Georgia River Network opens scholarship applications for ACA Kayak Instructor Certification Course

THOMASVILLE- Training new kayak instructors is an important aspect of Georgia River Network’s mission to protect and connect people with Georgia’s rivers. The statewide conservation organization will open scholarships for their successful program to train kayak instructors today. In turn, this program enables more people and communities to safely enjoy Georgia’s beautiful rivers and waterways. There is also a new scholarship opportunity for already ACA certified kayak instructors to expand their training in SUP and Canoe.

Georgia River Network launched their ACA Kayak Instructor Certification course in 2022. After only two years of operations, the Georgia River Network “Train the Trainer” approach is empowering emerging outdoor recreation leaders across the state and facilitating greater access to paddlesports instruction for the next generation of paddlers.

With a goal of helping emerging paddlesports leaders navigate the process of becoming a nationally certified instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA), Georgia River Network launched a “Train the Trainer” course for certification in 2022. After only two years of operations, the initiative has helped 27 people earn certification as ACA Kayak Instructors, nearly doubling the number of nationally certified paddlesports instructors in the state of Georgia.

Georgia River Network’s “Beaver Crew” training program provides coaching from currently certified ACA Level 2 River Kayaking instructors over the spring and summer and culminates with an August/September instructor certification class. The Beaver Crew program eliminates historic barriers by connecting groups who are often left out of the legacy outdoor recreation leadership pipeline, and connecting future instructors with ACA instructor volunteers who coach them up and mentor them for the instructor exam .

Successful graduates from Georgia River Network’s Beaver Crew program include leaders from Outdoor Afro Atlanta, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Greening Youth Foundation, Southern Conservation Trust, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, Paddle for Tomorrow, West Atlanta Watershed Association, South River Watershed Association, Middle Georgia Kayakers and Georgia Blind Kayaking. Certifications have also been earned by entrepreneurial and volunteer leaders working with new paddlers, retired paddlers and kayak anglers as well as leaders serving the members of Georgia River Network.

There are 2 potential scholarship opportunities available to future instructors, funded by support from Georgia Power Company.

The Beaver Crew Scholarship covers the cost of summer coaching for future instructor candidates who are committed to training over the summer with already certified instructors and taking the instructor exam.

The Blue Heron Scholarship covers the cost of the end of summer ACA instructor certification class.

Both programs are available to successful scholarship candidates and will also have open registration for retail customers, as well. Candidates who accept the scholarship make a commitment to challenge the instructor exam in 2024 and to help teach paddling in future Georgia River Network programs as a means to pay it forward.

There is also a new program known as Otter Achievers, where already ACA certified kayak, SUP and Canoe instructors in good standing are able to expand their skills and credentials related to SUP and Canoe. This scholarship allows already certified instructors to earn a Level 1 skills assessment in SUP and/or Canoe and earn an Instructor Endorsement to deliver the Paddlesports Safety Facilitator Certification for SUP and/or Canoe.This is a unique opportunity for an ACA instructor to be empowered to deliver a professional, 4 year, basic safety certification to the public.

To apply, please fill out an application on the Georgia River Network website and complete an essay on why you would be a good candidate for the Beaver Crew or Blue Heron scholarship. The deadline is March 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Already certified ACA instructors interested in applying for the Otter Achievers scholarship should submit their application by March 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

Learn more and apply at garivers.org/kayaking-instructor-course.