ACA SUP Instructor

Intro to SUP Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

For those looking to become a Stand-Up Paddleboard Instructor at an introductory level. This course is flatwater based and requires candidates to perform fundamental paddle strokes in a neutral stance on the board. Learning to effectively teach a lesson using various methods is a focus of the course. Safety and rescue techniques are also covered. The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national organization dedicated to promoting paddlesports education. To learn more, visit their website at www.americancanoe.org.

Requirements: Minimum 18 years old. Must be current ACA member. Ability to pass a L1 skills assessment.
Instructor: Brandon Slate
Venue: RMOC, Trout Creek Reservoir, Cottonwood lake
2025 Dates: TBD
Cost: $350
Equipment NOT provided, but available to rent.

Essentials of SUP Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

For those looking to become a Stand-Up Paddleboard Instructor. Level 2 is flatwater based. This course continues to focus on developing thoughtful and organized lessons while building on more advanced paddle strokes and maneuvers. Candidates will need to demonstrate the ability to move into various stances on the board. Safety and rescue techniques are also covered. The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national organization dedicated to promoting paddlesports education. To learn more, visit their website at www.americancanoe.org.

Requirements: Minimum 18 years old. Must be current ACA member. Ability to pass a L2 skills assessment.
In order to be eligible for certification, participants must have passed an L1 ICW. However, you can sign up for both courses simultaneously in anticipation of success.
Instructor: Brandon Slate
Venue: RMOC, Trout Creek Reservoir, Cottonwood lake
2025 Dates: TBD
Cost: $350
Equipment NOT provided, but available to rent.

Whitewater SUP Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

For those looking to teach SUP on the river. Must have basic understanding of river hydrology and able to move in and out of current. Maneuvers need to be performed in both regular and goofy stances.

Requirements: Minimum 18 years old. Must be current ACA member. Must be currently certified as a L2 Instructor and able to pass a L3/L4 skills assessment.
Instructor: Brandon Slate
Venue: Salida River Park, class II section
2025 Dates: May 13 - 14
Cost: $350
Equipment NOT provided, but available to rent. Camping available on site.

Advanced Whitewater SUP Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

For those looking to teach SUP on the class III Whitewater. Must have solid understanding of river hydrology and able to perform maneuvers in regular and switch stances while on class III features.

Requirements: Minimum 18 years old. Must be current ACA member. Must be currently certified as an L4 Instructor and able to pass a L5 skills assessment.
Instructor: Brandon Slate
Venue: Arkansas River. Lower Brown’s Canyon
2025 Dates: May 16
Cost: $175
Equipment NOT provided, but available to rent. Camping available on site.

ACA SUP Instructor Update

For those looking to update their ACA Instructor certificate at any level.

Requirements: Minimum 18 years old. Must be current ACA member. Must be currently certified as an Instructor at any level and able to pass a relevant skills assessment.
Instructor: Brandon Slate
Venue: Trout Creek Reservoir, Arkansas River, Lower Brown’s Canyon.
2025 Dates: Join in any of the above listed courses to re-cert at that level.
Cost: $175/ day
Equipment NOT provided, but available to rent.