Professional Development, through Exchanges, Exams, and Courses, allows leaders to stay abreast of evolving industry standards, strengthen connections with other professionals, and finesse their paddling, technical, and interpretive skills, thereby promoting safety across the industry.

SKGABC guides are required to participate in an Ongoing Training / Professional Development program at minimum once every 3 years.  See bottom of page for details.

2025 Spring Exchange Blended Format May 2-11, 2025

2025-05-02

This Spring Exchange will be a our blended virtual, self-directed and on water format. 

Workshops will be hosted online over Zoom, and local "on the water" events will be regional, organized by individual guides. 

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2025 Fall Guides Exchange Dates and Location TBA

2025-10-30

SKGABC Fall Guides Exchange will an inperson exchange. 

Please contact executive.director@skgabc.com if your organization would like to co-host the exchange.

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Professional Development -- Certification Requirement

On-Going Training can be satisfied for a THREE (3) year period by any of the following SKGABC activities

  • SKGABC Guides Exchange - (L3 guides: in a Leadership role)
  • SKGABC Endorsed Course - e.g. AOG course, L3 prep course
  • SKGABC Level Two or Three Exam - as a candidate
  • new SKGABC Guide Trainer or Guide Examiner approved application

On-Going Training can be satisfied for a THREE (3) year period by any of the following alternative activities 

  • Recognized training course endorsed by another certifying body
    Examples: Paddle Canada / American Canoe Association / British Canoe Union / etc sea kayak courses
  • Regional paddling symposium or event
    Examples: Pacific Paddling Symposium / Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium / East Coast Kayak Symposium / Lumpy Waters Kayak Symposium
  • Ground Search and Rescue Training
  • Swiftwater Rescue Training

To submit non-SKGABC training, please email documentation to: info@skgabc.com 

In extenuating circumstances, the Executive Director (or Certification Committee) may consider alternative options on a case by case basis, based upon quality, intensity, and length of training as well as networking, community, and leadership components.