A Great Way to Strengthen Your ACA Instructor Skills

As part of the annual East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival, the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission is hosting a special course for ACA Instructors. 

The Coaching Process with Todd Johnstone-Wright 
April 8-9, 2014
$150
Register online

This course is designed to expose instructors, instructor trainers, and instructor trainer educators in all disciplines to core coaching competencies and behaviors that enhance long term paddler development by increasing efficiency, student motivation, and an individual's access to learning. 

While the CP course is based on current educational theory and best practice, at its core it's a fun, hands-on, collaborative experience designed to harness the talents of each participant. The CP course will cover the following coaching competencies:

• Differentiated Instruction
• Observation and Analysis 
• Purposeful Practice
• Session Planning
• The Role of Feedback
• Developing Performance Assessments
• Long Term Paddler Development

Prerequisites: This coaching course is appropriate for ACA Level 1-5 Instructors, Instructor Trainers, and Instructor Trainer Educators in any discipline. 

ACA Pro School Spotlight

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) offers a variety of canoeing, SUP, and kayaking skills classes and trips, including educational outings for beginners to expert paddlers. From day trips and weekend skills classes to certification courses, the ACA certified paddling instructors and trainers at CCPRC are always focused on safety and fun. 

Serving over 25,000 individuals of all ages and abilities annually, CCPRC's Outdoor Adventure Program is the first of its kind to be accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. CCPRC also brings you the East Coast Paddlesport & Outdoor Festival every April!

ACA Pro Schools are some of the best organizations across the country to find top quality ACA certified instruction. Current ACA members also receive discounts on certain Pro School instructional programs. 

To see a full list of ACA Pro Schools, click here. 

Congratulations to February Kokatat Instructor of the Month, Don White!

Don started paddling over 20 years ago but didn't get serious until his wife and partner, Fern, arrived on the scene. Today, the couple lives in Charleston where they are devoted to coaching and instructing, both as a team and as individuals with their own specific areas of interest.

Learn more about Don...

The ACA would like to thank Kokatat for sponsoring the Instructor of the Month program. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Submit a nomination here! 

Are You Ready to Challenge Yourself This Winter?

We're excited to be one of the sponsors for this year's Winter Challenge Off-Road Triathlon! For the past 10 years, the Winter Challenge has drawn athletes from all around the Southeast to the pristine rural environs of Dome Farms, just outside of Springfield, South Carolina. 

The 23-mile race consists of a 7-mile trail run, 6-mile kayak, and 10-mile mountain bike and draws a wide assortment of competitors, ranging from fierce triathletes to first-timers. Ultimately, the challenge comes more from how hard you push yourself and less from the difficulty of the course itself.

Top 3 things to expect from this one-of-a-kind race:

1. One of the most unique and beautiful settings you've ever raced on. Dome farms, situated on the Edisto River Swamp, offers countless miles of diverse off-road trail, plus a 75-acre pond where you'll get your paddle on.
2. Competition and camaraderie. The fellowship of the Winter Challenge and the post race festivities lend themselves to camaraderie found at few other venues. Stick around and make a few new friends. 
3. You will have a good time, guaranteed. We go to great lengths to ensure that both newcomers and alumni have one of the best days of their season. It's because of this that we see the same people coming back to race the Winter Challenge year after year. 

Learn more at www.winterchallenge.net or check it out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/winterchallengex

Look for ACA prizes at the event!