Course Overview

Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

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Operating in coastal waters requires specialised skills and a commitment to safety, and the ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) course is designed precisely for this purpose. This course equips you with the expertise needed to conduct sessions at open ocean coastal locations with up to 2 feet of swell (unbroken waves) and choppy, uneven waters.

Building on the foundation of the Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) course, the Level 2 program hones in on the unique challenges of coastal environments. Safety takes centre stage, with in-depth training on hazard identification, risk management, and maintaining client safety in exposed waters—where risks are significantly higher than in enclosed flat water settings.

With ASI’s legacy of over 20 years in SUP instructor training, you'll gain the confidence and skills to provide lessons and guide tours and ensure the safety of your students in coastal waters.

ASI’s unique modularised learning offers flexibility in what you enrol and pay for.

To gain your ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor qualification, the following 4 ASI courses are required:

  • ASI SUP Wise Intensiv

  • ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

  • ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

Enrol in all 4 courses at the same time by choosing the “Combined” enrolment option.

If you already hold an approved Rescue certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 3 ASI courses:

  • ASI SUP Wise Intensiv

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

  • ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

If you have the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 3 ASI courses:

  • ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

  • ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

Please note: you will need to enrol in these courses separately if a combined option isn’t available.  

Pre-Requisite:

Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) and ASI SUP Wise Intensiv courses are a pre-requisite. You can, however, complete it concurrently (at the same time) with the Level 2 SUP Instructor course. Note that you will not have access to the Level 2 SUP Instructor course materials or workshops unless you have either completed or are enrolled in the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor and SUP Wise Intensiv courses.

Rescue Course: can be completed at any time within 12 months, but must be completed before your Level 1 SUP Instructor certificate is issued.

Deliver basic SUP lessons, short SUP paddle tours and SUP rentals at exposed waters locations.

This course builds on the ASI  Level 1 SUP instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) course and focusses on exposed waters hazards, techniques and instruction methods.  

Qualified to instruct at Exposed Waters locations, defined as:

  • coastal beaches and bays

  • large harbours open to the ocean and subject to 2ft swell (unbroken waves)

  • shore break less than 1½ feet

  • swell (unbroken wave) size 1 to 2ft

  • no breaking waves

  • wind speed less than 12 knots, offshore wind less than 10 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).

All of the following apply specifically to exposed waters / coastal locations.

Laws, Risk Management & Safety

  • Review of risk management plans and functions

  • Identify exposed waters hazards and risk reduction strategies for:

-water hazards
-weather hazards
-shore hazards
-equipment hazards
-client characteristics hazards

  • Location assessments an dynamic risk assessments

  • Understanding the ASI guidelines in relation to hazards and risk management

  • Identify emergency processes and responses

Planning Sessions

  • Differences between enclosed flat water and exposed waters locations

  • How to identify suitable exposed waters SUP locations

  • Logistics and how to plan enclosed flat water SUP sessions

  • Choose suitable boards, equipment and resources

Session Delivery

  • Creating session plans, that incorporate safety protocols, for your clients / based on location

  • Understanding the ASI SUP Wise exposed waters, learn to SUP programs and implementation

  • Understand the types of instruction techniques and methods for exposed waters

  • How to conduct paddle stroke and other SUP skills assessments using the ASI assessment criteria for exposed waters

  • Paddling instruction techniques on negotiating swell (not breaking waves) - into swell, alongside swell, with swell

    Identify common mistakes in paddling techniques and safety practices commonly observed among clients in exposed waters

  • Provide safety and technique correction feedback

Client Management

  • Communication skills for the outdoors/SUP environment

  • Methods to manage clients safely – children and adults

Other

  • Evaluate your exposed waters SUP instruction sessions to pinpoint areas for enhancement and refine your safety and teaching methods

Before starting this course:

  • have at least 100 hours on water SUP paddling experience in exposed waters. 

  • be confident in paddling in minimum swell (unbroken waves) of 2ft and wind speed of 15 knots.

