ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking (first step before coastal touring). L1 gets you on the boat, moving on flat water, and out of the cockpit after a capsize. No coastal surf, tide races or rolling. Skills only need to be usable — not pretty on both sides.
Venue and window
Sheltered water with instant landing (lake or tucked bay). Wind, chop and current stay small so the instructor can coach from close in.
How far each skill must go at this level
Fit a PFD; carry, enter and exit; if a skirt is used, release it from the grab loop and by a second method.
Leave the cockpit calmly after a full capsize — not before the boat is over.
Paddle roughly straight, reverse with some control, and stop without capsizing.
The bow must turn. Clumsy mechanics are allowed.
Some sideways move; a low brace that actually saves a wobble. No high brace or roll.
Raft up and follow a briefing. Rescue is about knowing the steps, not a T-rescue in waves.
What the course actually teaches
Bank: kit, grab loop, first reaction to capsize. Near shore: get in, go, stop, sweep. Wet exits where you can stand. One small loop, not a lecture on blade anatomy.
ACA duration versions
Common ACA intro length: safety, wet exit, go/stop/turn. A half-day for true beginners.
Adds draw, low brace and simple partner work. The same outline can be split across two sessions.
L1 is mainly a skills course. A separate assessment, if offered, follows the ACA paper of the day.
The text below is the latest ACA official instructional outline (Skills Course) for this level, provided as reference only. Copyright American Canoe Association. The summary above is Kayacool’s explanation, not a replacement of the source.
Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking Skills Course
Course Overview
The Introduction to Kayaking course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals in public, private, and commercial settings.
Note: The use of spray skirts is not appropriate for Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking courses.
Course Prerequisites
- Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
- Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct
- No prior paddling experience or training is required to participate in this course
Course Duration
The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
Course Location / Accessible Venues
Flat water, protected from wind, waves, and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots, and within swimming distance of shore.
Number of Participants
5 participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
Instructor
Level 1 or higher ACA Instructors within their discipline.
Possible Course Outline: Duration 8 Hours
The following is a general summary of course content for the Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking course. The content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location, and time allowance. The course content includes the National On Water Standards for human powered craft. The Level 1 rubric is in the National On Water Standards for human powered craft, pages 17-65.
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics:
- Welcome, introductions, paperwork
- Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
- Course itinerary and site logistics
- Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
- About the ACA
- Life jacket policy (always wear on water)
- Appropriate personal behavior
- No alcohol / substance abuse
- Proper etiquette on and off the water
- Respect private property
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics
Preparing to Depart
- Discuss current weather conditions, forecasts, and other environmental hazards (water, weather, wind, waves)
- Evaluate hazards to navigation
- Discuss importance of developing good judgment, group responsibility, and management
- Evaluate individual’s ability, water comfort, and confidence prior to trip
- Warm up to reduce injury
- Make sure the kayak is securely fastened to the car or racks, using proper tie downs, straps, or knots.
- Review proper techniques to safely lift and carry the kayak on shore
- Review life jackets appropriate for the paddler’s size, kayak, and activity, assuring all others in the group are properly wearing their life jacket
- Inspect the kayak and all safety equipment to meet state, federal, and local requirements for the vessel and activity
- Describe and follow safe boating practices (behavior, substance abuse, on water and land etiquette, Leave No Trace ethics)
- Review elements of a float plan (Who, What, When, Where, filing practices)
- Review personal equipment needed for the kayak, activity, and environment
- Prepare kayak for departure: stowing gear securely, and ensuring it is balanced
- How to hold the paddle in correct orientation and grip for effective paddling
Maneuvers: to be performed with appropriate and efficient strokes, while maintaining the trim and balance of the kayak
- Enter and launch the kayak from shore in a controlled manner, checking for clear departure
- Propel the kayak forward in a straight line 15-20 kayak lengths
- Stop the kayak within two kayak lengths
- Move the kayak backwards 3-4 kayak lengths
- Turn the kayak from a stationary position 180° to the right and left
- Move the kayak sideways 10 feet (3 meters) to each side
- Propel the kayak in a figure of 8 course around markers 3-4 kayak lengths apart
- Turn the kayak while maintaining forward motion 90° to the right and left
- Arrive at destination point, checking for clear approach, and exit the kayak in a controlled and safe manner
Technical Knowledge
- Review paddling equipment, terminology (boat and paddle), and care of gear
- Instructor review of additional personal and group gear, including, but not limited to:
- Environmental supplies (food, water, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, etc.)
- Navigational and signaling tools (maps, charts, whistle, etc.)
- Safety and rescue tools
- Repair kit
- First aid kit (appropriate to training)
- Review the dangers of paddle sports and how to plan an appropriate course to avoid potential hazardous situations.
- How to avoid and prevent cold water shock, hypothermia and hyperthermia by choosing proper clothing; recognizing and treating early symptoms; 1-10-1 rule.
- Recognize the importance of hydration
- Recognize and appropriately use communication (paddle/oar and whistle) signals
- Review basic navigational rules for inland waterways
- Develop awareness of the group and effective on water management techniques
- Describe best paddling practices: posture, balance, awareness of body-boat-blade relationship
- Secure the boat and equipment before leaving unattended, with attention paid to environment and conditions
Safety and Rescue
- Principles of Rescue
- Use of safe rescue strategies such as T-RETHROG (Talk, Reach, Throw, Row, Go)
- Rescue priorities: people, kayak, paddle, gear
- Responsibilities of: rescuer, group, swimmers
- Identify and demonstrate the use of appropriate rescue and safety gear for the kayak and planned activity
Swimming and Wading Skills
- Understand the risks associated with standing and walking in the types of environments mentioned above (including entanglement and environmental hazards)
- Understand the pros and cons of different swimming positions
- Self-rescue: swimming with equipment
- Strategies to conserve energy
Kayak-Based Rescues
- Advantages and disadvantages during rescues of various kayaks (e.g., sit-ins, sit-on-tops, recreational kayaks)
- Calmly exit the kayak after capsize, using proper body position and contact with the kayak and paddle.
- Paddle recovery options
- Strategies for kayak recovery
- Swimmer tow options
- Swimmer re-entry / re-mount techniques (e.g., stern entry, heel hook, rescue sling, paddle float)
- Kayak bumping / bulldozing
- Kayak towing
- Kayak specific rescues (e.g., boat over boat, boat to boat, scoop)
- Unresponsive paddler rescue
- Emptying water from kayak (e.g., on-shore, bailers, pumps)
Conclusion and Wrap Up
- Group debrief / individual feedback
- Course limitations
- Importance of First Aid and CPR
- Importance of additional instruction, practice, and gaining experience
- Importance of appropriate level of safety and rescue training
- Life sport / paddling options
- Local paddling groups / clubs
- Handouts / reference materials
- Participation cards
- ACA membership benefits and join process
This course content meets the National On Water Standards for human powered craft (NOWS). The National On Water Standards for human powered craft (NOWS) can be used to:
- Evaluate other paddlers and provide effective feedback
- Effectively make documented skill assessments
© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 10/28/2025
This curriculum is managed by the ACA Introduction to Paddling (IPC) Committee.