ACA Leader & Guide CErtification

Course Prerequisites

• Be a current ACA Member

• Obtain a copy of the course curriculum, either hardcopy or digital download: ACA Paddlesports Leader - Candidate Course Workbook

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)

• Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct

• Urban first aid & CPR certification (or higher)

• Successful completion of an ACA Level 2 Skills Assessment

  • For Coastal: Any ACA Level 2 “Essentials of” Skills Assessment including Kayak Touring, Sit-on-Top Kayak Touring, SUP, etc.

  • 41 North offers kayak skills assessments at a reduced cost to registered participants in this program. Please contact us to arrange a skills assessment at least 14 days in advance of the program.

Along with the benefit of developing skills and best practices with 41 North’s professional guides and instructors, certification allows Coastal Leaders are “ACA endorsed” and able to access liability insurance through the ACA.

If a candidate does not pass the Coastal Leader examination, the Leader Trainer may:

• Fail the candidate;

• Award certification at the lower Community Paddlesports Leader level;

• The trainer may also grant the candidate a “continuation.” A continued candidate has 1 year to address deficiencies (either in person or via video), at which time their certification would be activated.

WIth the Coastal Leader Certification, you are permitted to lead groups in the following environments:

• Large lakes and coastal areas exposed to winds under 12 knots and waves/surf under 2 feet and within 1.5 nautical miles of shore.

This certification is based on environment, not craft, so you could lead groups in kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes. For that reason, we will work with multiple types of craft in this program,

At 41° North, we welcome individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. To ensure safety for all participants and staff, the following Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) apply to all tour participants. These criteria are based on the physical and cognitive abilities needed to safely and independently participate in paddle sports on open water.

Click here to review our Essential Eligibility Criteria.