Level 3: Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Skills Assessment - ACA

Upcoming Events

05.24.22 – 05.27.22

Level 3: Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Skills Assessment

Ellsworth, ME, USA

Join us for this 4-day Leadership and Trip Planning course for paddlers who wish to gain the skills required to safely lead others on the water. Whether you plan to work as a Registered Maine Sea Kayak Guide, or simply wish to gain a more comprehensive skill set for paddling with friends and family this summer, our course will cover all aspects of competent leadership so you can stay safe on the water. Time is split between classroom learning and on-water exercises, covering navigation, trip planning, group management, incident avoidance, boat handling, towing, rescues, hypothermia, LNT camping, meal planning, and an introduction to local flora and fauna.

We will plan to conduct an overnight island camping trip during the last two days of the trip, to expand our knowledge and abilities in the context of a journey. (Meal preparation and camping will follow all State of Maine Phase I guidelines for wilderness camping and meal preparation.)

Participants who meet the standards of the ACA L3 Trip Leader Assessment may be awarded the Coastal Kayak Trip Leader award through the American Canoe Association. This award qualifies guides to lead other paddlers in coastal waters. (We’ll need to meet ACA enrollment minimums to register this course as an ACA Trip Leader assessment.)

Participants should be competent paddlers in the coastal environment, with familiarity of basic strokes and rescues. Those who plan to take the Maine Guide License Exam should also register for our Maine Sea Kayak Guide Exam Preparation course, May 28th.

4-day Leadership Training, $590 per person; (Combined with 1-day Guide Prep, $650)

Register Here

Contact Information Nate Hanson
nathanielrhanson@gmail.com