This 9-4 pm workshop is designed to give people an intensive one day experience working on efficient strokes, kayak maneuvering along with self and group rescues. Risk management, kayaking safety gear, basic weather and basic trip planning will also be covered. It is an ideal day spent to prepare for the L2 Instructor course to improve your odds of passing at your highest level.
Please come prepared with lunch, drinking water and appropriate clothing for immersion: quick dry layers (no cotton), a wetsuit if you have it and any kayaking gear of your own. Meet up by 9 am at 6721 Grace Road, Benzonia, 49616.
Learn more about ACA Instructor Training Course and Levels.
Prerequisites
Basic forward strokes, wet exits and ACA membership.
Dates for 2025
May 28, 9AM – 4PM
What’s Included
The course fee includes ACA L-4, BCU Coach Instructor, rustic river home accommodations, two breakfasts and two dinners*.
If you would like to do meals and lodging on your own, you may opt for just the ACA course. Another option is camping onsite (with access to bathrooms), meals* included.
*We provide two hearty breakfasts and two delicious dinners. Lunches and additional meals are “on your own”. Did you know Michael is a great cook? He can adapt to special dietary requirements if you let him know in advance.
What’s Not Included and What You Should Bring
- Transportation to the site
- 15′ + sea kayak with floatation fore and aft, paddle, pump, sprayskirt, towbelt, compass (orienteering style), basic repair supplies. Let us know if you need to borrow an appropriate kayak and gear, we have lots of different loaners available.
- Farmer John/Jane style wetsuit: for May/June/September/October, can be rented from us for a flat rate of $20. Drysuit if you have one.
- Synthetic or wool long underwear: polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc….anything but cotton, both tops and bottoms, can be worn under shorts too for a very comfortable if not very stylish ensemble.
- Fleece jacket
- Paddling jacket or rain parka.
- Neoprene boots: We try to discourage sandals because they can get tangled in footrests….and that’s bad if you’re upside down.
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Reusable water bottle — please DO NOT bring single use plastic water bottles.
- Lunch supplies (refrigerator available)
- Snacks
- Alcohol or preferred adult beverages
- One dinner at a local establishment
- Guide Gratuity (Suggested 5-10% of trip cost)
NOTE: If a booking date shows on the calendar below, there is space available but always feel free to call or email with specific questions. If the trip is full and you’d like to be waitlisted, give us a call.
Reservations are held with a deposit of $150. The price below reflects the full amount, including service fees; However, your initial payment will be a $150 deposit (assuming you book 60+ days prior to the course).
The remaining amount due will be automatically charged to your credit card 60 days before the course.
NOTE: You must choose the date of the trip you want before clicking on BOOK NOW. Be sure you are on the right month!
View our Refund / Cancellation Policy
View our COVID Risk Management Statement