INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP                                                               INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION EXAM

Most of the time, the Instructor Development Workshop is held separately from the Instructor Certification Exam. This allows Instructor Candidates several months of practice before being assessed for certification. Our workshop in Key Largo will be a blending of the two courses together. So from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave will be working on developing your skills. The same can be said for the assessment aspect. Our goal is to help you succeed in becoming a competent paddler and instructor. So try not to be nervous and remember we are on your side.

Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) helps students become acquainted with the American Canoe Association model of instruction, paddling and leadership necessary in kayaking. 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, as well as expanding their knowledge in various aspects of kayaking and the marine environment. 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. 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. Please refer to the Coastal Kayak “(CK) Cert. Requirements” document to review the proficiency requirements for each level of certification.

Each candidate in the IDW/ICE will be assigned one or two 15-minute teaching topics 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 Kayak, Essentials to Touring Kayak, and/or Basic Coastal Kayak 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.

 If the Instructor candidate meets the necessary proficiency requirements three levels of certification are available in this IDW/ICE. Participation in this course does not guarantee certification though.

     1. Introduction to Kayak                                            

     2. Essentials of Kayak Touring

     3. Coastal Kayak – Basic

This class has both 3-day or 4-day options. Rent a boat from FBO for $25/day or bring your own. Email Monica for course materials at monica@kayakfloridakeys.com and call with credit card to reserve your spot. Other classes by Karen Knight will be offered as well as private instruction available the week between both classes. Call for availability.