Take the Summer Prep Course – “Beaver Crew”

Willing to Work for It!

Cost: $400

If you would like some coaching to get ready for the ACA Kayaking Instructor Exam, this is the program for you! This is usually most appealing to experienced flatwater paddlers who do not have whitewater experience or folks who are getting certified to be an instructor as part of their professional responsibilities across many outdoor recreation fields for whom paddling is not your primary sport.

Join currently certified ACA Kayaking instructors on scheduled Fridays in May – September to prepare for the instructor certification class in August/September. The expectation is that instructor candidates who enroll in this program will attend at least 4 of these Friday sessions but are welcome to attend as many as your schedule allows. In order to be fully prepared for the Instructor course you need to attend at least one lake class, at least one river class and at least 2 additional prep sessions so you can be exposed to the recommended teaching methodology and have a chance to practice teaching.

You will need your own kayak, paddle and PFD for this program. We recommend a recreational or whitewater kayak of approximately 10′ or less that will empower you to successfully complete the maneuverability required during the River Kayaking Instructor Exam. If you take the instructor exam in a Sit on Top kayak you will only be certified to teach paddlers in SOTs. If you take the same exam and earn instructor certification in a Sit Inside Kayak you will be certified to teach paddlers in either SIKs or SOTs.

*You are required to be an ACA Member to register for this program.

Folks who sign up for Beaver Crew will get to participate in Early Registration for the August and September ACA Instructor Certification classes. 

No registrants will be accepted into Beaver Crew after May 31.  Limited to 15 students.

Dates and Locations:

• BEAVER CREW ORIENTATION (Required) via Zoom: April 7, 2025 from 6 pm to 8 pm Eastern via Zoom
• LAKE DAYS:
  • Friday, May 2 at Lake Allatoona, Kellogg Creek Day Use Area, 2077 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA
  • Friday, June 13 at Lake Allatoona, Old Hwy 41 #2 Day Use Area, 6693 North Main Street, Acworth, GA
• RIVER DAYS:
  • Friday, May 30, June 27, July 11
    Lower Chestatee River Takeout, (across the street from the Dollar General at this address 5019 S. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533)
• CLASS II RIVER PRACTICE
  • Friday, July 18 & Sept 15
    Metro Hooch from Powers Island and Paces Mill
    5450 Interstate North Pkwy, Sandy Springs

SUPPORTING GEORGIA RIVERS

Georgia Rivers is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1998 to serve as the voice of Georgia’s rivers. Georgia Rivers works to empower everyone to connect with, and advocate for economically vital and clean flowing rivers in Georgia. Your class fees will contribute to this effort statewide.