American Canoe Association Canoe/Kayak Trip Leader Course, May 27-28, 2023 (9:00am Sat through 5:00pm Sun)
This course is FULL. Check back for Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 opportunities.
The Trip Leader Course is designed to provide training for those taking day trips on rivers. This course is appropriate for camp leaders, scout leaders, fishermen, or anyone who spends time on the river. This course is NOT a beginning paddling course. Each participant must have spent time in boats and have good boat control. This course focuses on: Boat Handling (strokes and maneuvers) with canoe or kayak options; Prevention and Planning; Safety and Rescue using canoes or kayaks, land based or in water. There will be a virtual classroom session prior to the course start date that is mandatory for all participants.
This course will prepare those who spend time on the water to think and act preventatively, while giving them the tools to handle situations that may arise on the water. Although this is not a certification course, participants who succeed receive a card and certificate from the ACA for trip leading and an assessment of skills in canoe or kayak.
This course is appropriate for: Camps & Conference Centers offering programs on lakes or rivers; County & City Parks and Recreation Canoe Program Staff or Trip Leaders; Physical Education Programs wishing to teach paddling as a life-time sport; Current Certified Instructors needing updates; Anyone wishing to gain in their own skills as well; and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts leaders wishing to lead trips for Scouting programs. There will either be a pre-course virtual class, or a short (1 hour) classroom session in the evening after the on water session on Saturday,
COURSE PRICE: $125 per person. A $40 non-refundable deposit (due by May 12) counts toward your total fee, and all balances are due before May 23. Cost includes all instruction and materials. LOCATION: Buchanan, VA (James River) area; meeting location TBD at the river will be sent with course information. PREREQUISITE: Must be a current or new member of the American Canoe Association, cost is $40. Join HERE. EQUIPMENT: Participants may bring their own boats, paddles and lifejackets, OR may rent gear for an additional fee for the duration of the course: $30 for canoe gear and $40 for kayak gear. Indicate equipment needs in your Registration Form below. INSTRUCTOR:Beth Wiegandt is an ACA Instructor Trainer for Canoe and Kayak, and an Instructor for SUP and River Safety and Rescue. She's been instructing paddlers and leading area trips since 1989. Contact Beth at YourOutdoorClassroom@gmail.com. REGISTER BEFORE MAY 12: A minimum of 5 participants and maximum of 12 ensure that you receive the individual attention you need to succeed in this course. Register on line below. A $40 non-refundable deposit counts toward your total fee, and all balances are due before May 23. QUESTIONS: Contact Beth Wiegandt at YourOutdoorClassroom@gmail.com or 540-556-2594.
Register in 3 steps NOW for this course: 1. Make your deposit payment below through our secure "Register Now" PayPal button using any major credit card or a PayPal account. You must pay your deposit to register on-line, and all additional fees will be billed to you separately by e-mail in a few days. There are no additional fees or surcharges for on-line registration, and you will be able to review your fee prior to payment. 2. Submit Data: After successfully paying your deposit, PayPal will direct your browser to our secure ACA Course Registration Form. Allow at least 10 minutes to complete, and be as thorough as possible before you SUBMIT the form. 3. Get your Confirmation E-mail: After submitting your Registration Form, instructor Beth Wiegandt will contact you via e-mail. Add "YourOutdoorClassroom@gmail.com" to your contacts so that Beth can send you an e-mail with links to your course information, any additional payments due, and important information about your course.
