This forty-hour weeklong kayak school course covers both the American Canoe Association Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Examination (ICE). The first half of the week is designed to help paddlers develop as kayak instructors and prepare for the ACA Certification Examination. The course will stress the ACA model for effective instruction and group leadership required to teach others to paddle on moving water. Paddling skills, rescue and safety comprehension, and technical knowledge will be thoroughly reviewed and modeled in preparation for the instructor certification examination.
The second half of this kayak school week will be devoted to the instructor examination itself. Candidates will be evaluated on the topics taught during the Development Workshop. Three different certifications will be available: Basic River Kayak Instructor, Whitewater Kayak Instructor and Advanced Whitewater Kayak Instructor. There will be time in the week to practice the techniques modeled during the Development Workshop and to also pursue many of the multisport activities available from the paddling school lodge.
ACA Instructor Certification Syllabus: Candidates must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in Safety Awareness, Proficiency, General Technical Knowledge, Paddling Skills, On River & Classroom Teaching etc. ACA Instructor Trainer Evaluation System: Observations, Paddling Technique, Presentations, Subjectivity.
Certifying an individual as an ACA Kayak Instructor, in the final analysis, is up to the ACA Instructor Trainer. The trainer has to rely on his or her experience and careful observation before granting an instructor certificate. Candidates attending this week of instructor training should not be expecting a certification for showing up to the class. Candidates who do not meet the criteria for whitewater may be certified in moving water or flat-water at the discretion of the instructor trainer.
A certificate and a letter of recommendation from Chris Spelius will be given to all candidates that successfully complete the advanced workshops and examination. Passing candidates are welcome to apply for a kayak guide position with us for the following season. If you are interested in this option please call our office.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateways to Patagonia. Connect with our representative and travel to the remote riverside town of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains. Here you will find your accommodations at Kayak Chile's spectacular Tres Monjas Eco-Camp. A hearty meal, hot sauna, and wonderful views welcome you to Chile.
Days 2-4: ACA Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)
Over the next three days we will go over all the essential skills needed to pass the ACA Instructors Examination Course. Instruction will take place primarily on the Rio Espolon (Class II/III) and El Macal Section of the Futaleufu.
Day 5: Bridge to Bridge Section - Day off
The kayaking this day is filled with the big exploding waves for which the Futaleufu is world famous. We put-in at the “Zapata's” swinging bridge and run the “"Corazón" - the Heart of the Futaleufu - previously named "The Continuous Section". Here you will kayak Futaleufu whitewater continuously through Class IV big water action, including “"Entrada", “"Pillow", and “"Mundaca", one of the largest breaking wave-holes in the world. This is Futaleufu kayaking at its best! This non-stop Class IV section will keep your adrenaline pumping and the evening air filled with good cheer and plenty of fireside stories.
Days 6-7: ACA Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)
Over the next two days you will be evaluated on your knowledge, technical skills, modeling form, and leadership abilities. The examination will be both in the classroom and on the water. The paddling proficiency evaluation will occur on the "El Macal" Section.
Day 8: Departure
Wake up for an early breakfast and drive back to Chaiten, Chile and your flight to Puerto Montt, or relax for a couple of hours and take our shuttle to Esquel, Argentina. As you catch a final view of the Río Futaleufu; surrounded by hanging glaciers and snow capped mountains, take a moment to reflect upon all of the amazing sights and experiences of this past week. After all these years we are still stunned that views like these exist.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included: All meals, lodging, transportation, instructors, and gear while training with us. Round trip transportation between Futaleufu and Puerto Montt or Esquel.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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