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Official Paddlesports Safety Course

American Canoe Association (ACA) logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

Take this American Canoe Association (ACA)–approved course to complete your online paddlesports safety education.

Get your boating license in 3 steps.

  1. Study and pass the $29.50 course

  2. Print your online course completion document.

  3. Get ready to go paddling!

Do you need Paddlesports education?

Although paddlesports education is not required, all participants are responsible for learning their state laws and regulations to stay safe on the water.

American Canoe Association (ACA) Requirements

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

There is no residential requirement to take the ACA Online Paddlesports Course.

American Canoe Association logo
NASBLA Paddlesports Badge

A NASBLA-sanctioned course

Developed in partnership with the American Canoe Association

What to Expect From Boat Ed

Comprehensive Instruction in Paddlesports Paddlesports Safety Education

This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Paddlesports safety education established by American Canoe Association (ACA). Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials that cover Paddlesports safety best practices and regulations.

Pages from a boat handbook
American Canoe Association (ACA) logo

American Canoe Association (ACA)–Approved Content

As a course provider approved by American Canoe Association (ACA), the ACA Online Paddlesports Course covers everything a new paddlesports enthusiast may need to know in order to be safe while using a paddlecraft.

Get Started

Learn Your Way on Any Device

Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Boat course displayed on various devices
Course outline displaying progress

Saved Progress

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.

American Canoe Association (ACA) Course
NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports course

The ACA Online Paddlesports Course was created in partnership with the American Canoe Association.

Start the Paddlesports Course!

After completing the course, continue your paddlesports education with in-person classes.
Find one near you on the American Canoe Association website.

Made in the U.S.A.

This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.

American Canoe Association (ACA) logo

Paddlesports Frequently Asked Questions

Price and Payment

How much does the ACA Online Paddlesports Course cost?

The ACA Online Paddlesports Course fee is $29.50.

Taking the Course

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the ACA Online Paddlesports Course?

There is no residential requirement to take the ACA Online Paddlesports Course.

Course Approval and Acceptance

Is the ACA Online Paddlesports Course approved by the American Canoe Association (ACA)?

The ACA Online Paddlesports Course is approved and accepted by the American Canoe Association (ACA).

Is my Paddlesports Course Completion Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Quizzes and/or Exams

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Final Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.

About Your Certification

What is the permanent Paddlesports Course Completion Certificate?

The Course Completion Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. You can print the Course Completion Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents

How do I replace my Course Completion Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

To replace a lost or destroyed Course Completion Certificate, log in to the course and print a new one.

We’re people, not robots.

Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!

Boat Ed Help Center

Members of the Kalkomey Support Team