ACA Kayak Certification

Become an ACA-certified kayak instructor. Multiple sessions offered throughout the season — find the dates that work for you.

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ACA Kayak Instructor Class

Level: Advanced
Includes: Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE), on-water demos, lectures, peer feedback, video analysis
Duration: 40+ hours (4 days)
Pricing: Starting at $650

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Minimum Age

18+ — call to confirm

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Adventure Level

Advanced / Instructor

Overview

<img decoding="async" width="138" height="17" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="ACA Kayak Certification 1" title="ACA Kayak Certification 2" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw== 1w" sizes="(max-width: 138px) 100vw, 138px" class="wp-image-2277 ewww_webp" data-src-img="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png" data-src-webp="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png.webp" data-srcset-webp="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png.webp 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png.webp 20w" data-srcset-img="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png 20w" data-eio="j"><noscript><img decoding="async" width="138" height="17" src="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png" alt="ACA Kayak Certification 1" title="ACA Kayak Certification 2" srcset="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png 20w" sizes="(max-width: 138px) 100vw, 138px" class="wp-image-2277">

This intensive program prepares participants to develop paddling expertise and achieve certification as a whitewater kayak instructor. The course emphasizes technical knowledge, teaching methodologies, personal skill development, and safety practices in swiftwater environments.

Certification has two components: the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) for foundational skills, and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE), where candidates demonstrate proficiency in skill presentation and demonstration.

Quick Facts

<img decoding="async" width="138" height="17" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="ACA Kayak Certification 1" title="ACA Kayak Certification 2" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw== 1w" sizes="(max-width: 138px) 100vw, 138px" class="wp-image-2277 ewww_webp" data-src-img="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png" data-src-webp="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png.webp" data-srcset-webp="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png.webp 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png.webp 20w" data-srcset-img="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png 20w" data-eio="j"><noscript><img decoding="async" width="138" height="17" src="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png" alt="ACA Kayak Certification 1" title="ACA Kayak Certification 2" srcset="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png 20w" sizes="(max-width: 138px) 100vw, 138px" class="wp-image-2277">

40+ hour program combining on-water and classroom instruction
Two components: IDW and ICE
Sets the industry standard for paddle sports instruction
Multiple sessions offered throughout the season
Prior kayaking experience expected

What You Bring

Sturdy footwear
Quick-drying or breathable clothing (no cotton!)
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Notebook for course materials

What We Provide

Kayak
Paddle
PFD (personal flotation device)
Helmet
Course materials
ACA lead instructor

Photo Gallery

<img decoding="async" width="138" height="17" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="ACA Kayak Certification 1" title="ACA Kayak Certification 2" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw== 1w" sizes="(max-width: 138px) 100vw, 138px" class="wp-image-2277 ewww_webp" data-src-img="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png" data-src-webp="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png.webp" data-srcset-webp="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png.webp 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png.webp 20w" data-srcset-img="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png 20w" data-eio="j"><noscript><img decoding="async" width="138" height="17" src="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png" alt="ACA Kayak Certification 1" title="ACA Kayak Certification 2" srcset="https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3.png 138w, https://www.zootownsurfers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/line-3-20x2.png 20w" sizes="(max-width: 138px) 100vw, 138px" class="wp-image-2277">

Zootown Surfers - Private River Instruction

The staff of Zoo Town Surfers is pictured at a bar holding pool sticks and drinks. They are with the (former) owner Jason Shreder.

5 Zo Tow Surfers guides are seated on a raft trailer behind our shuttle bus outside of headquarters. They are smiling and wearing safety gear including blue helmets and orange PFDs.