ACA Coastal Kayaking Certification Courses
Adventure Challenge offers ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor
Development Workshops (IDW) and
Instructor Certification Examinations (ICE)
at different times throughout the year. Our next courses will be held in the
spring of 2000 in Virginia Beach, VA.
The complete ACA certification process is broken down into two components: the Instructor
Development Workshop and the Instructor Certification Examination. Participation and
successful completion in each of these is necessary to receive your ACA Certification.
These workshops are designed to provide in-depth teaching experiences related to classroom
instruction, dry land instruction, and on-water instruction in coastal kayaking.
The IDW focuses on modeling effective instruction of the skills,
knowledge, and techniques necessary for successful completion of the Instructor
Certification Workshop (which is primarily an evaluation process). In other words, this
first portion is designed to "teach you how to teach coastal kayaking". Each
candidate will be assigned basic teaching topics and instruction methods. Each person will
then be critiqued on the basis of his or her presentation skills as well as the knowledge
and skills necessary for certification. At the end of the workshop, each individual will
be advised as to his or her readiness for entry into the ICE. Because of the amount of
material to be covered, class each day will be from 8am until approximately 10pm.
The ICE is designed to evaluate each instructor candidate regarding
their overall skills as an instructor. Each candidate must be proficient in: 1.) general
knowledge of canoesport plus the technical knowledge of Coastal Kayaking 2.) teaching
ability, which includes physical skill modeling ability, technical understanding,
standardized terminology, and logistical management 3.) people skills and 4.) general
paddling mode at all times. Note that participation in the ICE does not guarantee
certification. Because of the amount of material to be covered, class each day will be
from 8am until approximately 10pm.
It is important to realize that since these workshops are offered with only two days
separating them, each candidate must be fully prepared prior to participation (this will
be an intense training). Instructor candidates must spend time refining their personal
paddling skills. Essential in this process is the awareness of modeling techniques as well
as the breakdown of the skills into their components for effective presentation and
coaching.
Both of the courses will be offered in Virginia Beach, VA. The cost for the IDW is $350
and $250 for the ICE. If you are not already a member of the ACA you must become a member
to receive an ACA Certification. We will have membership forms available at the course.
The ACA membership fee is not included in the course fees. Registration with
Adventure Challenge is complete when you have returned you questionnaire, course fees
(check, MC, or Visa, and have received a confirmation from Adventure Challenge. There will
be sea kayaks and basic equipment (PFD, paddle float, bilge pump, paddle) available for
you if you are not able to bring them with you. The air and water temperatures in this
area in March - April will be cool (possible lows of 45 degrees, highs of 60 degrees) so
bring the appropriate clothing and equipment that you will need. There are several hotels
and campgrounds within 15 minutes of where the courses will originate. The hotel we plan
to work out of has ocean front rooms for $30 per night. If you are interested in sharing a
room with someone, I can pass that information on to others. The rooms have two double
beds and splitting the cost brings it down to $15 per night per person, about the same
price as camping. Meals can be taken care of individually or the group may elect to pool
resources and buy and prepare meals together. Meals are not included in the course fees.
Please contact us if you are interested in registering for the course or have any questions. info@adventurechallenge.com
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Richmond, VA
ph: (804) 276-7600
e-mail: info@adventurechallenge.com
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ph: (804) 276-7600, e-mail: info@adventurechallenge.com