Skill Level: Expert | Prerequisites: Current ACA Certification

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2025 Dates:

August 16 - 17

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About

Updates are open only to those who are presently valid ACA certified instructors.

Goal of the clinic:

• A good instructor proficiently demonstrates good paddling skills, uses memorable instruction techniques, exercises safe judgment and keeps it fun for everyone involved. This course is designed for individuals who have prior paddling & teaching experience. We will cover current ACA best practices, teaching techniques, relevant changes to the ACA and practice a variety of teaching techniques. Please note participation does not guarantee passing the update requirement. Participants will need to show competency at their current level of certification.

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What to Wear & Bring:

You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs!

In warm summer weather, some guests are comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. However, we ask you do not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip. Wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon and fleece, are appropriate for cooler weather and water temperatures. We suggest bringing any required medications as well as extra money for souvenirs, etc.

Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Expect everything you bring with you to get wet. Keep your car keys with you, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you return at the end of the day. You may also consider bringing nose plugs and a retaining strap for your sunglasses, which can also be purchased in our shop, if necessary.

Zoar Outdoor Will Provide:

Paddling gear if needed, such as a wetsuit, paddle jacket, booties, boat, life jacket (PFD), helmet, paddle and sprayskirt (if needed). If you would like to use your own equipment and are unsure if it is appropriate for the course, please feel free to give us a call so we can discuss it with you.

• We provide a catered picnic-style lunch on all our full day clinics.

The following statement is required by state law: "Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy."

We do not use nuts in our food, but can not guarantee that the ingredients in our meals do not contain nuts or other food allergens. If you have food allergies or other special dietary needs, we strongly suggest you bring your own bag lunch in non-glass containers and we will pack it with the other lunches on your trip. Please inform our office at 413-339-4010 or info@zoaroutdoor.com if you intend to do this.