Skip to main content

ACA L3 Coastal Kayak IDW & ICE

For those pursuing a career in paddle sports.

Instructor Development Workshop: April 21-23, 2025
Instructor Certification Exam: April 25 - 27, 2025

About

Interested in becoming an American Canoe Association L3 Instructor or stepping up your leadership and teaching skills? The Bay Area is one of the best classrooms for developing skills and building confidence as an instructor. You’ll have the chance to train and assess in an exciting environment with quick-changing conditions. For this course, the workshop and exam are each three days. Candidates participating in the combined IDW/ICE will commit a full week (7 days) that includes one rest day on April 24th. 

Updating Candidates: For candidates looking to update their existing certification, we recommend you to take part in the 3-day ICE portion of this course. 

 This IDW and ICE will be facilitated by Laura Zulliger (ACA L4 Instructor Trainer and L5 Instructor) and will be hosted by Sea Trek in our Sausalito location. We’ll dive into understanding L3 conditions, teaching techniques, and maneuvers all while learning and testing new pedagogical approaches both on and off the water. 

We will hone our teaching ability in tidal current up to 2 knots, wind up to 15 knots and surf up to 2 feet. We will focus on how to teach navigation, mitigate risk and manage incidents and provide effective coaching on technique. Please review the ACA’s L3 Instructor Criteria that was updated recently in 2023. The examination portion (ICE) will comprise three days in which candidates will be assessed while teaching actual practice students.

 Pre-requisites: In order to participate as a candidate, you will need to complete an L3 Skills Assessment prior to the IDW or ICE. For ICE-only candidates, you will need to have taken an IDW within the past two years. 

PREREQUISITES

In order to participate as a candidate, you will need to complete an L3 Skills Assessment prior to the IDW or ICE. For ICE-only candidates, you will need to have taken an IDW within the past two years.

LOCATION

Bay Model, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965

Follow Bay Model signs, and park in Bay Model lot.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you are booking both the IDW and ICE please select “IDW and ICE”. The price reflects a two course discount for your IDW. After booking the IDW you’ll come to the Invoice summary page. Leave the IDW course in your shopping cart and before paying click on “keep shopping.” Next you’ll sign up for the ICE course, and once again choose IDW and ICE. The price reflects a two course discount for your ICE. With both the IDW and the ICE in your shopping cart you are ready to pay.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE

If you need assistance booking this reservation or have any questions, please email laura@seatrek.com.

Explore more ACA courses

level 1 sup instructors

L2 SUP Instructor Certification

$399
Non-Members

This more technical course follows the ACA SUP Instructor curriculum and is ideal for those stepping up their leadership and teaching skills and pursuing a paddle sports career.

Learn More
aca-instructor-class

L1 SUP Instructor Certification

$299
Non-Members

This course follows the American Canoe Association SUP Instructor curriculum and is ideal for those stepping up their leadership and teaching skills.

Learn More

READ SOME OF OUR REVIEWS

Baja

kayak coasts & islands – expedition style

The guides were amazing; the scenery breathtaking; the food outstanding. Can't say enough good things - I HIGHLY recommend it!!

Suzy W
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Suzy W

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

Friendly hepful staff. Excellent paddling equipment! Beautiful / scenic location with lots of wildlife to observe. Very relaxing escape from the hustle, bustle and stress of an urban environment.

Michael Arent
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Michael Arent

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

Such an amazing experience!! Thank you to my two wonderful friends who showed me this place. Thank you to the staff for being helpful and giving us tip how to get on board on a kayak and what we can and can not do. If you are in the area, I recommend going to them! Can't wait to see you guys soon!

Stephanie S.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Stephanie S.

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rentals

If you're staying in Sausalito or are looking for a great spot to get on the water during your stay in San Francisco this is a great spot! You're able to complete the waiver on line ahead of time (or as a group we were able to) and the safety speech was quick but thorough! We saw seals and a variety of birds and enjoyed being able to explore on our own. You're able to choose between kayaking and stand up paddle boards and the equipment is in good shape.

Dorian Yablin
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Dorian Yablin

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – skiff supported

Three friends and I were dazzled by this group of professional, safety minded people. Advice is freely given by all and it is good advice. Amazing food - think fish caught and made into scrumptious meals like clams on the half shell and ceviche. Star gazing with stories about the constellations, going to sleep with the sounds of blue whales, jumping into the boats and racing to get in the middle of a school of dolphins who played in the wake. Kayak trips at different levels for those of us who are not as skilled but still want the adventure. It was all fabulous. I would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys paddling, sleeping on the beach, and good company. As a group of over sixties, we felt well taken care of and safe. Keep up the good work, Sea Trek. You are a jewel.

Barbara Maher
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Barbara Maher

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

Fantastic company to rent from and great day kayaking! I have rented several times from Seatrek and every time has been so easy and hassle free. Today I took my dog for the first time and everyone was wonderful and helpful making it a perfect day on the water for us. If you are looking for a great single, couple, or group/family outing I highly recommend renting from seatrek.

Stacey Rader
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Stacey Rader

5/5stars
Baja

kayak & sup private custom trips

Words cannot express how wonderful this experience was. I went on the paddleboarding excursion with a friend in November. The weather was perfect! The paddling was amazing. The guides were helpful, knowledgeable professional and made sure that every camper got what they were expecting from the trip. We camped on the most beautiful beaches, snorkeled some beautiful spots, went fishing and diving and hiking. Such a full featured experience. I am changed forever. Can't wIt to go back and do it again!!! Worth every penny!!!!

Lisa W
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Lisa W

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands – expedition style

Sea Trek makes you feel welcomed and cared for as soon as you arrive in Loretto. Actually, as soon as you call them months in advance to ask about trip details. The kayaking is beautiful, the sea life swimming beside and below you - whales, dolphins, eels.... The food fresh and tasty, changing each day. An incredible, experience; easy to make the trip what you want... adventurous or relaxing, you choose... they make it happen.

