White Water Learning Center of Georgia offers an American Canoe Association River Kayak instructor certification class each spring. We also schedule certification workshops for self-formed groups of 4 to 10 at other times. The spring program is conducted over two weekends. The first weekend is the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) in which we develop and train instructor candidates in five areas: technical paddle sports knowledge, teaching methods, paddling techniques, safety awareness and interpersonal skills.  Candidates then have several weeks to study and practice. The second weekend is the Instructor Certification Examination (ICE) where we evaluate proficiency in these five areas and award ACA Certification to qualified instructor candidates at level 4 (Whitewater Kayaking) or, for those with deficiencies in one or more areas, at level 3 (River Kayaking) or level 2 (Essentials of River Kayaking). Participants with deficiencies may continue as whitewater candidates for up to four years until the deficiencies are remedied. Please refer to the ACA Instructor's Manual, the ACA web site at www.americancanoe.org or call Bruce Williams at 404-231-0042 if you need more information about the course curriculum or certification requirements.

Our base of operations will be Nelson's Hideaway Campground and Cabins in Topton, North Carolina, on US 19/74 just south of the Nantahala Gorge. Our cabin has bunk beds, bathrooms, a kitchen and a large living room. Lodging and  food and beverages for breakfast, lunch and snacks are included in the workshop price. There is no discount to those making their own arrangements for lodging or meals.

The American Canoe Association requires a minimum of four participants for certification workshops to run. The maximum number is ten.  Registrations will be accepted in the order in which payments are received, subject to a review of qualifications. (Solid class III paddling skills are required for whitewater certification.)  If the minimum registration number is not met by February 26, the workshop will be cancelled, so please register early.

Fees & Other Requirements:

Workshop Fee ($500).  Includes instruction and handouts, lodging,  river use fees and food and beverages. A deposit of $100 (refundable until February 26, 2010) will secure a place. The balance is due on February 26.  Checks should be made payable to White Water Learning Center of Georgia (WWLC) and mailed to 3437 Rockhaven Cir NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30324. Credit card payments by phone are also accepted.  

Required Reference: ACA Instructor's Manual, available in hard copy with CD or CD only. Order directly from the ACA (540-907-4460).                   .

Recommended References: Basic Kayaking by Wayne Dickert ($19.95) The Kayaker's Toolbox (DVD) ($29.95)

ACA membership ($40).  ACA membership is required. Nonmembers can join with a credit card by calling the ACA at (540) 907-4460 or by logging on to the ACA website at www.americancanoe.org. Registrants who are not ACA members at the time of the workshop must complete a membership application and pay dues at the initial session in order to participate. Current ACA members should bring their membership cards with them.

ACA Safety, Education, and Instruction Council (SEIC) membership ($25).  Successful candidates must join the SEIC to be certified. We will collect this fee for the ACA at the end of the ICE workshop.  Please be prepared to pay by check or credit card on April 25.  

First Aid/CPR Certification: ACA instructor certification is only valid with current First Aid and age-appropriate CPR certification. Proof of current First Aid & CPR certification is required when applying for course insurance.