BECOMING AN

ECOMARINE INSTRUCTOR

September 25, 2004

Ecomarine’s Coastal Kayaking School was established around 1980 to educate paddlers about the paddling environment and the requisite skills to enjoy the ocean safely and comfortably. Our school has grown to be one of the most respected schools in the world. This is in large part due to our dedicated and skilled Instructor Team. There are many important steps to becoming a respected Instructor. Outlined below are those steps. Please consider this process carefully before beginning. For most Instructors it will take many years and involve hours of commitment and cost.

Our School is composed of four ingredients:

  1. The instructors
  2. The equipment and facilities
  3. The administration
  4. The programming and philosophies

Steps to Become an Ecomarine Instructor:

  1. Get some paddling experience

    2. This means lots of time on the water - 20 tripping days is ideal. You will need to have taken courses achieving a minimum of CRCA Level One Instructor. This training is available through Ecomarine. All our instructors are CRCA certified.

  2. Get your first aid ticket

    3. A minimum weekend program with CPR ‘C’. A one week program like Wilderness First Aid Explorer course is recommended.

    3. Fill in the Instructor Application

    Please fill it in completely. Please include any paddling experience you might have and mention where.

  3. You will be contacted for an interview

    4. During the interview we go through your application. You must be available to work during July and August. If you are unavailable during this time – apply another year. During the interview a training schedule will be tailored to fill any gaps you may have.

  4. Training

Training will include four areas:

    1. Sales and communication
    2. Paddling skills
    3. Product knowledge
    4. Instructional Skills and logistics

You must consult with the Trainer to ensure that you have the proper training to move onto the next steps in your career.

 
  1. After your initial training a schedule will be created with you.

    2. You must be firm about your availability to work. All new instructors will be required to work a minimum number of Pleasure Paddles. This is an excellent training ground for you to apply your new skills.

  2. The first courses you will teach will be our Beginner levels.

    3. Arrange with the Scheduler to observe the first programs at least twice. If after the first observation you wish to teach part of the course then arrange this with both the Scheduler and the Lead Instructor well in advance. Debrief after this second course to improve. The Lead Instructor will communicate to the Scheduler your progression to Assisting.

  3. Assisting a course

    4. Could you teach the entire program on you own? Any program with more than 6 students requires a second Instructor. You will be teaching part of this program on your own. Debrief after these courses. The Lead Instructor will pass on your progress to the Scheduler.

  4. Leading a Course

    5. Once you have assisted a minimum of three times then you may be able to lead a program. Consult with the Trainer to determine if your training is adequate.

  5. If you wish to teach a different course

    6. Then repeat the observing, assisting, leading progression.

  6. There will be ongoing training, trips, exchanges throughout the year for you

Upgrade your skills constantly. You must be participating in these sessions to be successful as an Instructor. The Scheduler and the Trainer will make every effort to ensure you have work.

There is a teaching attitude that we encourage at Ecomarine that involves respect for the student. Safety, patience, enthusiasm, motivation, maturity, creativity and knowledge are all subjective attributes that will be observed during the evaluation process. These attributes come with a focus on being the best teacher possible. That is what an Ecomarine Instructor is.

Keep in mind that any outdoor educational program fluctuates in demand. We are only able to provide intermittent employment. There are many other opportunities for full time work that include a teaching component. Inquire as to which path is best for you.

Thank you for considering becoming an Ecomarine Instructor. We wish you luck in learning. Please ask us where you can fit in and we would be happy to guide you.

Happy Paddling

 

 

Chris Ladner

Owner of Ecomarine