Gringa D
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Gringa D

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

Loved kayaking in Sausalito. Saw a bunch of cute seals and birds. Water can get choppy when it’s windy. Easy to board and get off the kayak. They had a small life jacket for our dog as well!

Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Arthika K

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – skiff supported

Seatrek provided a memorable experience! Joey Heusler, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable about whales and with the Seatrek staff, took us to Magdalena Bay, where we had two trips out to see the Gray whales with their calves, and then on to the Sea of Cortez for a four day kayaking and camping trip on the islands. We saw eight Blue Whales, including one passing right by our island camp! A first time for most of us. The food prepared by the staff was wonderful and everything was done for our safety and comfort. Could not recommend this trip more highly!

RudiDundas
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

RudiDundas

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

Repeat customer here. Book online ahead of time, and it’s a breeze to check in and get out in the water. We have used single and double kayaks (not the traditional kind) with adults and tweens / teens.

Kate Knick Rabbe
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Kate Knick Rabbe

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rental

Great experience! Staff were friendly, and we had a smooth, fun time kayaking. We especially liked kayaking around the house boats, which were cook to see. They recommend making reservations in advance, which was easy to do online.

Maya D.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Maya D.

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rentals

Went here for me recent birthday! Try to go when it's not windy! The first half was call. We went to the houseboats and to see the cute seals! Coming back, it got a little windy but it was definitely a great workout! We are in shape and used to rowing so it wasn't a big deal, just ask or look up weather conditions before reserving a time.

Mary Ann O.
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Mary Ann O.

5/5stars
Rentals

kayak rentals

Becoming a member of SeaTrek has changed our lives. It's given us a safe and easy way to be out on the water and for our three and five year old boys to explore, learn about marine wild life and have a sense of adventure. The people who work at SeaTrek are all incredibly warm and knowledgeable and have made our whole family feel welcome. During the pandemic this has been a lifeline for us. I can't recommend SeaTrek or being on Richardson Bay enough.

Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Natalia A.

5/5stars
Classes

introductory stand-up paddleboard class

What a great place ! I took a SUP lesson and it was so fun and helpful . They are so friendly and organized . Very therapeutic to get out on the water .

Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Adrienne B.

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – expedition style

Our kayaking camping trip from Loreto Mexico was an amazing nature experience. Sea Trek did a great job with answering all the pre-trip questions from my wife and I. The trip itself from Loreto to the islands of Danzante and Carmen was rich in marine and bird life and seeing the blue whales (again and again!) was life altering. The guides were truly experts and a pleasure to be with whether in the water or on a day hike. The meals were yummy, often including a fresh catch of the day. And then there is that celestial night sky…..We want to go back!

Curiosity60282304734
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Curiosity60282304734

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – skiff supported

Excellent food, excellent guides, excellent experience, excellent gear, excellent camping, excellent snorkeling, excellent camaraderie -- everything was wonderful! I had a great time! I feel like a new person! The whale watching was great, we also saw dolphins, pelicans and a variety of other animals. I highly recommend Sea Trek Baja trips for solo, couples and families -- you will be thrilled that you did it.

hhlleeo23
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

hhlleeo23

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands & whale watching – expedition style

The Classic Island and Whale Watch tour was an incredible experience. The guides were pleasant, organized, knowledgeable, accommodating, and excellent chefs! Each individual in our group was asked what they were most interested in doing/seeing during the tour and our guides delivered. We have already recommended Sea Trek to friends and family.

Greg
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Greg

5/5stars
Baja

kayak & sup private custom trips

We took the SUP option for paddling out to and around these beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. I was very glad we did, as SUPing is what we're used to when paddling at home, and it provides a great vantage down through the clear water, a full-body workout, and for me more comfort than sitting. We definitely weren't slowing down the group, and several others wanted to try it out from camp. It was easy to hop on the SUPs just to get a little morning exercise, to find the best snorkeling, and for an absolutely amazing Bioluminescence paddle. This was a wonderful trip. And a side benefit was how pretty, friendly and easy Loreto is.

bill3west
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

bill3west

5/5stars
Baja

kayak coasts & islands – skiff supported

This was my 3rd trip with Sea Trek in Baja. My wife and I have gone twice and I went once by myself. I love this place. Beautiful water, desert mountains, cool wildlife and it is in Mexico, a warm and charming culture. Steve, the Baja Big Cheese, has a knack for picking awesome staff. These are the kind of people I wish I had here at home to hang out with. My only complaint is that the trip is too short.

Mark S
Rated 4.9/5 based on 21 customer reviews

Mark S

5/5stars

Want to be notified of our latest deals and promotions on fun activities?

Get on the Sea Trek email list!

    Frequent Paddler Pass

    $175 for 10 hours kayak & SUP rental in both locations!

    Save 50% on your next kayak or SUP rental.

    The Perks:

    Can be used in Sausalito or Alameda
    Can be used for up to 4 people at once
    $17.50/person/hour
    Never expires

    Purchase your Frequent Paddler Pass on your next visit to Sea Trek!

    Saturday, November 23

    Sausalito Hours

    November 1st – December 1st
    Monday – Sunday 9am-4pm
    Closed November 27th & 28th

    December 2nd – March 31
    Tuesday – Sunday:  9am – 4pm
    Closed on Mondays except holidays

    Closed Christmas Eve and Day

    Open New Year’s Eve and Day, MLK and President’s Day

     

     

     

    Alameda Hours

    November 1st – March 31st
    Open Friday – Sunday  9am-4pm
    Closed Monday – Thursday

    Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

    Open New Year’s Eve and Day, MLK and Presidents’ Day