American Canoe Association
Instructor Trainers
615 Venice, Sugar Land, TX 77478


Karen Knight
713-857-3050
karenkknight@aol.com
www.karenknight.com


Bob Foote
281-844-6854
bobfoote1@aol.com
www.bobfoote.com

INTRO TO CANOE                             
ESSENTIALS OF RIVER CANOE                    
BASIC RIVER CANOE
INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP                      
INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM

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Descriptions of an IDW and ICE for River Canoe

Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) helps students become acquainted with the American Canoe Association model of instruction, paddling and leadership necessary in canoeing. Experienced paddlers who do not desire certification are welcome to take advantage of this valuable training opportunity, as well as those desiring to become instructors. The teaching techniques, paddling skills, technical knowledge and rescue and safety competencies necessary for successful completion of the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) will be reviewed and modeled during this course. We will focus on fine-tuning each candidate’s paddling, rescue, group management and teaching skills, river reading ability, as well as expanding their knowledge in various aspects of canoeing. Each participant will be assigned and have an opportunity to present a 12-minute talk to the class during the IDW, as well as some other impromptu talks. This dress rehearsal allows the candidate to receive valuable feedback from their peers and the IT(s). The IDW provides students with a benchmark from which to evaluate their level of competency and identify those areas where they need work before attending the ICE. The IDW is a prerequisite for the Instructor Certification Exam.

 

Instructor Certification Examination (ICE) primarily serves as an opportunity to evaluate the Instructor Candidate for certification. Participation in this course does not guarantee certification, although we will do our best to help you with your goals. Candidates should be proficient in all skills on the appropriate ACA course outlines before attending the ICE. Throughout the certification process, candidates will be instructed and evaluated on the required proficiencies and must be able to consistently perform all of the skills. The following levels of canoe certification (solo and/or tandem) are available though this IDW/ICE: Introduction to Canoe, Essentials of River Canoe, and Basic River Canoe.

 

Please refer to the “Proficiency Requirements” document to review the proficiency requirements for each level of certification.

 

Each candidate in the ICE will be assigned a 12-minute teaching topic to present. This may include classroom, shore-side and on-water topics. These presentations should be concise talks geared to beginning students in an ACA Quickstart, Introduction to Canoe, Essentials to River Canoe, or Basic class. This is not a chance for you to tell us how much you know, but rather to demonstrate how well you can sort through all the available information to give a beginner what they need to know in an efficient and effective manner. In addition, each candidate will be given an impromptu (3 to 5 minute) presentation on a  topic, which should be familiar to all instructors (i.e. sizing PFD’s) and various strokes, maneuvers and rescues to present to the group.

 

How to Prepare for the Course:

• Look over the enclosed packet. Be sure to review the ACA course outlines, waiver and other materials. Note anything that you have questions on. The most current outlines are available on the ACA web page (www.acanet.org).
• You must be a current member of the ACA and order the ACA Instructors’ Manual before the start of class. You can do this online. Bring your ACA # to class.
• Bring any canoe books/materials or props that you feel will be helpful in preparing and presenting your talk.
• Write up your two presentation outlines and be ready to give a 12-minute talk on one of them. Make enough copies of your outlines to distribute them to the group.
• Make sure your personal paddling gear and attire is in proper working condition.
• The class starts on time, whether you are there or not. Arrive ahead of time to give yourself plenty of time to unload and prepare your boat and equipment.

What to Bring:

• Bring all of your personal equipment, including appropriate boats and accessories to be on and in the water. Particularly for the ICE, it is assumed that Instructor Candidates will own or have access to all necessary equipment (beg or borrow if can).
• Bring a folding chair or something to sit on and a notebook and pencil.
• Lunches will be working lunches, so bring a bag lunch that is simple and quick. Include lots of snacks and fluid.
• While we will try to build in some time for relaxation in the evening, you should be prepared to spend evenings involved in classroom presentations, group study, video review, etc. Therefore our dinners might be simple and quick group meals (i.e. Pizza, sandwiches)

 

Instructor candidates come to the workshops with a wide range of prior paddling instruction and teaching experience. While certification is an eventual goal of many candidates, it should be emphasized that becoming certified as an ACA instructor is a learning process…a journey. If you concentrate more on the journey and a little less on the destination, you will come out ahead. To get the most out of the IDW/ICE we encourage candidates to try and keep the following in mind.

• Maintain an objective and a non-judgmental attitude for yourself and others.
• Keep an open mind to new ideas. There is not just one way to paddle or teach.
• The best teachers are also good students.
• Don’t be afraid of not knowing. 
• View feedback as an opportunity to grow and become better. Sometimes the best response to personal feedback is just two words - “thank you.”

 

If you have any questions regarding the class please do not hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward to working with you. Thanks – Karen Knight and Bob Foote

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RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST for RIVER CANOE

Bring all of your personal equipment, including appropriate boats and accessories to be on and in the water. Particularly for the ICE, it is assumed that Instructor Candidates will own or have access to all the necessary equipment (rent, beg or borrow if you have to) suitable for your desired level of certification. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding equipment.

 

Minimum Gear Required for All Levels of Certification:

• Canoe suitable for the river - solo and/or tandem (We have four solo whitewater canoes available for rent and two tandem canoes).
• Flotation for the canoe (Foam, airbags, etc.)
• Personal Flotation Device (Lifejacket)
• Canoe Paddle
• Spare Paddle
• Helmet
• Clothing; Wicking layer (long underwear – polypro), warming layer (fleece, wool), wet layer (raincoat, splash jacket). If you have a drysuit or wetsuit bring it.  Bring clothing that keeps you comfortable even when wet.
• Footwear (not flip-flops) suitable for the conditions (i.e. booties, sneakers)
• Bailer  (Modified Clorax bottles work or a bilge pump)
• Whistle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses with strap
• Water (at least 3 quarts per day)
• Food (Snacks and lunches)
• Hat (For warmth and/or sun protection)
• Folding Chair for Breaks
• Pencils and Paper
• Personal First Aid Kit (Band-Aids, personal meds, extra set of prescription glasses etc.)
• River Knife (Recommended, but optional)
• Throw Rope (We have three. If you have one please bring it to the class.)
• Quick Release Tow Belt (optional)
• Flashlight