The ACA started as an organization way back in 1880 - hard to believe.  The instructor certification program didn't start until 1972.  The SUP (Stand Up Paddling) discipline is a relatively recent addition.  At present, the ACA has roughly 4500 certified instructors and 250 certified instructor trainers.  You are about to join a very elite group indeed.  ACA instructors teach roughly 809,000 students annually.

Here are the current ACA training disciplines:

  • Canoe (Touring & River)
  • Kayak (River, Coastal, Surf, Sit-on-Top)
  • Raft
  • Safety & Rescue
  • Adaptive Paddling
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)