ACA L3 Skills Training (or Instructor Update)
This 4 day course includes the latest ACA course requirements for Level 3 with some additional tools that only 30 plus years of paddling history can provide. We combine “Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes and Rescues” with “Strokes and Maneuver’s refinement” and group leadership on water. On land we’ll cover practical navigation, radio use, rules of the navigable road and emergency equipment. In the water, we’ll cover a variety of group and solo rescues, bracing, boat handling and towing scenarios. This course is available for instructors needing an Update (limited availability).
This workshop is held in our Northwest Michigan base, giving us access to multiple venues to provide a variety of conditions including moving water. Since food is provided and we’re all based out of the same location with a instructor/student ratio of at least 1:3, you are assured of a great inclusive experience tailored to your learning style.
Learn more about ACA Instructor Training Course and Levels.
You will also have access to a wide variety of kayaks, paddling gear and rescue gear to supplement what you bring to the table. Expect to have rec boats and possibly even SUPs thrown into the mix, so you learn how to rescue in a wide variety of scenarios. You’ll work hard, eat hearty and have more fun than anyone should be allowed during an “instructional” program!
Dates for 2026
- September 24 – 27
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.