American Canoe Association Paddlesports Leader Certification Course September 19-21, 2026
Pre-requisites include an L2 (or higher) Skills Award in any craft AND an L2 (or higher) Essentials of River Safety and Rescue Skills Award. We are offering these prerequisites September 17-18 for those needing them, or by request at other times prior to the certification course.
This is a new, 4 year certification from the ACA for Trip Leaders that allows the certified leader to have ANY paddle craft (or a mix of paddlecraft) on their trips. The ACA’s River Paddlesports Leader (PL) certification courses equip paddlers with the trip planning and leadership skills to provide safe and enjoyable day trips in river environments. The certification is part of the ACA’s Leadership and Guide certification program, and it is appropriate for paddlers who are seeking development and certification as paddlesports leaders. This may include paddle club and meetup leaders, camps offering day trips, university trip leaders, guides working for outfitters or any other paddler who wants to safely lead others on day trips that may progress beyond sheltered waterways. This course allows the successful candidate to lead trips on Class I/II rivers (depending on their skills award level).
COURSE PRICE: $100 per person per day plus your $50 registration and materials fee. A $150 non-refundable deposit due immediately in order to secure your spot. All balances are due one week prior to course start date. (Optional 2 day assessment period cost for those needing to meet that requirement is $175 for the two days – Sept 17-18)
LOCATION: Roanoke Area, based from Camp Bethel (328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA 24090). Class venues change daily and are located a 25-45-minute drive away from Camp Bethel, depending on the day and/or water levels. All rental gear is transported for you and carpooling with course mates is encouraged. Some venues are more remote with no access to potable water or restrooms, so please be flexible and self-sufficient for your needs.
Must have an L2 (or higher) assessment award in any craft*
Must have an L2 (or higher) assessment award in Essentials of River Safety and Rescue*
Must pay Leader dues upon successful completion of the certification course
(*Assessment days are offered September 17-18 for those needing to meet the pre-requisites or can be given by any ACA Instructor/Instructor Trainer at their level or below) -Indicate any assessment needs on the registration form.
EQUIPMENT: Participants may bring their own boats, paddles and lifejackets, OR may rent gear for an additional fee for the duration of the course: $40 for canoe gear, $50 for kayak gear and $50 for SUP gear. Indicate equipment needs in your Registration Form below.
INSTRUCTOR:Beth Wiegandt is an ACA Instructor Trainer and Leader 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 [email protected].
LODGING: Lodging and camping is separate from your course fees. At Camp Bethel, you can stay in a shared, rustic cabin (bathroom, kitchenette, bunk beds) for $35 per night OR you may tent camp for $15 per person per night. Indicate lodging or camping needs on your registration form, OR choose from local hotels in the Daleville/Troutville area. (Note: These lodging options are also available for those coming early for the Assessment course)
REGISTER NOW: A minimum of 5 participants and maximum of 12 ensure that you receive the individual attention you need to succeed in this course. Register online below. A $150 non-refundable deposit counts toward your total fee, and all balances are due one week before the class. QUESTIONS: Contact Beth Wiegandt at [email protected] 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 online, 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 "[email protected]" 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.
