Leader Pathway Resources

Currently certified Leader Trainers and Leader Trainer Educators may access the online appendix and additional resources by clicking the “Resources” tab within their ACA membership profile.

Please continue to reference the materials and FAQs on the main Leadership Pathway webpage.

Community Paddlesports Leader Workbooks

Trainer Course Workbook – Paperback

Trainer Course Workbook – Digital (Amazon Kindle)

Candidate Course Workbook – Paperback

Candidate Course Workbook – Digital (Amazon Kindle)

Paddlesports Leader Workbooks

Trainer Course Workbook – Paperback

Trainer Course Workbook – Digital (Amazon Kindle)

Candidate Course Workbook – Paperback

Candidate Course Workbook – Digital (Amazon Kindle)

Advanced Paddlesports Leader Workbooks

Trainer Course Workbook – Paperback

Trainer Course Workbook – Digital (Amazon Kindle)

Candidate Course Workbook – Paperback

Candidate Course Workbook – Digital (Amazon Kindle)

Community Paddlesports Leader Overview & Criteria

Community Paddlesports Leader

The ACA Community Paddlesports Leader offering is your entry point to leading on the water. Whether you’re seeking certification for work or club outings or simply want to share your passion for paddling with friends and family, the ACA Community Paddlesports Leader program provides a perfect blend of support, challenge, community, and play. Gain the confidence you need to safely and effectively lead day excursions on calm waters. You’ll dive into a dynamic learning experience that covers decision-making, communication, planning, risk management, and rescue solutions—all while having fun. Join us and develop the skills you need to become a confident and capable paddlesports leader.

The Community Paddlesports Leader program was created for:

Camps and outdoor nonprofit staff
Club, meetup, university, and park leaders
Casual paddlers who want to safely take their friends and family on outings

Download the Community Paddlesports Leader Overview

Download the Community Paddlesports Leader Criteria

Get your copy of the Trainer Workbook or Candidate Workbook: Available in print from Amazon or digital through Kindle.

Paddlesports Leader Overview & Criteria

Paddlesports Leader

The ACA Paddlesports Leader certification prepares you for a range of environments for short, mild outings to more challenging and adventurous day trips. This program dives into a dynamic learning experience that covers on-the-water management techniques, decision-making, communication, planning, risk management, and rescue solutions—all while having fun and exploring a range of natural environments.

The Paddlesports Leader program is helpful for:

Paddle club and meetup leaders
Camps, non-profits, and organizations offering technical day trips
University trip and program leaders
Guides working for outfitters

Download the Paddlesports Leader Overview

Download the Paddlesports Leader Criteria

Get your copy of the Trainer Workbook or Candidate Workbook: Available in print from Amazon or digital through Kindle.

Advanced Paddlesports Leader Overview & Criteria

Advanced Paddlesports Leader

With the ACA’s Advanced Paddlesports Leader experience, get ready to lead groups on your next paddling adventure with enhanced safety and the ability to maximize memorable experiences! The Advanced Paddlesports Leader certification prepares you for a wide range of environments and challenging and adventurous day trips. You’ll dive into a dynamic learning experience that covers on-the-water management techniques, decision-making, communication, planning, risk management, and rescue solutions—all while having fun and exploring a range of natural environments.

The Advanced Paddlesports Leader program is helpful for:

Paddle club and meetup leaders
Camps, non profits, and organizations offering technical day trips
University trip and program leaders
Guides working for outfitters

Download the Advanced Paddlesports Leader Overview

Download the Advanced Paddlesports Leader Criteria

Get your copy of the Trainer Workbook or Candidate Workbook: Available in print from Amazon or digital through Kindle.

Acronym Guide

LP = Leader Pathway Program

CPL = Community Paddlesports Leader

CL = Coastal Leader

ACL = Advanced Coastal Leader

RL = River Leader

ARL = Advanced River Leader

LT = Leader Trainer

LTE = Leader Trainer Educator

LTC = Leader Trainer Candidate

LDW = Leader Development Workshop (Development only; this course alone does not result in certification)

LCE – Leader Certification Exam

LCW = Leader Certification Workshop (Combined LDW and LCE)