ACA Level 2 Instructor Certification Workshop (or Instructor Update)
Train to teach—and become a stronger paddler along the way. Based near Traverse City, Michigan, this immersive ACA Level 2 Instructor Training program takes advantage of multiple venues and varied conditions, including moving water. With a 1:3 instructor-to-student ratio, training is highly personalized and hands-on.
You’ll have access to a wide range of kayaks, paddling equipment, and rescue gear to build the adaptability needed to teach and rescue real paddlers in real-world situations. Food is provided, everyone stays based at the same location, and the days are full.
Work hard. Eat hearty. Learn a ton. And have more fun than an instructional course probably should allow.
Dates for 2027
- May 28 – 31
What’s Included:
- ACA Qualified Instructors
- Quality on and off-water instruction
- Kayak, sprayskirts, paddle, and PFD (unless you choose to bring your own
- Rustic river home accommodations or camping site (depending on registration)
- All breakfasts and dinners except one (Plan to eat out at a local establishment one night)
What’s Not Included (and some help with packing):
- Transportation to the site
- Lunch Supplies (refrigerator available)
- Snacks
- One dinner at a local establishment
- One liter reusable water bottle
- Navigational tools: compass (orienteering style) and anything else you’d like to work with, including charts. (We have a few extra if you don’t have your own.)
- Farmer John/Jane style wetsuit: for May/June/September/October, which can be rented from our shop. 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: I have a few loaners.
- Neoprene boots: I try to discourage sandals because they can get tangled in footrests….and that’s bad if you’re upside down.
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Alcohol or preferred adult beverages
- Slippers for use in the house
- Guide Gratuity (Suggested 5-10%)
Registration
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 $300 deposit. The price below reflects the full amount, including service fees; However, your initial payment will be a $300 deposit (assuming you book 30+ days prior to the course).
The remaining amount due will be automatically charged to your credit card 30 days before the trip.
NOTE: You must choose the date of the trip you want before clicking on BOOK NOW. Be sure you are on the right month! You may need to choose the fare you want and then zero out the fare that the system initially chooses. Let us know if you have any difficulty.
What registration option should I choose?
- Joining by yourself? Choose Single Occupancy
- Joining as a couple or with a friend? Choose Double Occupancy
- Joining by yourself but willing to share a room? Choose Double Occupancy but realize we will adjust the price to single occupancy if we can’t find you a roommate.