This four-day training and certification course is offered in partnership with Sea Thru Kayaks VI in Christiansted, St. Croix. The workshop equips paddlers to lead half-day and single-day trips on large lakes and nearshore coastal waters.
November 9-12, 2026 | St. Croix
November 23-26, 2026 | St. Croix
$1,750 per person | Accommodations, instruction, & equipment included
The American Canoe Association’s (ACA’s) Coastal Paddlesports Leader Certification Workshop equips paddlers to lead half-day and single-day trips on large lakes and nearshore coastal waters. This four-day training and certification course presents candidates with a range of paddling scenarios from short, relaxed excursions to more challenging and adventurous day trips. The program provides a dynamic learning experience that covers on-water management techniques, decision-making, communication, planning, risk management, and rescue solutions, all while having fun and exploring a unique tropical environment.
Offered in partnership with Sea Thru Kayaks VI in Christiansted, St. Croix, this certification workshop is led by David McPherson, ACA Level 3 Instructor Trainer and Coastal Leader Trainer, and Craig Harms, owner of Sea Thru Kayaks VI.
Multiple venues in and around Christiansted Harbor will provide an ideal setting for the course, combining warm water with nearshore crossings, route planning, group management scenarios, and the varied conditions expected of ACA Level 2+ venues. Participants will develop practical leadership skills while exploring one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive paddling environments.
Multiple venues in and around Christiansted Harbor will provide an ideal setting for the course, combining warm water with nearshore crossings, route planning, group management scenarios, and the varied conditions expected of ACA Level 2+ venues. Participants will develop practical leadership skills while exploring one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive paddling environments.
The following terms, conditions, policies, and limitations govern participation in this program and constitute an agreement between each participant and the Program Organizers, including Sea Kayak Connecticut (SKCT), Sea Thru Kayaks VI, and their respective owners, instructors, employees, volunteers, agents, and affiliates.
The cost is $1,750 per participant.
– Accommodations at Hotel Caravelle (Check-in after 3:00 pm on Sunday and check-out before 11:00 am on Friday)
– Friday departure transportation from Hotel Caravelle to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX)
– Kayak, life jacket, and paddle for each day of the course
– Breakfast, lunch, and snacks for each day of the course
– Group dinners on two evenings, with three evenings free to explore local restaurants
– ACA instruction from David McPherson and Craig Harms
– Ground transportation during course activities
– A memorable paddling experience combining ACA certification, leadership development, camaraderie, and Caribbean adventure
– Airfare to and from St. Croix (STX)
– Travel insurance (highly recommended)
– Arrival transportation between Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) and Hotel Caravelle
– Meals not specifically identified as included
– Personal expenses and gratuities
– Transportation on free evenings
– Lodging before or after the course (Check-in Sunday, Check-out Friday)
– Personal clothing and paddling gear (a packing list will be provided)
All payments must be made in U.S. dollars.
– Deposit due at the time of booking: $600 per participant
– Final payment due on or before September 29, 2026: $1150
Reservations made on or after Sept 29, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellation and rescheduling requests must be submitted by calling (203) 557-6033 or emailing info@seakayakct.com.
The following cancellation schedule applies:
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Penalty |
| On or Before September 29, 2026 | Full refund |
| September 30 – October 15, 2026 | Program total less the deposit ($1,150 refund) |
| On or after October 16, 2026 | No refund |
Programs operate rain or shine. Participants are responsible for arriving prepared for forecasted weather conditions. Programs will be canceled only in the event of severe weather, unsafe conditions, or an emergency, as determined by the Program Organizers. If the Program Organizers cancel a program, participants will be notified and may reschedule or receive a full refund. If a participant chooses to cancel because of weather concerns, the standard cancellation policy applies.
Participants must satisfy all requirements established by the American Canoe Association (ACA), including the following:
– Current ACA membership
– Successful completion of the skills assessment
– Acknowledgment of the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
– Agreement to the ACA Code of Conduct
– Current Urban First Aid and CPR certification (or a higher level of certification)
– Access to the ACA Paddlesport Leader – Candidate Workbook
Proper travel documentation is required for entry into St. Croix. U.S. citizens must present either a passport or a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. Participants who are not U.S. citizens must possess a valid passport and all required visa or ESTA documentation.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are medically and physically fit to participate in the program. Participants should consult their physicians regarding recommended vaccinations and any health considerations related to travel.
Participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with travel and participation in the program.
The Program Organizers shall not be liable for delays, changes, cancellations, or the inability of an instructor to participate because of severe weather, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, government action, illness, death, or any other event beyond their reasonable control.
If circumstances require changes to the program, the Program Organizers reserve the right to substitute instructors, modify the itinerary, postpone the program, or cancel the program. Any refunds issued shall be at the sole discretion of the Program Organizers.
By making a reservation or completing the online registration process, each participant acknowledges and agrees to these terms and conditions.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in the program and release, waive, and hold harmless the Program Organizers, including Sea Kayak Connecticut (SKCT), Sea Thru Kayaks VI, and their respective owners, instructors, employees, volunteers, agents, and affiliates, from any claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or relating to participation in the program, including personal injury, illness, property damage, or death, except where caused by gross negligence, willful misconduct, or other liability that cannot legally be waived.