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Utilizing American Canoe Association Instructors and nationally recognized curriculum, One Planet Adventures offers ACA Instructor as a Guide, Outfitter & Livery Member.  We offer ACA, skills clinics, skills assessments and instructor certification that covers the spectrum of paddlesports.  If you don't know what fits for you contact us and we can explore some options.

The ACA National Paddlesports Instruction Program has been acknowledged as the "Gold Standard" of paddlesports education throughout the United States and several foreign countries.  Through the efforts of the ACA National Office and the Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC), course curricula and educational resources are developed and made available to the general public, instructors, partners and the outdoor industry.

Skills Courses

ACA skills courses can cover all or part of the course outline and are tailored to fit the needs of the participants.  Skills courses do not have to be taken in a successive order.  At the conclusion of a skills course, participants will receive a participation card.

Available Skills Courses - Links to Curriculum
Introduction to Kayaking
Essentials of Kayak Touring
Essentials of River Kayaking
River Kayaking
Coastal Kayaking
Introduction to Canoeing
Essentials of Canoeing Touring
Essentials of River Canoeing
River Canoeing
Stand Up Paddleboarding

Minimum number of participants is 6.  Maximum number is 10.
Price varies depending on location, number of participants and travel costs.

In order to participate in an ACA Skills Course, each participant must satisfy the following essential eligibility criteria:

  • Be able to independently participate in all individual skills and activities listed in the course outline while also maintaining an appropriate and safe body position
  • Be able to hold their breath while under water and, while in the water wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, be able to independently turn from a face down to a face up position keeping their head above water
  • Be able to effectively communicate with the instructor and other course participants
  • Be able to manage all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion
  • Be able to manage all personal mobility independently, or with the assistance of a companion    

Skills Assessment Courses

ACA Assessment courses have been developed as a tool to allow paddlers a clear progression of skill development. Courses provide progression in skills and paddling venues associated with specific disciplines and paddlecraft.  

Available Skill Assessments - Links to Curriculum
Introduction to Kayaking
Essentials of Kayak Touring
Essentials of River Kayaking
River Kayaking
Coastal Kayaking
Introduction to Canoeing
Essentials of Canoe Touring
Essentials of River Canoeing
River Canoeing
Stand Up Paddleboard

Minimum number of participants is 6.  Maximum number is 10.
Price varies depending on location, number of participants and travel costs.

In order to participate in an ACA Skills Assessment Course, each participant must satisfy the following essential eligibility criteria:

  • Be able to independently participate in all individual skills and activities listed in the course outline while also maintaining an appropriate and safe body position
  • Be able to hold their breath while under water and, while in the water wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, be able to independently turn from a face down to a face up position keeping their head above water
  • Be able to effectively communicate with the instructor and other course participants
  • Be able to manage all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion
  • Be able to manage all personal mobility independently, or with the assistance of a companion

BSA Paddlesports
Achievement Awards
One Planet Adventures believes that the future of outdoor recreation and stewardship will rely heavily on the investment we make in our youth.  We have worked closely with Scouting & Venturing groups to produce high quality, comprehensive American Canoe Association programs that meet the requirements for the BSA Aquatics Program.

BSA Kayaking Merit Badge - The BSA Kayaking Merit Badge can be achieved through participation in an American Canoe Association L1 Introduction to Kayaking course offered as a one day workshop. Qualifying for the BSA Kayaking Merit Badge

BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding Award - The BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding award introduces Scouts to the basics of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) on calm water, including skills, equipment, self rescue, and safety precautions. This award also encourages Scouts to develop paddling skills that promote fitness and safe aquatics recreation. BSA SUP Information Flier

Instructor Certification

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ACA Instructors teach paddling skills in approved ACA course curriculum after qualifying in various disciplines and at various levels, can teach both skills courses and assessment courses up to their level of certification and are expected to represent and promote the ACA and paddlesports in a positive manner. An ACA Instructor Candidates should review the curriculum and possess a personal skill set and background that would contribute to success in completing the instructor certification process.  Successful ACA Instructors possess a high level of personal paddling skills, understanding of education & learning styles and investment in creating a culture of safety.


Becoming An ACA Instructor - Criteria Link
In order to participate in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW), an Instructor Candidate must satisfy the following essential eligibility criteria:
  • Be 18 years or olderBe a current ACA member in good standing
  • Be able to independently participate in all skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate 
  • ACA Certification Course Outline and Instructor Criteria documents
  • Be able to effectively communicate with the Instructor Trainer and other course participants
  • Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently

In order to participate in an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE), an Instructor Candidate must satisfy the following essential eligibility criteria:
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be a current ACA member in good standing
  • Be able to independently complete all skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate ACA 
  • Certification Course Outline and Instructor Criteria documents
  • Be able to effectively communicate, including effective verbal communication
  • Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently

Instructor Certification Process:
To become an ACA Instructor, an Instructor Candidate must:
  • Participate in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and pass an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). These courses are offered either as separate courses with time between for skills and presentation development and practice, or can be offered concurrently (at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer) as an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW).
  • Perform paddling skills consistently with demonstration quality
  • Demonstrate effective teaching skills
  • Demonstrate technical knowledge of paddlesport
  • Demonstrate appropriate safety & rescue ability
  • Demonstrate effective group / course management and positive interpersonal skills

Registration Process & Dues:
Contact us directly about upcoming Instructor Certification courses!