National and Training Clinics

Team River Runner prides itself on promoting safe practices and preparation for all our veterans and volunteers. We promote leadership on the water by supporting chapters attending formal instruction for these courses. We strive to have at least 8 ACA Certification Courses opportunities around the United States. These Certifications are professional certifications in Level 1 (or higher) professional instruction certification. Certifications to include American Canoe Safety Courses, Swift Water Rescue Courses, First Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid, Adaptive Paddling Endorsement. 

ACA Instructor Certification

  • As veterans show proficiency on their paddling skills, we encourage them to get professional certifications through the American Canoe Association (ACA).  ACA is the National Governing Body for paddlesports for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and as the U.S. National Federation to the International Canoe Federation.
  • TRR’s Paddler’s progression path is based out of ACA’s criteria in order to prepare them for ACA certifications clinic.  
  • ACA Certifications opens job opportunities for veterans looking to work in the Outdoor Education industry.  
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ACA Swift Water Certification and/or Training

  • TRR’s number 1 Priority is Safety! Therefore, we also provide ACA Swiftwater rescue training and/or certification to both veterans and volunteers. 
  • ACA Certifications opens job opportunities for veterans looking to work in the Outdoor Education industry.  


Wilderness First Aid, First Aid and CPR

  • TRR also provides at either WFA, FA and/or CPR training to veterans and volunteers.   Not only, ACA Instructor and SWR Clinics require First Aid and CPR certifications, but it is good knowledge for all of our participants to have in hand.   

Vanessa Jones

Committe Co-Chair

Vanessa A. Jones is a dynamic force dedicated to fostering
inclusivity, encouraging discussion, and promoting a culture of
belonging in the outdoor sports community. Hailing from
Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and
perspectives to her endeavors.
As a US Army veteran and ordained Chaplain with a focus on
seniors and caretakers, Vanessa is deeply committed to serving
others. Her work as a patient-caretaker advocate reflects her
passion for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring their
voices are heard.
Currently, Vanessa is employed by a resettlement agency, where
she confronts challenges head-on with resilience and
compassion. As a single, Black woman veteran, she embraces
the unique hurdles she faces, viewing them as opportunities for
growth and empowerment.
In her downtime, she wears many hats, including that of a
missionary, spreading hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Weekends are spent paddling, immersing herself in West African
dance and finding solace and joy in nature’s embrace.
Vanessa is committed to equitable principles, ensuring that
everyone’s opinions are valued and heard. Through her
unwavering dedication and inclusive leadership, Vanessa is
paving the way for a more equitable and diverse outdoor sports
landscape.