This intensive three-week training program is designed for aspiring and developing sea kayak guides who want to gain the technical, safety, and leadership skills required to lead tours in coastal and open-water environments. Participants will train to American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 3 Coastal Kayaking–equivalent standards and beyond, with additional instruction in professional guiding practices specific to the San Juan Islands.

Please note: This is not an official ACA Level 3 certification course. It is more comprehensive than the standard ACA Level 3 curriculum, covering the full scope of skills and competencies plus additional guide-specific training in leadership, naturalist interpretation, and multi-day expedition management.

Course Includes:

Paddling Skills: Efficient forward stroke, bracing, edging, and maneuvering in wind, waves, and current.

Rescues & Safety: Assisted and self-rescues, towing systems, re-entry techniques, and incident management.

Navigation & Trip Planning: Chart reading, tide/current prediction, route selection, and float plan creation.

Weather & Risk Assessment: Interpreting marine forecasts, hazard awareness, and decision-making under pressure.

Leadership & Group Management: Communication, customer service, and managing diverse skill levels.

Naturalist Skills: Wildlife interpretation, Leave No Trace principles, and environmental stewardship.

By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and confidence to lead half-day to multi-day sea kayaking tours in moderate coastal conditions and will exceed the skill benchmarks of a standard ACA Level 3 course.

Ideal for those seeking employment as professional kayak guides or expedition leaders.

This is a very extensive and immersive program with minimal free time. The schedule is highly flexible and changes daily, tailored to the best learning opportunities based on currents, winds, and weather patterns. Exact training times are not set in advance—participants must be ready for early mornings, late evenings, and variable session lengths to match real-world guiding conditions.