SUP Technical Coach (Enclosed Flat Water)

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Go the next step in your SUP Instructor career.  Gain technical skills to help your students develop better paddle technique, to minimise injury and paddle with ease.  

Each student has different skills.  Learn how to identify correct and incorrect technique for that student, work on a plan to help them improve with skills adjustments, training and by using a range of drills.

A basic knowledge of anatomy is covered to pinpoint areas of potential injury from using incorrect technique.  

This is an online course with a one day workshop covering some key aspects of the course.

Post workshop projects are submitted and you have access to an extensive online manual, with technique videos, etc.

Once completed, you are eligible to become an ASI Associate Trainer.

  • Conduct technical analysis and assessment of SUP paddle stroke and other SUP skills for recreational paddlers.

  • Create training plans

  • Provide coaching to improve performance

  • At enclosed flat water locations or exposed waters coastal locations with flat water and sheltered conditions. 

Qualified to coach at enclosed flat locations, defined as: inland waterways including rivers, lakes, estuaries, canals, enclosed harbours with no swell or breaking waves

Also qualified to coach at exposed waters coastal locations with flat water and sheltered conditions, if you also hold an Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) qualification.

Stand Up Paddle Instructor or Coach in the SUP or outdoor recreation industry.
Industry job roles that require SUP knowledge (e.g. marketing, sales, retail).
Elilgible to be an ASI Associate Trainer.

  • Identify human anatomy in relation to SUP  
  • Analyse use of the body, common mistakes 
  • Analyse use of paddle, and common mistakes 
  • Identify how to correct poor technique 
  • Identify injuries that can result due to poor technique
  • Understand stroke efficiency / cadence 
  • Identify suitable equipment and effect on technique
  • Assessing SUP performance using ASI assessment criteria and video analysis
  • Identify drills and skills to correct technique
  • Prepare individualised coaching plans to improve performance 
  • Identify the requirement for basic strength and conditioning exercises to assist in improving paddling technique.

Before starting this course:

  • Have completed a minimum of 500 hours on water paddling experience.

  • competent paddler - able to paddle with confidence, correct technique and safety equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water level -Technical Skills criteria. Paddle at 50 strokes per minute.

  • English speaking skills.

Pre-requisite Courses

The following study options are available for this course.

Flexible Online Learning:  Study in your own time with ASI's e-learning platform.  Upload video to demonstrate skills. 

The course combines the following:

  • Online learning

  • Practical skills session (a 1 day workshop to cover key concepts)

ASI's E-learning Platform
ASI's e-learning platform provides access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments.  Access is available for all the above delivery options.  

Pre-workshop 

1. Receive online learning access. 

2. Read the online modules, view videos  (ideally prior to attending workshop) 

At workshop 

Attend one day workshop. It will cover key concepts, video analysis and on water SUP technical skills to prepare you in order to complete your projects.

Post workshop assessments 

1). Submit video of personal paddling skills demonstrating paddling ability at the technical coach level (paddle stroke, cadence 50 strokes per min plus other water skills- enter/exit water, paddling on knees, dismounts, getting back on, stopping, turning methods)

2). Complete project – assessment of your student 
Find one student. Conduct assessment of paddle stroke skills, using ASI assessment forms and provide coaching feedback.  

3). Video analysis
Complete online Paddle Stroke Video Analysis for 5 paddlers, using the ASI video scenarios.

 Other

  • Submit a current ASI SUP water rescue or surf rescue certificate 

  • Submit a current senior first aid certificate 

  • Working with Children Check: If applicable to your country. 

Acceptable Rescue certificates
Acceptable First Aid certificates

Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided before or after workshop or within 12 months of enrolment. 

Time to Complete 
You have 12 months from date of workshop, or date or online enrolment, to complete all course requirements.  

Online manual and videos
Access to ASI’s e-learning platform
1 day workshop

The following equipment and clothing is required to complete the training:

  • Flat water stand up paddle board

  • Paddle

  • Coiled leash 

  • SUP clothing suitable for paddling

  • Access to 1 student for your project 

  • Computer or mobile phone to access ASI e-learning platform  

  • Video camera or mobile phone to take video of practical skills and submit online 

ASI Stand Up Paddle Technical  Coach (Enclosed Flat Water) Certificate
(valid for 12 months)

Each year, ASI SUP Instructors renew their ASI SUP Instructor certificate.   
More about renewal requirements

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