Join us for this Regional Instructor Event with opportunities for both new and returning instructor candidates to pursue an update, to recertify an expired certification or earn new instructor credentials. These courses will take place in Navasota, Texas (near Houston).
Returning instructors have a unique opportunity to update a current Level 1 or 2 Instructor Certification in Canoe, Kayak, or SUP.
In addition, there is a special opportunity to re-certify / reinstate Level 1 or 2 instructor certifications who lapsed due to pandemic constraints.
Finally, there will also be a Level 1-2 L Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) and an Angler Endorsement course hosted on October 11-13.
The Update provides a unique opportunity to be an essential contributor to the health of the ACA. We will be playing in and with a variety of paddlecraft (SUP, Canoe, Kayak). This will give us ALL the space to experiment with feeling a bit awkward or uncomfortable while building new connections to ourselves, our teaching practice, and our peers. We are ALL just paddlers and we can ALL learn from, and share with, each other.
You will not be evaluated on your competency in unfamiliar craft, so no worries needed, just fun. To earn the update you only need to have an open attitude to learning and be an active participant in the process. As with any update, we will be exploring growth in our personal paddling, teaching, and current ACA functionality.
Updates for currently certified Level 1 or 2 ACA instructors in Canoe, Kayak or SUP will be held in a one-day format and will be facilitated by multi-disciplinary ACA Instructor Trainers for a holistic and enjoyable experience! These one day Updates will take place Saturday OR Sunday, October 12 or 13.
Certification reinstatements for formerly certified Level 1 or 2 ACA instructors in Kayak or SUP will be conducted in a 2-day format and will also be facilitated by multi-disciplinary ACA Instructor Trainers and Educators. These are taking place Saturday AND Sunday, October 12 and 13.
There is also a Level 1-2: Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) which is suitable for NEW instructor candidates seeking certification as Level 1 or 2 River Kayaking Instructors. There will be a mandatory zoom meeting held prior to the in-person course. Refer to the Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking Instructor Criteria. This is a 3 day workshop on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 11, 12, and 13.
And there is a one-day Paddlesports Angler Instructor Endorsement which is available to currently certified Kayak or SUP instructors, being held on Monday, October 14. Enrollment in this endorsement is also open to new instructor candidates participating in the Level 1-2: Essentials of River Kayaking ICW, but will require successful completion of the certification course to complete the endorsement. Instructors and candidates who enroll in this endorsement course will be required to do an additional virtual session to prepare for the in-person training. *Texas Fishing License required to participate.
Accommodations:
Our hosts at the Texas Rivers Protection Association campground have included the following amenities in the cost of your registration:
Camping included at the Hidalgo Falls shaded campground with full toilet and shower facilities. Tent camping and RV camping are encouraged, but no hookups. Also includes festival dinner on Friday night.
Call or text 713-828-7582 for info on RV camping or any other questions.
No refunds are available for this class unless the instructors cancel. Thank you for understanding about the level of preparation that is required to put on an instructor certification weekend. The ACA requires a minimum of 3 instructor candidates to enroll in a class through this registration process. In the event fewer than 4 people enroll, the instructor will provide refunds less the transaction fees.
*ACA membership is required for participation in these courses.
What to bring?
- Kayak/SUP/Canoe and Paddle, life jacket and relevant gear
- Gear and equipment for your camping
- Camp chair
- Food and water for your entire weekend.
- Lunches could be on the water (so plan accordingly)
- Proper clothing (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, closed toe shoes, strap for glasses, rain jacket, etc.)
- Rental paddle craft, paddles & gear are available by calling 713-828-7582.
- Fishing endorsement candidates are required to have a Texas Fishing License and should bring fishing rod and basic tackle.
Nearest airports:
- College Station Airport (CLL)
- George Bush Intercontinental (Houston) Airport (IAH)
- Austin Airport (AUS)
Historical average weather forecast for Hidalgo Falls, TX in mid October:
- Daily high temperature 84°F, rarely falling below 74°F or exceeding 96°F.
- Daily low temperature 65°F, rarely falling below 54°F or exceeding 78°F.
Contact Information SEI Department
sei@americancanoe.org