This is the entry level course for SUP instructors. Deliver basic SUP lessons, short SUP paddle tours and SUP rentals in enclosed flat water locations.

Qualified to instruct at Enclosed Flat Water locations, defined as:

• inland waterways including rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals, enclosed harbours without swell

• with no swell or breaking waves

• wind speed less than 12 knots

• no more than 250 metres from shore

• Stand Up Paddle Instructor in the SUP or outdoor recreation industry.
• Industry job roles that require SUP knowledge (e.g. marketing, sales, retail)
• Pathways to higher levels like SUP Tech Coach or to become a SUP yoga teacher, a SUP surfing coach or perhaps a SUP fitness instructor.
• Start your own ASI accredited SUP school.

• The role of the SUP instructor
• Identify laws and regulations that apply to conducting SUP lessons
• Identify enclosed flat water SUP lesson/activity risks and hazards
• Emergency processes and response
• Logistics and how to plan enclosed flat water SUP sessions
• Suitable boards, equipment and resources
• Communication skills for the SUP environment
• Methods to manage clients safely
• Deliver basic SUP lessons and SUP activities
• Understand correct paddling technique including the 5 phases of the paddle stroke
• Identify correct and incorrect technique using ASI assessment competency guide
• Use video analysis to assess your own paddling ability
• Evaluate your own SUP teaching sessions  
• Minimise environmental impacts (social & natural)

Before enrolling in this course:

• have at least 100 hours on water SUP paddling experience

• competent paddler - able to paddle with confidence, correct technique and safety equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water level - Foundation Skills criteria

• English speaking skills

Pre-requisite Courses:

• ASI SUP Wise Intensiv (Enclosed Flat Water) course - Foundation Skills Criteria

  This course provides underlying skills and knowledge required for the SUP Instructor course. Can be completed at the same time as enrolling in this instructor course.

The following study options are available for this course.

Workshop:  An intensive course that focuses on the major components, with the ability to interact with the trainer and the group. 
Duration:  2 days. 

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

Transfer:   Obtain your ASI qualification based on recognition of your non ASI instructor qualification. This is an online course option.

Update:  For ASI instructors whose qualification has expired and need to regain the ASI qualification. This is an online course option.

Online Courses - 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.

Knowledge Requirements

Complete multi-choice online tests.

• Workshop:  after the workshop  

• Flexible Online course:  anytime

• Transfer:  anytime

• Update:  anytime

Skills Requirements

Demonstrate correct paddling technique and paddle stroke technique. 

• Workshop:  conducted at workshop

• Flexible Online course:  submit your own video

• Transfer:  submit your own video

• Update:  submit your own video

Complete paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins. 

• Workshop:  conducted at workshop

• Flexible Online course:  submit your own video

• Transfer:  submit your own video

• Update:  submit your own video

Practical Hours Experience
Complete 10 hours practical work experience, assisting in the delivery of lessons of tours, at an ASI or approved SUP school. 

• Workshop:  after the workshop. Recognition of previous SUP instruction experience can be provided.  

• Flexible Online course:  after submitting skills video. Recognition of previous SUP instruction experience can be provided.  

• Transfer:  not required, provide copy of non-ASI instructor certificate and some details of previous instruction

• Update:  not required, provide some details of previous instruction

Other
Applies to all study options.

• Have completed the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv (Enclosed Flat Water) course - Foundation Skills criteria (can be completed at the same time as enrolling in this instructor course)

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

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate 

• Identification

• 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. 

Assessment - Paddle Stroke, Paddle Test, Other SUP skills

Workshop. Assessed at workshop.
If not yet competent, you have one free re-assessment (submitting video).

Flexible Online. Submit video for assessment
If not yet competent, you have one free re-assessment (submitting video again).

Transfer or Update. Submit video for assessment
If not yet competent, re-assessment fees apply.

Reassessment fees
Are listed on the ASI website at: Fees

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

All courses include ASI membership for 12 months.

Workshop
Level 1 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) paper manual 
SUP Instruction Logbook (paper)

Online Learning Courses
Access to Level 1 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) online manual 
SUP Instruction Logbook online version

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

In addition, for the Online learning option:   

• 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 Level 1 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) Certificate
Valid for 12 months

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

Read more at:
How to become an ASI SUP Instructor
SUP Instructor Course FAQ's