Ready to master swiftwater rescue techniques? Zoar Outdoor's 6-day ACA certification with Mike Mather offers expert training on Ohio’s scenic rivers. Get certified and boost your river confidence today.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable in water
Wildlife
History
Zoar Village, where the outdoor center is located, was established in 1817 by German separatists seeking religious freedom, giving the area a rich cultural backdrop.
Conservation
Zoar Outdoor actively promotes river conservation efforts and sustainable outdoor education, partnering with local environmental groups to protect Ohio’s waterways.
Zoar Outdoor
Ready to master swiftwater rescue techniques? Zoar Outdoor's 6-day ACA certification with Mike Mather offers expert training on Ohio’s scenic rivers. Get certified and boost your river confidence today.
Zoar Outdoor is a paddlesports outfitter based in Jamaica, Vermont, specializing in whitewater kayaking, rafting, and instructional clinics. The company runs a wide range of guided trips and training courses that serve beginners through advanced paddlers. Offerings include multi-day beginner immersion courses, one- and two-day skills clinics, guided river kayaking, family float trips, and whitewater rafting on local rivers such as the Deerfield River, West River, Concord River, and the Zoar Gap section.
Zoar Outdoor hosts American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor certification workshops and ACA current instructor update courses, as well as Swiftwater Rescue certification and skills courses. Several clinics and courses list ACA-certified instruction and dedicated coaching for stroke development, technical skills, and rescue training. The schedule includes options for private, semi-private, and small-group clinics, plus specially designed group custom paddlesports days for 3–4 people.
Many day clinics and multi-day courses include catered lunches and on-water coaching focused on progression, safety, and technique. Advanced clinics cover class III techniques and technical river maneuvers; rescue courses emphasize essential rescue skills and swiftwater response.
Zoar Outdoor runs sessions on named river sections such as Fife Brook and Zoar Gap, and offers youth-focused clinics including teen beginner immersion programs.
All program descriptions and course titles are published in the company’s trip listings. The business operates from Jamaica, Vermont, and programs regularly reference local New England rivers and whitewater sections used for instruction and guided trips.
Schedule details, pricing, and trip-specific skill requirements are listed on the company's public trip pages online regularly.
Location
Jamaica, Vermont
Operating on local rivers and runs
Tours Offered
26 Experiences
Rafting, kayaking, clinics, guided runs
ACA Programs
Certification Workshops
Instructor certification and updates offered
Group Options
Private & Group Clinics
Semi-private, private, and custom group days
Check available dates for beginner to advanced clinics, guided kayaking, family floats, and ACA instructor workshops — plan a paddling day in Jamaica, Vermont.
Wear appropriate water-resistant gear
Ensure you have a waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothing, and sturdy waterproof footwear.
Practical rescue demonstrations are key
Pay close attention during hands-on rescue scenarios to build real-world skills.
Stay hydrated and energized
Bring plenty of water and snacks to maintain stamina during long days of training.
Prepare for physical activity
Being in good physical shape will help you keep up with demanding rescue drills.
Sturdy water-resistant footwear
Essential for safety and traction during water-based activities.
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Quick-dry clothing
Keeps you comfortable and dry during water rescue exercises.
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Waterproof outer layer
Protects you from rain and splashes during outdoor rescue simulations.
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Personal flotation device (PFD)
Vital for safety in all water rescue scenarios.