American Canoe Association
Instructor Certification
Becoming a river sports instructor is a rewarding profession. Share your passion for paddling. Instructing others develops leadership, communication, and safety skills. ACA Certification is the industry standard for teaching on water. Our instructor certification program serves the needs of river professionals.
Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach. — Aristotle
Course Description
Want to become an ACA Certified Swiftwater Rescue Instructor? Learn to teach others how to stay safe on the river. This course is for experienced boaters and rescuers. Instructor Candidates will learn industry standards for teaching Swiftwater Rescue and are assessed throughout the course on teaching, technical knowledge, rescue ability, and group management skills. For more information on becoming an ACA Certified Instructor, visit www.americancanoe.org.
Included
ACA Swiftwater Instructor Training
ACA 2-4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Certification - pending successful completion
Resources
Prerequisites
18-years of age or older
Previous participation in an ACA L4 or equivalent Swiftwater Rescue Course
Current ACA Safety Education & Instruction Committee (SEIC) dues must be paid to hold any level Instructor Certification
Location
We offer this course on the Upper Colorado River near Kremmling, CO as well as other locations through our partnerships.
Note the 04/22-26/2026 is in partnership with New Mexico River Adventures (NMRA) sign up for this course on their website.
Book Your Course
Want to become an ACA Certified Packraft Instructor? Learn to teach others how to packraft. This course is for competent whitewater packrafters. Instructor Candidates (IC) will learn industry standards for teaching packrafting and are assessed on teaching, technical knowledge, and rescue ability throughout the course. For more information on becoming an ACA Certified Instructor, visit www.americancanoe.org.
What is included?
ACA Packraft Instructor Training
Video analysis of packrafting skills
ACA Level 1-3 Instructor Certification - pending successful completion
Duration
4-days
Resources
Prerequisites
18-years of age or older
No prior instructional experience required
Competent class-II packrafter
Current ACA Safety Education & Instruction Committee (SEIC) dues must be paid to hold any level Instructor Certification
Location
We offer this course on the Upper Colorado River near Bond, CO as well as other locations through our partnerships.
Book Your Course
Course Description
Already an ACA Instructor? You will need to complete a 2-day Instructor Update every 4-years as one of your Instructor requirements. This may also be a good time to bump up your level of certification.
Included
Accredited continuing education and professional development for ACA Certified Instructors
Renewal of ACA 2-4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Certification or 1-4 Kayak Instructor Certification - pending successful completion
Prerequisites
Must be current ACA Certified Instructor in good standing (ACA Membership & SEIC Dues current)
Duration
2-days
Location
We offer this course on the Upper Colorado River near Bond, CO as well as other locations through our partnerships.
Note the Rio Grande River course 04/25-26/2026 is in partnership with New Mexico River Adventures (NMRA) sign up for this course on their website.
Book Your Course
Course Description
Want to become an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor? Learn to teach others how to kayak. This course is for competent river kayakers. Instructor Candidates will learn industry standards for teaching kayaking and are assessed throughout the course on teaching, technical knowledge, and rescue ability. For more information on becoming an ACA Certified Instructor, visit www.americancanoe.org.
What is included?
ACA Kayak Instructor Training
Video analysis of kayaking skills
ACA Level 3 Instructor Certification - pending successful completion
Duration
4-days
Resources
Prerequisites
18-years of age or older
No prior instructional experience required
Competent class-II kayaker
Consistent roll
Current ACA Safety Education & Instruction Committee (SEIC) dues must be paid to hold any level Instructor Certification
Location
We offer this course on the Upper Colorado River near Bond, CO as well as other locations through our partnerships with other kayak, packrat and raft schools.
Course Description
Already an ACA Instructor? You will need to complete a 2-day Instructor Update every 4-years as one of your Instructor requirements. This may also be a good time to bump up your level of certification.
Included
Accredited continuing education and professional development for ACA Certified Instructors
Renewal of ACA 3-4 Kayak Instructor Certification - pending successful completion
Prerequisites
Must be current ACA Certified Instructor in good standing (ACA Membership & SEIC Dues current)
Duration
2-days
Location
We offer this course on the Upper Colorado River near Bond, CO as well as other locations through our partnerships with other kayak, packrat and raft schools.