NACK Assessment Opportunities
Participation on most club paddling trips requires successful completion
of a NACK or ACA Skill Assessment. Assessment is necessary to help the trip leader know the capabilities
and resources in the group, to insure that all participants are capable of mutual support, to permit paddlers
of similar abilities to paddle together and to encourage our members to maintain and improve their paddling
skills.
Assessment is not required in order to be a member of NACK. Assessment is not required to participate
in off-water activities. Assessment is not required for certain on-water activities such as Training
Sessions, Peer Practices, New Member Paddles and other functions that are appropriatly staffed by the
Training and Safety Committee.
NACK Assessments are conducted by ACA Certified Instructors and are designed to be fun and informative.
We encourage all of our members to take advantage of the free yearly assessment program. Assessments are
challenging, enjoyable, and educational. Skill ratings are shared with the membership in order to better
schedule our activities, but details of individual assessments are held in confidence by the Assessor.
Between 50% and 80% of our members have completed Assessments as any given
time. NACK Assessments require appropriate equipment and experience. The schedule and location may be
modified based on conditions and the number of participants at any session has limitations. To confirm
your reservation and be notified of changes, you must be registered.
Note that as of 2009, all NACK Assessments will follow ACA Skill Assessment standards. Candidates should visit the ACA
website for detailed requirements. NACK is pleased to announce that our Training Committee now has the capability to perform
ACA Skill Assessments at levels 1 through 4. Members wishing to register their skill level with ACA will incur a nominal
fee for submission and processing of ACA paperwork.
Conditions are not suitable for outdoor Assessments below the Inner Coastal level during the winter and
early spring seasons paddling. FW and AFW Assessments can be scheduled starting in late Spring. Those
with current interest should contact the Training Committee.
