The highlight of my year is leading the ACA Instructor Certification Workshop. I usually do this two to five times a year... always in Moab Utah, and in Durango, Colorado. I've taught the class in Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and around the USA.

The dates on the Potomac River are Wednesday July 29th to Sunday August 2nd, 2009  Also Instructing are Sunny Pitcher- owner/instructor Potomac Paddlesports, ACA and Joe Jacobi- Kayak School Director Ocoee Adventure Center and Owner Gold Medal Camps (Joe is a former Olympic Gold Medalist).  Register with: Potomac Paddlesports (301)881-BOAT (2628) info@potomacpaddlesports.com

Instructor development workshops are very rewarding, because of the opportunity for idea exchange. My students seem to enjoy it and learn tons, often mentioning it years later as a formulative part of their boating careers. I think my program helps people fit what they know about boating into a structure that allows them to learn more and improve more rapidly. I don't want to brag, but I do think I offer one of the best cert courses around.

The ACA (American Canoe Association) courses are comprehensive, but allow enough flexibility for individual teaching and paddling styles. The main benefit to taking the course is improving your understanding of paddling technique and theory, so you can paddle more efficiently and teach more effectively. A secondary benefit is the development process which can give you structured feedback on how you sit as an instructor. Of course, the insurance, liability, and networking benefits are significant.

My course runs long hours, with very little free time. It is good fun and invigorating learning. Roughly half of our time is spent indoors, and half out on the river or lake. We don't get a lot of river play time...but learning can be great play!

Kent Ford