We expect Smart Start for Safe Paddling facilitators to be able to effectively maneuver their craft and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. This module is to be taught in conjunction with the Smart Start for Safe Paddling General Knowledge Module. This program was formerly known as “Paddlesports Safety Facilitator” and was officially re-branded as “Smart Start for Safe Paddling” in October 2025. If you’re a student who would like resources to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide the Smart Start for Safe Paddling suite of resources, which features a comprehensive resource book, student activity workbook, facilitator’s guide, and free online coursework. The 100% free Smart Start for Safe Paddling interactive online course can be found here. A certificate of completion is included! This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.
Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Be a current ACA Member
• Understands and acts in accordance with ACA's Code of Conduct

Course Duration General Knowledge Module Duration: Minimum of 4 hours Discipline Specific Module Duration: Minimum of 1 hour per module
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.
Course Size 12 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 24 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 24.
Who Can Teach This Course This course may be offered by currently certified ACA:

• Level 3 Canoe Instructors (or higher)
• Level 1 and 2 Canoe Instructors with a Smart Start for Safe Paddling Endorsement. If the ACA Instructor would like to offer this course in another discipline (Kayak or SUP), they must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Award in that additional discipline to offer that module
• Leader Trainers (or higher)
• Guide Trainers (or higher)
• Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator as described below

Endorsements Endorsements can be given by any currently certified ACA Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator. If the ACA Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator would like to offer the Smart Start for Safe Paddling endorsement to an instructor certified in a different discipline, the IT or ITE must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Award in that discipline.
Succeeding Courses Level 1: Intro to Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, or Packrafting Skills, Assessment, or Certification Course Community Paddlesports Leader (CPL) Certification Course Paddlesports Leader (PL) Certification Course
Smart Start for Safe Paddling Certification Maintenance Requirements

• Maintain ACA membership annually
• This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.

Canoe Module Requirements Demonstrate the following:

• Securing boat for transport on car or trailer using proper tie downs, straps, or knots
  • Knots: Figure-8, bowline, truckers hitch, and 2 half hitches
• Techniques for safely loading and unloading the canoe from a car, trailer, or rack
• Safely carry the canoe to and from the water
• Enter and launch the boat from shore in a controlled manner, checking for clear departure
• Determine boat stability (trim, stance, bow to stern, gunwhale to gunwhale, etc.)

Demonstrate the ability to perform the following safety and rescue skills:

• Calmly exit the boat after a capsize, using proper body position and contact with the craft and paddle
• Deep water exits: vault and slide performed in flat water
• Swim a canoe 30 feet (9 meters) to shore
• Maneuver the canoe to rescue a person in the water and their capsized boat
  • Strategies and techniques for boat and paddle recovery including bumping, bulldozing, towing, or swimming equipment to shore
• On-water assisted rescues: boat over boat or side by side or others appropriate to conditions
• Self and assisted swimmer re-entry techniques (i.e., heel hook, rescue sling, paddle float)
• Perform an unresponsive paddler rescue
• Emptying water from the boat (on shore, bailers, pumps, sponges, etc.)

Satisfactorily complete the General Module Successfully complete the Smart Start for Safe Paddling Exam Conclusion and Course 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
• ACA membership benefits and renewal process
• Course Management System (CMS) access for credentials and training history

© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 10/28/2025
https://americancanoe.org