Want to turn your passion into your profession? Maine Sport Outfitters offers many levels of professional programs to those interested in becoming a Maine Recreational Guide, Maine Sea Kayak Guide and/or a Registered American Canoe Association Kayak Instructor. For Reservations call 800-722-0826.
- Recreation Guide Training
- Sea Kayak Guide Training
- ACA Coastal Kayak IDW
- ACA Coastal Kayak ICE
- ACA Coastal Kayak AOWC
Recreation Guide Training
Maine is unique in requiring that anyone engaging in the business of guiding be registered with the State. Since 1897, this requirement has developed into one of the most honorable and respected programs in the county.
Those who wear the Maine Guide Chevron have proven themselves through a very rigorous and demanding examination process.
Obtaining a Maine Recreation Guide license allows one to lead day and overnight canoeing, backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ATV trips in Maine.
Our Recreation Guide Training course is designed for experienced and aspiring outdoor leaders and educators who wish to further develop their technical outdoor skills and leadership abilities. In addition, students will learn the essential skills, qualities and attributes required for pursuing the Maine Guide Licensing Exams.
Course topics include map and compass use, canoeing, Maine boating laws, leadership and group safety.
Course does not include additional State exam and licensing fees.
Dates and Times
Not offered in 2013.
Price
$495 (includes meals and camping)
Special Note
Basic canoe and wilderness camping skills are required.
Sea Kayak Guide Training
Maine is unique in requiring that anyone engaging in the business of guiding be registered with the State. Since 1897, this requirement has developed into one of the most honorable and respected programs in the county.
Those who wear the Maine Guide Chevron have proven themselves through a very rigorous and demanding examination process.
Obtaining a Maine Sea Kayak Guide License allows one to lead day and overnight sea kayaking trips on Maine’s coastal waters.
Our Sea Kayak Guide Training course is designed for experienced paddlers and aspiring outdoor leaders and educators who wish to further develop their technical paddling skills and leadership abilities. In addition, students will learn the essential skills, qualities and attributes required for pursuing the Maine Guide Licensing Exam.
Course covers chart reading and navigation techniques, trip planning, tides and currents, wind and wave dynamics, group leadership, risk management, advanced rescues and strokes, island use and ethics and coastal wildlife identification.
Course does not include additional state exam licensing fees.
Dates and Times
Call
Price
$495 (includes all meals and lodging)
Special Note
Intermediate sea kayaking and camping experience are required.
ACA Coastal Kayak IDW
The American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) is an intensive 3 Day course designed to provide experienced paddlers, with documented formal instructional experience, with the tools they need to effectively teach paddling skills to others.
Whether you’re interested in formal teaching, leading trips or helping out at a local paddling club, the IDW will revise and update your technique and knowledge. Classroom, on-water and practice teaching sessions will introduce modern skills and emphasize safety, efficiency, effective communication, proper teaching progressions and professionalism.
At the end of the IDW, each candidate will be advised as to their readiness for entry into the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).
The course is based out of our Rockport retail store. Lunches are included. Local lodging/camping, breakfast and dinner meals are the responsibility of participants.
Dates and Times
Not offered in 2013.
Price
$425 (includes lunches)
Special Note
Required phone interview by Instructor Trainer before enrollment is approved.
ACA Coastal Kayak ICE
The e day Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) is the next stop for those having recently completed an IDW, who are ready to be examined on their overall skills as a Coastal Kayaking Instructor for the American Canoe Association.
Instructor candidates are assigned teaching topics which they will present and be evaluated on at the workshop. Certification is awarded based upon proficiency in technical knowledge, teaching skills, modeling ability, people skills and group leadership.
This course combines intensive classroom sessions with on-water practical scenarios. The course is based out of our Rockport Retail Store location. Lunches are included. Local lodging/camping, breakfast and dinner meals are the responsibility of the participants.
Dates and Times
Not offered in 2013.
Price
$435 (includes lunches)
Special Note
Requires successful completeion of IDW and Instructor Trainer recommendation.
ACA Coastal Kayak AOWC
The ACA’s Advanced Open Water Certification (AOWC) workshop is a new 2 Day course designed for those who have held their ACA Open Water Instructor Certification for a minimum of 2 years, and have taught the minimum number of courses required to maintain certification.
If you intend to work with advanced beginners in near small-craft advisory conditions or guide multi-day trips where these conditions may develop, this course is for you.
Time will be spent working on rough water boat handling, recues, towing and group management. Class will be held in surf and tidal current settings. Solid boat handling skills and a “bombproof” roll are a must.
Certification as an Advanced Open Water Instructor is dependent upon successful completion of this class and Instructor Trainer recommendation. If certified, you will be able to teach the ACA’s new advanced surf zone and rough water paddling and towing courses for advanced beginners.
Course runs concurrently during the last two days of your ACA Instructor Certification Exam. This course is based our of our Rockport Retail Store location and includes lunches both days. Local lodging/camping and other meals are the responsibility of the participants.
Dates and Times
Not offered in 2013.
Price
$295 (includes lunches)
Special Note
Requires phone interview by Instructor Trainer before enrollment is approved.
Cancellation Policy
All of our trips run rain or shine. Paddling in the rain and fog creates a real unique experience. The only thing that keeps us off the water is lightning or high winds. If we cancel a trip due to one of these, you will receive a full refund. If you should cancel up to 24 hours prior to trip departure you will receive a refund minus a 20% deposit fee. Unfortunately we are unable to refund cancellations made less than 24 hours from the trip departure time.
