For February 2026, we are proud to recognize Jeff Atkins as our Instructor of the Month. Jeff’s depth of experience, passion for expedition paddling, and commitment to developing leaders within our community exemplify the very best of ACA instruction.
Jeff brings an impressive range of credentials and expertise to his work as an ACA instructor. He teaches nationally, with courses frequently held in Florida, California, Alaska, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia, and he also travels internationally to support instructor development and education.
Jeff’s paddling journey began with a simple goal: fishing. Like many paddlers, he first took to the water to access better fishing opportunities. But along the way, something shifted.
“I realized that I loved paddling to the destination as much as I loved the actual fishing,” he reflects. That realization led him to explore touring more frequently and ultimately to build a career centered around paddlesports.
As Jeff approached retirement from his career as a Park Ranger, his passion for teaching grew stronger. Sharing paddling skills with others, and empowering them to experience the same joy and freedom he found on the water, felt like a natural next chapter.
“It seemed like a logical step to transition into professional paddling and coaching,” he says. What began as a hobby evolved into a calling: helping others build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for paddling.
Jeff’s teaching career has taken him across the country and around the globe. One milestone stands out in particular: the year he turned 50, he traveled to Greece to mentor and lead a Coastal Kayaking Instructor Course.
The experience of connecting with new international colleagues and exploring the beauty of Greece left a lasting impression. He also treasures the opportunity to teach in Alaska, where icy waters and cold conditions offer a dramatically different instructional environment compared to the warm coastal waters of the Southeast.
Looking ahead, Jeff is especially excited about several initiatives within the ACA community:
- Leader and Guide Trainer Programs – These programs offer valuable, realistic certifications tailored to the needs of outdoor-based organizations. They provide structured, practical training for those leading paddling trips and guiding in dynamic environments.
- Paddlesports Angling Program – Jeff sees this as a powerful way to reach new audiences, expand the paddling community, and promote safety among anglers who may not yet identify primarily as paddlers.
By building bridges between recreation, leadership, and safety, these programs help strengthen the paddlesports community as a whole.
In addition to his work as an ACA Instructor Trainer Educator, Jeff is also the owner of WavePaddler.com, where he continues to share his expertise and passion for coastal kayaking and expedition skills.
Congratulations, Jeff Atkins, and thank you for your leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the paddlesports community.
