Upon registration for one of these courses, you will be sent detailed information about what will be expected of you and how to prepare, but below are some general guidelines to get you started.

A good instructor proficiently demonstrates good rescue skills, uses memorable instruction techniques, exercises safe judgment and keeps it fun for everyone involved. This course is designed for individuals who have prior rescue & teaching experience. You should not take this course if you are new to paddlesports.

To become an ACA Instructor, an Instructor Candidate must: (taken from ACA website)

• Participate in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and pass an Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). These courses are offered either as separate courses with time between for skills and presentation development and practice or can be offered concurrently (at the discretion of the Instructor Trainer) as an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW).
• Perform rescue skills consistently with demonstration quality
• Demonstrate effective teaching skills
• Demonstrate technical knowledge of paddlesports
• Demonstrate appropriate safety & rescue ability
• Demonstrate effective group / course management and positive interpersonal skills
• Represent and promote the ACA and paddlesports in a positive manner

While some of the flatwater areas we use are quite warm in June, July, and August, the Deerfield River is always cool, regardless of the time of year or air temperature. When packing your paddling clothes, please plan accordingly, especially if you are coming early or late in the season (April, May, September, and October). Our clinics will run rain or shine.

Wear items such as:

• Synthetic long underwear, garments made of polypropylene, capilene, or some polyester/spandex blend.
• Fleece or wool socks
• Bathing suit
• Fleece or wool jacket/sweater (early/late season or if you tend to chill easily)

Other items to bring:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Retaining strap for glasses
• Nose plugs
• Towel
• Required medications
• Extra money for snacks, t-shirts, etc

Zoar Outdoor will provide:

• boat

• wetsuit

• paddle jacket

• booties

• life jacket

• helmet

• paddle

• sprayskirt

• 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you intend to do this.

(If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic to get used to its quirks.)

• boat
• wetsuit
• paddle jacket
• booties
• life jacket
• helmet
• paddle
• sprayskirt

If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic.

Meals: 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you intend to do this.