Perhaps you learn more effectively one-on-one with an expert certified instructor than in a group class. No problem. We conduct private lessons all the time. They can be arranged mid-week or on the weekends. Tell us which body of water is convenient for you and we will meet you there with boats and gear. Or ask us to suggest a location. We can plan the lesson for whatever skills you choose.
If you want a partner to join you for this lesson just add $50.

You are the master of your canoe. Learn skills for boat control on flat-water or gently moving rivers. We address solo and/or tandem paddling, paddling apparel, potential hazards and simple rescues. Beginners and canoeists with some experience are welcome in this course. You will be surprised how quickly your skills will improve and how well your boat responds. This class is offered in a four hour or seven hour format.

Are you a novice paddler with a competitive spirit or a experienced racer looking to improve your techniques? Coaching for stroke efficiency, river reading strategies, and training regimens will get you started in the racing scene and help you improve your performance. Sign up for a coaching session on our schedule page and contact us to set the time and place.

Have you already participated in an Instructor Development Workshop; or are you already certified as an instructor in kayaking? Now you can take the ACA Canoeing Workshop to demonstrate your instructional and safety skills; practice more methods for teaching strokes and become a certified instructor in Essentials of River Canoeing or Introduction to Canoe. ACA Instructors are expected to positively represent and promote the ACA and paddlesports. This course is generally taught once a year.

The Instructor Trainer Development Workshop is for currently certified ACA Kayaking or Canoeing Instructors who are ready to train members of their staff as instructors for specific paddling programs. As advised by the ACA Safety Education and Instruction Council, Barb Cutter will mentor candidates though the IT development process. Click Here to download an information sheet. The first step is to enroll in this full day workshop. Contact us for permission to enroll.

Get ready to lead others into the world of Leave No Trace; become an LNT Trainer. This weekend outdoor learning adventure will prepare you to plan and deliver Awareness Workshops and to work with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and community groups. We begin Friday evening with a front country experience at Caddo Lake State Park campground to stage our backcountry voyage. No previous paddling proficiency is required; we will learn fundamental paddling and safety skills to prepare for boat based backcountry camping. Saturday morning each person may kayak or canoe to our weekend training site where we will apply and teach the Leave No Trace principles. Through a variety of teaching methods you will gain confidence in planning workshops to share Leave No Trace with adults and children in a variety of settings. Upon the completion of this trainer course you will be registered as a Trainer with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and will receive a certificate of completion and a trainer pin. Contact us for dates of the next workshop.