CHARLEMONT BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Five Days to an ACA Kayak Instructor Credential on the cool Deerfield in Charlemont
A concentrated, five-day American Canoe Association instructor certification workshop that combines advanced paddling coaching and mock teaching for experienced paddlers seeking up-to-date pedagogy and an industry credential.
Five Days to an ACA Kayak Instructor Credential on the cool Deerfield in Charlemont.
Set in Charlemont, Massachusetts, this five-day ACA Instructor Certification workshop pairs experienced Instructor Trainers with aspiring instructors to develop both paddling and teaching skills across flatwater, moving water and whitewater environments; certification is assessed on paddling and teaching ability and is not guaranteed, and the courses are intended for paddlers with intermediate to advanced skills and some prior teaching experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
ACA Instructor Certification up to Class III
The workshop prepares candidates for American Canoe Association instructor certification in river kayak disciplines (and related paddlesports), training toward work-ready credentials that the paddlesport field recognizes as the industry standard; the clinic covers instruction techniques, paddling skills and a mock teaching component.
Two-part training: development then certification
Each course is delivered in two parts: an Instructor Development Workshop that concentrates on teaching technique and paddling skills, followed by an Instructor Certification Workshop in which participants teach a mock flatwater, moving-water or whitewater course under trainer evaluation.
Full kit, catered lunch and onsite transport
Zoar Outdoor provides boats, wetsuits, paddle jackets, booties, PFDs, helmets, paddles and sprayskirts, plus a catered picnic-style lunch each full day and transportation from their base to paddling sites; clinics are small with a 1:5 instructor-to-student ratio and a maximum clinic size of 12.
What the day feels like
What five days of instructor training feels like
Across five full days of instruction you move between coached paddling sessions and teaching practice: mornings and afternoons are devoted to skill development and drills on cool river water, then candidates practice lesson delivery and lead mock courses while trainers observe and provide corrective coaching; the week culminates in assessment of both paddling and instructional skills.
THE CERTIFICATION
ACA Instructor Certification up to Class III
The workshop prepares candidates for American Canoe Association instructor certification in river kayak disciplines (and related paddlesports), training toward work-ready credentials that the paddlesport field recognizes as the industry standard; the clinic covers instruction techniques, paddling skills and a mock teaching component.
THE FORMAT
Two-part training: development then certification
Each course is delivered in two parts: an Instructor Development Workshop that concentrates on teaching technique and paddling skills, followed by an Instructor Certification Workshop in which participants teach a mock flatwater, moving-water or whitewater course under trainer evaluation.
THE SUPPORT
Full kit, catered lunch and onsite transport
Zoar Outdoor provides boats, wetsuits, paddle jackets, booties, PFDs, helmets, paddles and sprayskirts, plus a catered picnic-style lunch each full day and transportation from their base to paddling sites; clinics are small with a 1:5 instructor-to-student ratio and a maximum clinic size of 12.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Five-day workshops run as full days (daily start/end times are 9:00 AM–5:00 PM). 2026 dates include April 25–26 & May 1–3 and September 23–27; clinics run rain or shine.
Pack synthetic base layers, fleece or wool insulation, a bathing suit, fleece or wool socks, sunscreen, sunglasses with a retaining strap, nose plugs, towel, required medications, and extra cash for snacks or merchandise; if you own your own equipment you are encouraged to use it in the clinic.
Zoar Outdoor supplies boats, wetsuits, paddle jackets, booties, life jackets, helmets, paddles and sprayskirts, plus a catered picnic-style lunch each full day and transportation from the base to paddling sites.
The operator does not use nuts in their food but cannot guarantee no cross-contamination; guests with food allergies should bring their own non-glass bag lunch and inform the office ahead of time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the prerequisites to enroll?
Participants must be age 18 or older and should have familiarity with rivers, intermediate to advanced paddling skills and some teaching experience; these courses are intended for those already comfortable in moving water.
How long is the certification workshop and when does it run?
This is a five-day workshop with daily hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; 2026 dates are April 25–26 & May 1–3 and September 23–27.
Is certification guaranteed upon completion?
No—certification is based on both paddling and teaching skills and is not guaranteed at any level; assessment is conducted by ACA Instructor Trainers during the workshop.
What is included in the course fee?
The stated participant fee includes all equipment, instruction, a catered picnic-style lunch each full day, and transportation from the operator's base to and from paddling sites.
What if I have food allergies or special dietary needs?
Zoar does not use nuts in their food but cannot guarantee no cross-contamination; participants with food allergies are advised to bring their own lunch in non-glass containers and notify the office in advance.
How large are the clinics and what is the instructor ratio?
Instructor-to-student ratio is 1:5 with a maximum clinic size of 12 participants.
What equipment should I use?
Zoar provides boats, wetsuits, paddle jackets, booties, life jackets, helmets, paddles and sprayskirts, though participants who own their own equipment are encouraged to bring it to use during the clinic.