American Canoe Association Whitewater IDW/ICE


Get trained and certified as an American Canoe Association instructor.

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>>How to Schedule Your Classes
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Step 1


Select the quantity of participants you want to register for a particular trip or class and click "purchase and enroll."
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Step 2


On the next screen enter your registration information. Review your order and click "Charge Credit Card" if everything looks okay. This creates a credit for you in our system. Your payment will be processed and you will be sent an email with your login information.
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Step 3


You should now have received 2 emails from us. Read the first email, "Potomac Paddlesports Account," and write down your username and password.
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Step 4


Using your username and password, log in to the website. You will be taken to your account page. In the "Schedule-at-a-Glance" window, click "Schedule My Trips/Classes".
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Step 5


On the scheduling tool page, under "Available," choose from among the available dates for your event. Doing so will add you to the roster for that trip or class. You must cancel or reschedule at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to the event or you will forfeit the trip or class.
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Step 6


Once you schedule yourself for a class, you will get a third email from us ("IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION"). This email contains a link to a PDF packet of information: Directions, list of equipment, waiver and medical form. Print out this packet and review it prior to your event.
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Step 7


If you registered more than one participant, forward the second email ("Purchase Confirmation/Gift Codes") to the other participant(s). This email contains a GIFT CODE and instructions. They MUST follow the instructions in this email and complete Steps 3 - 6 themselves.
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Step 8


Are you thoroughly confused? No problem. We're here to help! Give us a call and we can walk you through the process and answer any questions you have--the old fashioned way!
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ACA Whitewater Instructor Course
2011 IDW: : TBA
2011 ICE: : TBA
Location : Potomac River
Prerequisites : Class III whitewater skills

Click for additional registration information

Overview

The American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Training Courses are designed to provide experienced paddlers with the tools needed to share their skills with others. ACA Certification is a two-part process: the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) is an interactive learning/teaching exercise and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) is the formal evaluation of skills.

The IDW focuses on modeling effective instruction of the skills, knowledge, and techniques necessary for successful completion of the ICE (which is primarily an evaluation process). In other words, this first portion is designed to "teach you how to teach whitewater kayaking" and the second portion will test you on your ability to do so. Each candidate will be assigned basic teaching topics and instruction methods. The instructor trainer will then critique candidates on his or her presentation skills, general knowledge, and kayaking ability.

Certification is based upon both paddling and teaching skills and is not guaranteed. The instructor trainer (IT) makes the final determination of whether a candidate may be certified, and if so, at which level: Basic River, Whitewater, or Advanced Whitewater. NOTE: A half-day, pre-IDW workshop will be offered at no charge three weeks prior to the actual IDW/ICE, which will help prepare candidates for the training / certification process.

Special Note: Ben Lawry (pictured left) will be the Instructor Trainer for this event. Ben has been paddling for over 30 years, and teaching/guiding for over 20. He has taught paddling on five continents and competed on three. Presently he works as head instructor and owner of Kayak Camp with his wife, Elizabeth. He has led trips and traveled extensively in South America, South Africa, Europe and North America. Ben splits his time now teaching paddling and working with stores. His teaching also takes him to symposiums, shows and paddling rendezvous all over the United States. As a brand ambassador, he is involved with kayak design in sea, light touring and racing kayaks. All of which has led to an in-depth knowledge of instruction/guiding practices and procedures, strong commitment to quality service, as well as excellent organizational and problem solving skills. He enjoys competing in sprint, sea kayak, slalom, rodeo, marathon canoe and kayak, outrigger, surf ski and wildwater events.

Be Prepared!

Below are some products that we frequently recom-mend to our intermediate whitewater students. Have a look, and if there's anything else you need to make sure you're ready for your sessions on the water, we've got a ton of gear over in our online store! Check it out!

Astral Willis
 $148.95

Astral Bella
 $156.95



IR Shockwave
 $97.50

Sweet Strutter
 $219.00




Gift Cards
 $25 to $500

I would like to register participants, including me.  

I would like to purchase gift card(s) for this item.   

I have a gift code for this item.