The ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Skills and Assessment is designed to fine tune evaluate a participant’s ability to perform all of the skills listed in the ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring curriculum along with demonstrating an appropriate level of skill, knowledge, and ability through an assessment. This program is intended for participants looking to complete PQS requirements for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s AUXPAD Operation program.

The skills assessment provides the participant with the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved a certain level of paddling ability. Successful completion of a L2 skills assessment is a required pre-requisite for US Coast Guard Auxiliarists seeking to be obtain the AUXPAD Operator designation.

Level 2 assessment requires successful demonstration of skills in at least two of the following conditions.

• Wind less than 10 knot winds
• Waves less than 1 foot
• Shore break less than 1 foot
• Current less than 1 knot

It is expected that participants interested in pursuing this award will have participated in a minimum of three, full day journeys e.g. longer than 8 nautical miles. All kayaks used in this session must have bow and stern bulkheads or bow and stern float bags properly installed.

Cost: $250

Date: July 11-13, 2025 (Virtual pre-session, June 26, 6:30 pm)

Time: July 11-13, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Traverse City, MI