ACA Packrafting Instructor Development & Certification L1-4 Course *Call to be put on the waitlist! We may add a few more spots.* This intensive course is for those looking to develop their personal paddling skills and become a certified packrafting instructor. The 40+ hour course is focused on the latest technical knowledge, terminology, teaching skills, personal paddling skills, and safety awareness in a dynamic teaching environment. This course will utilize expert instruction, peer feedback, video analysis, and lectures to build your skills as a paddler and instructor of pack rafting. We combine practical on-water demonstrations and presentations with real-world scenarios that will equip you to deal with teaching this multifaceted sport as a professional. This course sets the industry standard for pack raft instruction. Location: 4Corners Riversports, Durango, CO.Dates: May 4 - 8, 2026First Day Meeting Location: 8:30 AM Monday, May 4th @ 4Corners RiversportsExample Schedule: Class runs daily from 8:30 AM to 7 PM. The final day will finish by 4 PM.Cost: $700 (Does not include ACA instructor membership of $40 which participants are responsible for paying prior to the course) Prerequisite Skills: 18 years of age or older Competent Class II+ or above packrafter. To certify, you should be able to competently and comfortably demonstrate all of the skills listed on the ACA Instructor Criteria documents. No prior instructional experience is required Must be a current ACA member. Please note that once certified, instructors will have to pay SEIC dues of $30 in order to teach as an ACA instructor. The ACA instructor certification process consists of two components: The Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). The IDW presents students with the skills and knowledge that are required to become an instructor. The ICE is an opportunity for each candidate to demonstrate their proficiency in the presentation (a logical teaching progression) and demonstration (proper modeling) of the skills, and knowledge necessary for a certification level (1 to 4). Not everyone will receive a L4 Instructor Certification, especially if this is their first exposure to formal paddling instruction on whitewater. This is not an issue as there are means for upgrading within the ACA system. Those who come to the course without an expectation of being certified at a certain level and bring a “beginners mind” to improving their own paddling along with learning how to teach, tend to enjoy and get the most out of the course. Additional Course Notes: Expect river temperatures to be 45 to 55 degrees with air temperatures ranging from 45 to 70 degrees. Be prepared to be cold – a dry suit is highly recommended. Participants should be in good physical health and should be fit enough to paddle and engage for long hours. Class days are long yet invigorating. Participants are responsible for their own meals. Please pack a lunch and snacks to sustain you for the entire day. We often eat lunch on the river, so pack your food in river appropriate way. Also, don’t forget a water bottle. Participants are responsible for providing their own gear (packraft, paddle, helmet, PFD, etc.) Participants should arrive at the course with their current ACA Member number (see above) If you need gear, check out 4CRS Rentals. Course Questions: Please contact course instructor, Brett Davis – [email protected] Register early as space is limited for this course!
