ACA Community Paddlesports Leader Certification Workshop
The ACA Community Paddlesports Leader (CPL) Certification is designed for paddlers who are ready to take the next step from participating in paddling outings to confidently leading them.Whether you work for a camp, park, university, nonprofit or community paddling program, help organize club outings, or simply want to become a more capable leader for friends and fellow paddlers, this course develops the practical skills needed to create safe, enjoyable experiences on protected waterways.
At Uncommon Adventures, we believe good leadership is about much more than being the strongest paddler in the group. Throughout the course, you’ll work on planning, communication, group management, situational awareness, risk assessment, decision-making, and rescue skills while learning how to anticipate problems before they become emergencies. Expect plenty of scenarios, discussion, problem-solving, and time on the water putting leadership concepts into practice.
The ACA Community Paddlesports Leader certification is intended for leading day outings in protected environments appropriate for beginner and novice paddlers, including lakes, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, and protected coastal waters. Unlike an ACA Instructor certification, which focuses primarily on teaching paddling skills, the CPL pathway focuses on leading people and managing paddling experiences.
Participants will develop skills in itinerary and trip planning, basic navigation and environmental awareness, on-water group management and communication, paddling and maneuvering while managing a group, responding to common incidents, and basic rescue solutions.
This is an excellent entry point into the ACA’s broader Leader and Guide Certification Pathway and a valuable credential for anyone responsible for getting people safely—and happily—out on the water.
Who should attend: Camp and outdoor program staff, paddling club and meetup leaders, university and park program leaders, nonprofit staff and volunteers, aspiring paddlesports leaders, and experienced recreational paddlers who regularly organize outings for others.
This hybrid course combines foundational paddling skills and an appropriate ACA Level 1 or Level 2 Skills Assessment with standard Leadership leadership training. Learn more about the ACA Leader Certification Pathway here: ACA Community Paddlesports Leader (CPL) Certification
- September 21- 24
What’s Included:
- ACA Qualified Instructors
- Quality on and off-water instruction
- Kayak, sprayskirts, paddle, and PFD (unless you choose to bring your own
- Camping site
What’s Not Included
- Transportation to and from the course location
- Meals — refrigerator space is available for storing your food
- Snacks
- Alcohol or other preferred adult beverages
- Personal paddling clothing and gear listed below
- Instructor Gratuity
What to Bring: Paddling Clothing & Footwear & On-Water Essentials
- Farmer John/Jane-style wetsuit for May, June, September, and October courses. Wetsuits are available to rent from our shop. If you have a drysuit, feel free to bring it instead.
- Synthetic or wool base layers — tops and bottoms. Polypropylene, polyester, Coolmax, merino wool, or similar materials work well. Anything but cotton! They can also be worn under shorts for a very comfortable, if not particularly stylish, ensemble.
- Fleece jacket
- Paddling jacket or waterproof rain parka. We have a few loaners available.
- Neoprene paddling boots or other secure water footwear. We discourage sandals because they can become tangled in footrests—and that’s not a good thing if you’re upside down.
- One-liter reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
Instructor Gratuity
- Guide/instructor gratuity is not included. A gratuity of 10%+ is suggested
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 payment. The price below reflects the full amount, including service fees.
NOTE: You must choose the date of the trip you want before clicking on BOOK NOW. Be sure you are on the right month!
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