ACA Pro Schools

“Customized Whitewater Education for Private Boaters & Outfitters”

At Canyon River Instruction, our goal is to make river running a safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable experience. We strive to create a learning and resource center for all types of river running skills including rowing, paddle rafting, multi-day river trips, kayaking and river rescue.
We bring together resources to help people become enthusiasts and to enjoy a lifetime of river running experiences with particular emphasis on safety, experiential learning, custom instruction and river stewardship.

We are dedicated to bringing you the best in customized whitewater instruction. Whether you are new to the river and excited to learn a new sport, want a better understanding of river safety, need a Swiftwater Rescue training, are looking to brush up on old skills or are ready to step up your game and tackle bigger rapids, we are here to help you achieve the whitewater skills you need.

We offer one to six day clinics in rowing, paddle rafting and kayaking for beginner through advanced, as well as river safety courses and Swiftwater Rescue training.

All of our instructors are ACA certified and all of our courses are taught to the ACA curriculum. Why ACA? The ACA’s rigorous training and high standards ensure the finest caliber instructors anywhere on the water.

Visit our website!

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission

• Location: Charleston, SC
• Contact: customerservice@ccprc.com
• Phone: 843-795-4386

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) offers a variety of Canoeing, Stand Up Paddleboard and Kayaking skills classes and trips, including educational outings for beginner to expert paddlers. From day-trips, weekend skills classes, to certification courses, our ACA certified paddling instructors and trainers focus on safety and fun. Learn the essentials needed to make your paddling experience an enjoyable one from our friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Serving over 25,000 individuals of all ages and abilities annually, our Outdoor Adventure Program is the first of its kind to be accredited by the Association for Experiential Education.

Escuela de Kayak is the department of “Seguridad Vertical Capacitaciones” responsible for promoting education and training to kayakers throughout Chile. Composed of kayak professionals, and with the support of the Government of Chile, offers paddling classes, trips, and ACA skills courses and assessments.

Founded in 2012, Jianfei Youth Physical Education pioneers as one of the earliest off-campus physical education mentorship and training programs in China that specializes in children’s physical fitness and outdoor sports. Since its establishment, Jianfei Youth Physical Education has become one of the top clubs in the industry with its professional training and excellent team, and is widely trusted and praised by its students, parents, and collaborators with in the community.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

• Location: Wesser, NC
• Contact:Paddlingschool@noc.com
• Phone: 828-785-5020
• NOC Paddling School

Learning to paddle whitewater rivers takes commitment. But canoeing and kayaking lessons with NOC’s celebrated Paddling School accelerate the learning process. NOC has taught more paddlers than anyone else, and our 40+ years of experience go into every class. Our diverse instruction team focuses on your personal goals and shows you the pleasures of paddling. NOC offers a variety of courses varying in skill level, learning style and duration. And our location on the Nantahala River in North Carolina offers quick access to the Southeast’s best rivers for learning and skill development.

REI – Outdoor Schools

• Atlanta, GA: Atlanta-OS@rei.com
• New England – (MA, RI, NH): NewEngland-OS@rei.com
• Chicago, IL: Chicago-OS@rei.com
• Denver, CO: Denver-OS@rei.com
• Los Angeles/Santa Barbara, CA: LosAngeles-OS@rei.com
• Washington DC / Virginia / Maryland: DC-OS@rei.com
• Minneapolis / St Paul, MN: Minneapolis-OS@rei.com
• Tri States (NY, NJ, CT): NewYork-OS@rei.com
• Portland, OR: Portland-OS@rei.com
• San Diego, CA: SanDiego-OS@rei.com
• San Francisco Bay Area, CA: SanFrancisco-OS@rei.com
• Seattle, WA/ Puget Sound Area: Seattle-OS@rei.com
• Sacramento, CA: Sierra-OS@rei.com
• Austin, TX: Austin-OS@rei.com
• Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix-OS@rei.com
• Raleigh, NC: Raleigh-OS@rei.com

Ready to launch into a new outdoor activity or advance in one you already enjoy? REI Outdoor School can get you on your way! We offer beginning to advanced-level classes and outings in kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, navigation, snowshoeing, road cycling, backpacking and more. And you don’t need a lot of equipment to participate: we provide kayaks, bikes, snowshoes, GPS units and other gear. And most importantly, our professional instructors are committed to sharing their knowledge and ensuring an enjoyable experience for every participant. Come join us!

Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center

• Location: Salida, Colorado
• Contact: customerservice@rmoc.com
• Phone: 719-395-3335
• www.rmoc.com

The Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center has been the premier whitewater kayaking school in the Rocky Mountain West since 1982.  Our cozy Salida outpost offers access to all sections of the famous Arkansas River.  Over a hundred miles of runnable river and three awesome whitewater parks make this an amazing place to kayak, raft, or stand-up paddle.  There are great beginner runs while classic sections like Brown’s Canyon, Royal Gorge, and The Numbers provide epic training grounds for intermediate to advanced paddlers.  Professional courses are offered in Swiftwater Rescue, as well as ACA Kayak and SUP certification. We look forward to paddling with you!

Sino ACA Academy is an official ACA paddling training school in China. We are committed to promoting the popularization of ACA in China, training paddlers and instructors to meet ACA skills, assessment, and instructor criteria qualifications, and we are proud to issue corresponding certificates for qualifying students.

Development of a comprehensive coach certification system for China is a founding “mission” of our school.

泛美独木舟学院中国致力于ACA相关认证在中国地区的推动普及，为中国地区培养符合  ACA认证标准的教练员，并为符合ACA相关标准的学员签发相应的证照。 ”  基于ACA相关标准，发展适合中国的教学认证方法“ 是我们的办学宗旨。

Venture Outdoors

• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Contact: luke@ventureoutdoors.org
• Phone: 412-255-0564
• https://www.ventureoutdoors.org/kayak-pittsburgh/

Venture Outdoors is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission to further inclusion and belonging in paddlesport. Our Kayak Pittsburgh program offers a variety of kayak, canoe, and stand up paddleboard skills classes, rentals, and guided excursions for folx of all ages, stages, abilities, and communities. Since 2001, we have provided training and equipment to support more than 800,000 outdoor experiences. Join our welcoming and knowledgeable instructors to build or advance your skills or just give paddlesports a try!