Registration required for all events.  Click each event to learn more.

coastal kayaking instructor certification workshop

Level 3
St Augustine, Florida
Mar 12-Mar 16, 2021

*View COVID-19 safety policy for the event here.
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Are you an intermediate kayaker or instructor wondering what's next? Are those open-water waves starting to look like a ticket to adventure? 

Tom NickelsRiver Wind Kayak and Mike Kingsley of Evergreen Outfitters are hosting a 5-day American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop (L3 ICW) for aspiring Trip Leaders and Instructors. In this hands-on, cooperative learning workshop, you will learn and teach essential paddle strokes, maneuvers, and rescues in a lively coastal environment. Other lessons include teaching & learning styles, navigation, safety, equipment, and weather.

With these skills, you'll grow more comfortable paddling and managing groups in wind and waves. That confidence will open your mind to an exciting new perspective on kayaking, and prepare you for new challenges. 

This event is the combination of the ACA's Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). If you prefer, you may choose to participate on either of these portions as long as prerequisites are met. For certified Instructors, two days of this Workshop may qualify as an Instructor Update.

The exam focuses on assessment and refinement of skills learned in the Workshop portion. Candidates will take part in a variety of on-water evaluations and classroom presentations, both prepared and impromptu. 

Successful completion of the exam will allow the Level 3 Instructor to teach and lead coastal kayak outings in moderate conditions, with access to the ACA's free insurance program. It may lead to employment opportunities with paddlesports outfitters, as well as freelance instruction.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. A limited number of spots are available. To register, please contact Evergreen Outfitters at 716-763-2266. 

PREREQUISITES for SKILLS STUDENTS: Successful completion of L1-2 skills course, or equivalent experience with approval.

PREREQUISITES for IDW: Successful completion of L3 Coastal Kayak Skills Assessment and current ACA member. (See our calendars or contact us for scheduled Assessments.)

COST: $150/day ($625 for full 5 days). Group discounts available. A limited number of kayaks and equipment are available for rental upon request.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:
Tom Nickels is an ACA-certified Level 4 Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer.
Mike is an ACA Level 4 Open Water Kayak Instructor on the path to becoming an Instructor Trainer.

Call now to reserve your spot.

​​Find more kayaking workshops here.

summer tours 2020

Chautauqua Lake & Lake Erie
See descriptions below for our weekly & monthly outings

lessons

Lessons available every Saturday Memorial Day thru Labor Day
Click photo to go to our lessons page

kayaking workshops

Take a trip.  Learn a skill.  Surf the waves.
If you've ever wanted to take your kayaking to a new level, these workshops with our ACA certified instructors are for you.

Beating the bump

Spring/Fall - stay tuned for 2021 dates
Read COVID-19 safety guidelines here.

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This is an excellent opportunity for kayakers of intermediate level or higher to learn how to paddle and lead groups safely in open water, surf, and tidal currents.

Topics covered include navigation, reading conditions, identifying safe zones, intermediate strokes, bracing, rolling, surfing, towing, and rescues. The stellar group of instructors, coming in from all over the country, will work directly with you to help you meet the challenge.

This event is also designed to provide the aspiring sea kayak instructor the opportunity to teach and earn credit for a Level 4 Skills Assessment, Trip Leader Assessment, Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) or Update.
Whether you'd like to become an instructor, are already on that path, or you just want to take your skills to the next level, this event is for you!

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. A limited number of spots are available. To register, please contact Evergreen Outfitters at 716-763-2266. 

PREREQUISITES for SKILLS STUDENTS: Successful completion of L3 skills course, or equivalent experience with approval.

PREREQUISITES for IDW: Successful completion of L4 Coastal Kayak Skills Assessment and current ACA member. (See our calendars or contact us for scheduled Assessments.) 

COST: $150/day ($625 for full 5 days). Group discounts available. A limited number of kayaks and equipment are available for rental upon request.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:
Tom Nickels is an ACA-certified Level 4 Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer.
Mike is an ACA Level 4 Open Water Kayak Instructor on the path to becoming an Instructor Trainer.
Call now to reserve your spot.

summer tours

2020 Season
Our summer tours range from beginner to intermediate level and run from Memorial Day through Labor Day

reservations required. if there are no reservations, we won't show up.
we reserve the right to cancel an outing due to poor weather conditions.

Call now to reserve your spot.

monday night paddle
cassadaga Lakes
​(once a month)

Paddlers of all experience levels are welcome to join us on this new guided paddling tour!  Come out and enjoy the beautiful Cassadaga Lakes where you will see lots of water fowl, including a pair of swans.  This event is
Cost:  $25.00 w/ rental; free with your own gear
Date: One Monday a month (see calendar)
Meet Time: 6:30p
Location: Dale Dr. public boat launch

tuesday night paddle
lake erie @ barcelona

This is a guided paddling tour of the many faces of Lake Erie.  Enjoy a peaceful sunset paddle or charge towards shore as you surf along the waves.  It's certain to be fun whatever the conditions! 
Cost:  $25.00 w/ rental; free with your own gear
Date: Every Tuesday 
Meet Time: 6:30p
Location: Barcelona Boat Launch, Westfield
​

wednesday night paddle
Mayville, ny

The format for Wednesday nights has changed as of August 12, 2020.  Visit our store every Wednesday night for a BOGO rental deal. With the purchase of 1 kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board rental the other one is free. BOGO rentals will start at 6:00 p.m. and last until 9:00 p.m. As a customer you can look forward to seeing the sunset from the relaxing water of Chautauqua Lake. Come on in anytime after 6:00 p.m. to rent or call the shop at 716-763-2266 to reserve a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board. We look forward to seeing all of you. Wish to have a guide or instructor? Additional $20 for that service. Maximum group of 5 people per 1 instructor. 

Cost:  $25.00 BOGO! First hour; $5 each additional half hour.  Extra fee for guided outing.
Date: Every Wednesday 
Start Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Evergreen Outfitters, 61 Water St., Mayville, NY 14757

thursday night paddle
erie, pa

Paddlers of any experience level are welcome to try paddle boards and canoes, as well as kayaks as we paddle along the shoreline of Lake Erie in Erie, PA. 
Cost:  $25.00 w/ rental; free with your own gear
Date: Every Wednesday
​Meet Time: 6:30p
Location: East Avenue boat ramp
​

Saturday night
​moonlight paddle
(once a month)

The only thing as beautiful as the sun setting on the lake is the moon rising out of it.  For a chance to experience Chautauqua Lake at its best, join us for one of our monthly full moon paddles.  If you own headlamps or deck lamps, please bring them; limited number of deck lamps are available.  
Cost:  $25.00 w/ rental; $5 with your own gear
Date: One Saturday a month        
Meet Time: varies based on sunset
Location: varies
See calendar for details
Call now to reserve your spot.

personalize your adventure

Allow us to help you  personalize your trip.  If you want to be involved in a women-only trip, special badges for Scouts, Corporate outings or just some special time with the family, we can help!  Calling is the first step to a grand adventure.  A minimum of 4 people is required.  Pricing is dependent on length of trip.