety as it applies to rafting classes. You will also be tested on your personal rafting style, modeling ability, and skill.

This class is tons of FUN! This is a great opportunity for personal paddling and instructional growth. In addition to developing your technical skills, candidates will also hone their “soft skills” in order to become a more perceptive and flexible teacher.

This class is designed to develop instructional and personal paddle/rowing technique, and to prepare you to teach the sport of rafting at the highest standard. It is about building great instructors and effective mentors. We emphasize safety and fun, while building creative progressions for success.

Length: 5 Days

Prerequisites: See Program Description

2025 Start Dates:
None at this time.

Contact us to schedule a course in your area!

Includes: Paddle Raft AND Rowing assessment. Raft and equipment not included (please inquire if you need these items).

Cost: $595
All prices per person are subject to a 3% Government Use and Service fee. Guide Gratuity not included in the price.

Itinerary

Day 1:
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Day 2:
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Day 3:
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Day 4:
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Don’t Take Our Word For It. Hear What Our Guests Have To Say!

In my years as a river guide and in my own trials at learning to kayak I have seen many go through the progression and take up a paddle. But learning how to kayak is not easy and can involve overcoming some very innate fears. Of all the teachers I have encountered none have so effectively turned that fear into fun as Sundance Kayak School.

Aaron B., Denver, CO

I recently spent a week on the Rogue River with Lori and JR from Sundance Kayaking school and it was AMAZING!!!! I’m looking forward to going on another kayaking adventure soon and hope to be able to learn more from them again!

Megan S., Los Angeles, CA
View My Story

My family loved every moment of our week long kayaking school. Not only did the wonderful and fun guides teach us how to kayak and roll, but we also established friendships and memories that I know will last for a lifetime. Thank you, Sundance! We can’t wait for our next trip.

Lauren K., San Francisco, CA

My instructors make maneuvering through challenging cross currents look effortless, but I have learned that there are no short cuts to doing so myself. Every time I enter a new rapid, I know a community of paddlers supports me.

Zoe L., Berkeley, California
View My Story

The guides and others created a FUN and safe environment that allowed me to get out of my comfort zone.  JR’s teaching is a combination of silly, serious and encompassed in a positive energy and a can-do spirit.

Charlie, Berkeley, California
View My Story

The experience was the highlight trip of my summer. I had been “making” it down the river, but that’s it. I felt like I was kayaking a bunch, but reached a point that I wasn’t getting any better. The instruction I received from your great group of instructors has been so helpful. They gave me so many techniques/paddle strokes to work on and they helped me with the bad habits I had developed. There wasn’t a single instructor that I didn’t think was great and enjoyable to be around, both on and off the water.

Angela W., Olympia, WA

Additional Information

Also check out the ACA Kayak Instructor Certification!

The ACA

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a worldwide organization, dedicated to promoting safety and education in paddlesports. It is the gold standard for kayak instruction in the country. ACA instructors enjoy member benefits through the ACA such as pro-deals, discounts, recourses, and access to affordable insurance for your classes. With this certification, you will have everything you need to start teaching classes for yourself. This is your opportunity to promote paddle sports, spread the love of kayaking, and have a job doing what you love!

Taking a Rafting instructor course is a way to take your personal boating to a whole new level – as you may know, perhaps the most effective way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. If you are already helping other people row, wondering “what is the next step in my own progression”, this is it. For more information about instructor certifications, or to register with the ACA, visit the ACA website at www.americancanoe.org.

Sundance Kayak School has been well known as a center for learning and cutting-edge instruction for almost 4 decades, and we are committed to leading the industry into the future.