ACA L3 Skills Training & Assessment

This course is for sea kayakers who would like to have their personal skills and technical knowledge assessed against a national standard. The Level 3 Skills Assessment is also the prerequisite for those wishing to pursue the ACA’s Level 3 Open Water Coastal Kayak Trip Leader or Instructor Certification. Participants who successfully pass the skills assessment will have this accomplishment recorded with the ACA.

This 2-day course will consist of a formative assessment of personal skills and technical knowledge. You will receive coaching (as needed) and be challenged with performing specific skills and tasks in authentic Level 3 conditions. This course is led by Gennifer Gatan (ACA L5 instructor and BC Sea Leader) and assisted by Peter Donahue (ACA L4 instructor).

The conditions required for the assessment are at least three of the following:

At least 3 of the above conditions must be present during some part of the assessment.

More information regarding the skills assessment including the specific content to be reviewed and assessed, can be found in the ACA’s L3: CK Assessment Criteria.

Location & Timing

Day 1 will likely take place in Bolinas, Half Moon Bay, or Dillon Beach, with Days 2 and 3 launching from Horseshoe Cove. Day 4, we will adjust location based on the needs of each group and the day’s conditions.

The course will take place both days starting and ending from Horseshoe Cove in the Marin Headlands area. We’ll have a variety of conditions to explore from this venue. Be changed and ready by 9:00am. We will be off the water by 4:00pm latest and wrapped up by 4.30pm.

Please Note

Minimum Enrollment: 3; Maximum Enrollment: 6