The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by emailing mike@ckapco.com for additional information.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instructional techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Please review what is on the ACA website under Coastal Kayak Curriculum

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others , while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To participate in the L3 ICW, you must have been formally assessed at that level unless you are upgrading from L2.

Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions.

Training Overview: The L2: EKTTL training is designed to expose candidates to the skill-set required for leading paddlers in protected waterways. While this is not a teaching award, a L2: EKTTL should also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them through the environment. This training course is intended to be followed by an assessment course.

Assessment: The purpose of the Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip Leader (L2: EKTTL) program is an assessment process for individuals who intend to lead other paddlers, either recreationally or professionally, in protected waterways. The emphasis of the Trip Leader program is on leadership. Successful completion of the assessment will provide evidence of the candidate’s technical skills and confirm their knowledge, understanding and ability to plan and implement trips, for a wide variety of abilities, in environments up to and including L2: KTTL conditions. Overview: For successful completion of the L2: EKTTL assessment, an individual must demonstrate technical proficiency, trip planning, group management and leadership skills in the L2: EKTTL venue. While this is not a teaching award, an L2: EKTTL must also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them through the environment.

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 for more information or if you have questions.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instructional techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topics specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water. L1 Candidates must attend the first 3 days’ L2 candidates the first 4 days and L3 candidates all 5 days.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may be used to certify, update or upgrade certifications. Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach Canoe paddlers to teach safely and enjoyably canoeing on lakes , bays and other calm protected flatwater settings. L1 Candidates must participate in the first 2 days. L2 Candidates will participate in all 3 -4 days tbd.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates. An additional day preceding the course to review canoe paddling strokes and maneuvers can be available.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Tandem canoes may be rented on site. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for registration or if you have any questions.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may be used to update or upgrade certifications. Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update and will be conducted with Co-Lead Instructor Steven Henkind. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions.

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by emailing mike@ckapco.com for additional information.

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

This workshop is available for new certifications and updates. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com for more information.

The Essentials of Canoe Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably canoe on lakes and other calm protected flatwater setting.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

This workshop may also be used as an instructor update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email at mike@ckapco.com if you have any questions.

This Instructor Certification Workshop will consist of three days of specific training in River Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management. We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

The course venue will be on moving water on rivers up to and including class I sections.

Students who participate for all 3 days and who meet ALL ACA criteria, will be awarded the ACA L2 River Canoe Instructor certificate. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for details.

This Instructor Certification Workshop will consist of four days of specific training in River Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management. We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

The course venue will be on moving water on rivers up to and including class I sections.

Students who participate for all 4 days and who meet ALL ACA criteria, will be awarded the ACA L2 River Canoe Instructor certificate. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development. This course will be co-instructed with Tom Buckley. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for details.

This Instructor Certification Workshop will consist of three days of specific training in Touring Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management. We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

Students who participate for all 3 days and who meet ALL ACA criteria, will be awarded the ACA L1 Canoe Instructor certificate. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for additional details.

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates .

This workshop is available for new certifications and updates.

The Essentials of River Kayaking course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on gentle rivers.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

For those already certified, you may also participate as an update. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or by email mike@ckapco.com for more information.

The L3 River Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings. Goals are:

• Safety: To safely paddle on whitewater, perform self rescue and respond to emergencies that arise. 

• Enjoyment: To become aware of paddling opportunities and the rewards of lifetime participation in paddling. 

• Skills: To acquire the skills to safely and enjoyably paddle a kayak on whitewater.

: The L4 Whitewater Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates

For more information or questions, contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com.

Course Overview: The River Canoe Day Trip Leading course is designed to introduce the minimum skills necessary for an individual to lead a day trip on moving water. This course is appropriate for all types of tandem and/or solo canoes. It can be taught tandem, solo, or both.

Course Prerequisites: Level 2: Essentials of River Canoeing course or Level 2: Essentials of Canoe Touring course or equivalent skills

Assessment Overview River Kayak Day Trip Leading : This course is intended to provide the minimum skills and training necessary for an adult leader with basic paddling skills, to safely lead a trip for participants with adequate paddling skills, on a day trip, on moving water up to and including Class I-II rapids. (Class I: Easy, fast moving water with riffles and small waves, few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.)

Course Prerequisites: Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking course or equivalent skills

Must be an ACA Member.

Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com for additional information.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 to register or if you have any questions.

This is a progressive instructor certification workshop to supplement the L1/L2 Canoe Touring ICW scheduled for May 21-23, 2023.

L3 River Canoeing Course Overview: The River Canoeing course is for canoeists interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle on rivers with Class I rapids by catching smaller eddies, making sharp peel outs and effective ferries. Participants at this level aspire to attain a high level of canoeing skills, improve the quality of their strokes and maneuvers, and increase their river rescue knowledge. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted versatile or whitewater tandem and/or solo canoes. It can be taught tandem, solo, or both.

L4 Whitewater Canoeing Course Overview: The Whitewater Canoeing course is for canoeists interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle on rivers with Class II to III rapids by catching smaller eddies, making sharp peel outs, and effective ferries. Participants at this level aspire to attain a higher level of canoeing skills, improve the quality of their strokes and maneuvers, and increase their river rescue knowledge. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted whitewater tandem and/or solo canoes. It can be taught tandem, solo, or both.

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements to obtain certification as an ACA instructor. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 with interest or questions. Camping may be available.

This Instructor Certification Workshop will consist of three days of specific training in Touring Canoe strokes, maneuvers, rescues, safety and on water management. We will also focus on forward stroke techniques to paddle farther and faster with less effort; edging and turning techniques for efficiency, and the latest rescue methods for yourself and others.

Trip Leader Training to improve your ability to participate in, and safely lead , trips on lakes and moving water rivers without rapids will be included.

Students who participate for all 3 days and who meet ALL ACA criteria, will be awarded the ACA L2 Canoe Instructor certificate. Enrollment is also open for people who are focused primarily on skills development. Please contact Mike at (703)850-1257 for details. Camping may be available for those interested.

The River Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants should have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates at an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).

Please email Mike at mike@ckapco.com or call (703)850-1257 for more information . Camping may be available for those interested.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates. Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.

This progressive workshop is aimed at providing instruction techniques for skills at the Level 1, “Introduction to Kayak”, Level 2, “Essentials of Kayak Touring” and Level 3, “Coastal Kayaking”. We will also provide the training for you to be able to teach the curriculum with strokes, maneuvers, and rescues. In addition to the paddling skills and instruction techniques, we will also cover trip leading, basic navigation, tides, tidal currents, and other topic specific to the respective certifications in this discipline.

Although we expect to improve your skills and coach you for better performance, our primary purpose is to help you learn to teach others while having fun and being safe on the water.

Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, and interpersonal skills commensurate with this level of certification prior to presenting themselves for evaluation as Instructor Candidates.

Contact Mike at (703)850-1257 or email mike@ckapco.com to register or if you have any questions.