APA has developed training & certification systems for the following paddling disciplines;

• Swiftwater: flowing rivers with rapids
• Flatwater: estuaries and lakes with negligible flow
• Coastal water: Estuary & river mouths and coastal waters

The guide training & certification path for each discipline is separate but the system has been designed so that guides can cross over between disciplines through shorter bridging courses. Click on the links above for a diagram of the training and certification structure for each discipline.

In all cases, it is strongly recommended that aspirant guides complete the full training course and logged days, followed by the appropriate evaluation. There is provision, however, for guides to proceed straight to an evaluation if they feel they have the necessary skills and knowledge. The APA also recognises overseas qualifications and experience – in these cases, the guide should submit a full CV, copies of qualifications, logbook etc and APA will assess where s/he fits into the APA system.

The evaluations are organised by the APA National Office but are often run by the local training centre or Instructor. Contact the APA office for more information.