ACA Sea Kayaking Instruction .
Guides seeking assessment or training in ACA coastal kayaking or aspiring to obtain trip leader certification at level 2 or 3
ACA Sea Kayaking Skills and Certification
Get the skills training and certification you need to pursueyour next adventure
The ACA Level 2 and Level 3 Coastal Kayak Skills Courses offer a comprehensive training experience for those interested in advancing their kayaking skills. Both courses are designed to cater to different skill levels and provide a range of essential kayaking techniques and knowledge.
ACA Level 2 Coastal Kayak Skills Course:
- Focus: This course is designed for those with basic kayaking skills. It's ideal for individuals who have already completed foundational classes such as Essentials of Kayak Touring or Basic Coastal Kayak.
- Skills Covered: The course includes techniques like the Forward Stroke, Sweep Stroke, Reverse Stroke, Draw Stroke, Sculling Draw, Low Brace, Flat 360 Spin, Low/Brace Turn, Stern Rudder, Pivot Maneuver, as well as Self-Rescue and Partner Rescue Techniques.
- Cost and Registration: The cost is $125 per person per day, plus a $5 one-day event membership fee for non-ACA members. Pre-registration is required.
- Prerequisites: Participants should have prior basic coastal kayaking experience and be able to perform a wet exit with a spray skirt.
-Class Details: The class size is limited to 5 students per instructor. The course also has a specific cancellation policy and requires participants to have certain gear like a sea kayak, paddle, life jacket, whistle, spray-skirt, appropriate clothing, and water shoes.
ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Skills Course:
- Focus: This course is tailored for more experienced kayakers or those who have completed previous foundational courses. It's suitable for working guides and is considered the standard for sea kayak guides.
- Advanced Skills: In addition to Level 2 skills, this course includes High Brace, Low/High Brace Turn, Bow Rudder, and Stationary Draw.
- Cost, Prerequisites, and Other Details: These are similar to the Level 2 course.
Additional Information:
- Instructor: The courses are led by Chris Prysok, a Level 3 Trip Leader and Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor.
- Contact Information: For class schedules, you can contact 231-420-6168 or email at prakayak@gmail.com.
- Location and Schedule: Classes are conducted near Key Largo, with flexibility in scheduling. Assessments are typically on Monday, with classes running on selected weekdays.
Booking and Further Details:
- After booking, participants will receive an email with information on camping or lodging suggestions and rental request options.
- For more details about the courses, you can visit the American Canoe Association's website at americancanoe.org.
This structured and detailed approach to kayak training ensures that participants not only enhance their kayaking skills but also understand the complexities and nuances of coastal kayaking. The small class sizes and personalized attention from an experienced instructor with real life guide experience. We make these courses ideal for anyone serious about advancing their kayaking proficiency.
What to expect
Candidate expectations are as follows. Arrive at the scheduled location on-time ready to kayak. We may have class prior to gear up. Prior to launch the class will discuss conditions and plan for the day. Expect to be immersed in water for specific skills, wetsuits or dry suits or tops are necessary in most cases. Rental equipment kit can be arranged prior to class based on availability. Neoprene or water shoe footage is also required. No bare feet. Plan to eat en route during the class. We may have to move locations depending upon the skills required and the present conditions. An Assessment is one day. The expectation is demonstration of competency of the requisite skills in order to have a high likelihood of success in the certification. The skills course is designed to prepare students for the Certification. Each section has a minimum number of days required by the ACA in order to Meet certification qualifications. Classes are for assessment, level 2, and level 3. Students can go throughone week of class and potentially certified as a level 3 trip leader.
Our Classes
Classes are available bi weekly until May 1, 2024. Fall class will be available after Labor day. Custom class or pre-arrangement of group class at a suitable location near you is possible.