Thank you for your interest in an Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) workshop.

Health insurance is required to participate in this program.

This three-day L1-L2 Essentials Touring Canoe Instructor Certification through the American Canoe Association (ACA) is designed for competent paddlers who want to teach others how to paddle a tandem or solo canoe safely and efficiently. This intensive, hands-on course also aims to assist paddling enthusiasts in improving their paddling skills. Laura and Jeff Liebel will be returning as our two ACA-certified Instructor Trainers for this course.

The course will be hosted at the Adirondak Loj Dining Room, located at 1002 Adirondack Loj Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946, and will start at 9:00am each day. The lessons are taught on nearby Heart Lake, which is a motor-free flatwater lake with extraordinary views of the High Peaks. Being a relatively small body of water, it is protected from moderate wind and waves. There is easy access to shore, restroom facilities, and shelter. The program will run until approximately 5:00pm on Day #3. Bringing your own canoe, paddle, dry bag, and PFD is highly encouraged. Please call if you anticipate that you will need to borrow gear.

The highest level of certification that can be earned in this workshop is the Level 2 Essentials of Canoe Touring, which covers both solo and tandem canoeing. Every level of certification has specific criteria to meet, so it is possible to earn a Level 1 Intro to Canoe certification in tandem, or solo and tandem. There is plenty of on-water practice and dry-land training on safety techniques, stroke and maneuver refinement, and development of teaching skills. ACA certification is recognized by other accrediting bodies who require proof of paddling and water safety skills such as the American Camping Association and the NYS Licensed Guide program.

An optional Course & Accommodations Package is available for up to 10 participants, which includes instruction, course materials, parking, lodging for Monday and Tuesday nights, and meals starting with dinner Monday evening through lunch on Wednesday. To get the most out of the workshop, participants are encouraged to stay right at ADK’s facilities. Bunks are reserved for participants in our co-ed, communal lodging yurts. Package participants should bring their own sleeping bag/warm linens, a pillow, and towels. While the yurts are heated (55 degrees Fahrenheit), the wash house and restrooms are a two-minute walk from the Yurt Village so appropriate clothing and a headlamp are required. Dinner will be served on Monday and Tuesday at 6:15pm in the Adirondak Loj Dining Room. Breakfast will be served at 7:00am on Tuesday and Wednesday, and hearty trail lunches are included on Tuesday and Wednesday as well for the package participants.

What are the Prerequisites?

You need to be an ACA member to take this course. In order to be a certified instructor, you must also be an affiliate with the ACA Safety Education Instruction Council.

• ACA individual membership is $25/year. Join ACA prior to attending the event! You will have to provide your ACA Membership # upon arriving.
• Certified Instructors are required to affiliate with the Safety and Education Instruction Council (SEIC) $35/year. Bring a check made payable to ACA for the $35. Checks can be submitted to the instructors at the conclusion of the course.
• Certified instructors are also required to be certified in CPR and First Aid (not included in this workshop).

Prior paddling experience and comfort in the canoe is required. Good physical condition, proper clothing, and proper equipment are also expected.

ADK members receive a 10% discount on programs and lodging. To reserve lodging at the Adirondak Loj, please call the Adirondack Mountain Club at (518) 523-3441 or book online.

If you have any questions about the program please contact Tyler Socash, ADK’s Education Programs Coordinator, at (518) 523-3480 x 120 or by email at tyler@adk.org

We look forward to meeting you. Come prepared to learn and to have fun!