Risk, Reputation, and Retention: Using ACA Standards to Build Programs That Last
Mick Hultz
ACA has added two major pathways alongside the legacy Instructor track: a Leader pathway and an emerging Guide pathway. For schools and providers, this is the missing link—training that targets what most programs actually need day-to-day: safe decision-making, consistent supervision, trip planning, group management, and rescue readiness (not “how to become an instructor”).
In this session, we’ll map the pathway from Community Paddlesports Leader (CPL) through day-trip leadership and into the developing Guide track, and translate it into an operational system you can use immediately. Expect practical examples: what “good” looks like, how to set staff roles, how to document competence without drowning in paperwork, and how to build a training pipeline that survives turnover.
You’ll leave with a clear picture of which ACA track fits your context, how to implement it ethically and realistically, and a simple next-step plan for your program.
About Mick
Mick Hultz is the founder of Asobi Master® in Hokkaido, Japan—built for people who want “Japan, deeper and unfiltered,” with professional judgment, local context, and a little “Fun Boss” energy. He designs and delivers small-group outdoor education, guiding, and instructor-development programs, and is steadily progressing the operation from sole-proprietor mode into a durable domestic platform through Hokkaido International Adventure Masters KK.
At the core is a simple idea: chiiki okoshi through play—using high-standard outdoor programs to support local communities, real operators, and the places guests actually touch (not just the “checklist” highlights). Mick works with select travel partners, destination management companies, and licensed travel agencies when appropriate, and builds partnerships that can scale—locally in Japan and across Asia through creator and industry collaborations.
His operating filter is Legal・Legit・Local™ (in that order), backed by conservative, locally informed risk decisions—then PLAY・毎日・EVERY・遊ぶ・DAY™ to keep it human.
