ACA L5 Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayak IDW/ICE
January 29 – February 2, 2026
Sausalito, CA | Presidio Yacht Club (Travis Marina)

Dates:
● Full IDW/ICE: Thursday, January 29 – Monday, February 2
● IDW: January 29 – 31
● ICE: January 31 – February 2

Ready to step into leadership in dynamic coastal environments? This ACA Level 5 Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) offers experienced instructors the opportunity to level up their coaching and leadership in conditions that meet or exceed L5 certification standards.
Held in the heart of the Bay Area—where big swell, fast currents, and changing weather combine to create a powerful training ground—this 5-day program is designed for:

● L4 Coastal Kayak Instructors preparing to upgrade to L5
● Current L5 Instructors seeking an update
● Candidates ready to complete the ICE

The course is led by Ryan Rushton (ACA L5 AOWCK Instructor Trainer Educator). Participants will explore L5-level paddling skills, group management strategies, risk assessment, and coaching techniques for surf zones, rock gardens, and strong current environments.

Expect conditions that meet L5 requirements:

● Surf ≥ 4 ft (1.2 meters)
● Currents ≥ 4 knots
● Wind ≥ 15 knots
● Waves/chop ≥ 3 ft (1 meter)

Cost:
● Full 5-Day IDW/ICE: $950
● L5 Instructor Update (IDW + ICE): $500
● IDW or ICE only: $500

Minimum enrollment: 2 | Maximum enrollment: 3

📎 Please review the updated ACA L5 Instructor Criteria before registering to ensure you're prepared for participation and certification.

Pre-requisites:
● Must be a certified ACA L4 Coastal Kayak Instructor
● Strong paddling and leadership ability in dynamic ocean conditions
● All ACA prerequisites must be completed prior to ICE participation

Note: Course fees do not include food or lodging. A fleet of kayaks is available for out-of-town
candidates to rent as-needed. Please contact Laura Zulliger (laurazulliger@gmail.com) in advance to reserve a kayak and gear.