  • able to paddle with confidence, correct technique, knowledge and safety. Equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Exposed Waters level - minimum paddle stroke: 40 strokes/minute.

  • English speaking skills (online courses have translation into other languages).

Pre-requisite Courses

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water).

    Completion of this course can be done concurrently with enrolling in the L2 SUP Instructor course.
    However, you can only access the L2 SUP Instructor course materials or workshops if you have either completed or are enrolled in the L1 SUP Instructor course.

It’s great to have flexible learning options!  With the choice to ensure you get the most out of your learning experience.

Workshop: 
Ideal for people who like to complete most of the course requirements at the workshop and interact with the trainer.

  • Face to face training with highly qualified ASI Trainers, the best in the industry.

  • Complete most course requirements at the workshop.

  • Held in great locations throughout the world.

  • Duration: 1 day, plus 1 hour post workshop test, plus 8 hours practical experience.

Fasttrack:
Ideal for people who are time poor but would still like some face-to-face contact with a trainer.

  • Hybrid learning experience combining online coursework with a face-to-face workshop.

  • The workshop duration is significantly reduced to save you time, travel, and costs.

  • During the workshop, you'll master essential skills, enabling you to submit video evidence of your competencies afterward.

  • Duration: half day workshop, plus approx.4-6 hours post workshop assessments plus 9 hours practical experience.

Online Learning:
Ideal for people who are already experienced or would like flexibility to complete their training.

  • Work at your own pace.

  • Using ASI's e-learning platform with access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments.

  • Can obtain additional coaching with face to face support from ASI Technical Coaches / ASI Accredited Schools.

  • Duration:  approx..15 hours plus 10 hours practical experience.

Update:

  • For ASI instructors whose qualification has expired and need to regain the ASI qualification.

  • This is an online course option.

  • Duration:  approx..  4-6 hours

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.

Face to face (in-person) training. Complete most course requirements at the workshop.  

Duration:  1 day. 

What We Provide
Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) manual (paper)
Logbook for practical hours (paper)
ASI membership for 12 months.
1 free reassessment

Course Requirements

At workshop:

  • Attend classroom and on water practice.

  • Complete theory assessments and exercises.

  • Demonstrate correct paddle stroke technique, at exposed waters locations, at minimum 40 strokes/min. (with video analysis of your paddle stroke in classroom).  

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

After workshop:

  • Complete multi-choice online tests.

  • Complete 10 practical hours experience (2 hours signed off in workshop).
    Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons at exposed waters locations, at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school.  Demonstrate ability to deliver sessions. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.

Other:

The ASI Fasttrack course is an online course with a face to face (in-person) workshop.  

The aim of the workshop is to cover key skills and prepare participants to submit their own video for assessment, after the workshop. Time is spent at the water with practice and demonstrations and in the classroom covering some key theory topics.

Duration:  half day (3 hrs)

What We Provide

  • Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) training manuals – online access plus paper manual at workshop.

  • 2 free video assessments (post workshop)

  • ASI membership for 12 months.

Course Requirements:

Prior to workshop
Read online training manual (highly recommended, to assist you in the workshop).

At workshop

  • Review of some key theory instructor and safety concepts

  • Practice at exposed waters location -  paddle stroke (with video analysis of your paddle stroke in classroom).  

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

After workshop

  • Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique, at exposed waters locations, minimum 40 strokes/min.

  • Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins. 

  • Complete online quizzes.

  • Complete 10 hours practical experience. (1 hour signed off in workshop).

    Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons at exposed waters locations, at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school.  Demonstrate ability to deliver sessions. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.

Note: If you demonstrate competency in SUP paddle stroke or the 1 km paddle mission test during the workshop, you do not need to submit a video afterward.

Other:

The COMBINED fasttrack course option is a one step enrolment that covers the 4 courses required to become an ASI SUP Instructor.   

The ASI Fasttrack course is an online course with a face to face (in-person) workshop.   The aim of the workshop is to cover key skills and prepare participants to submit their own video for assessment, after the workshop. Time is spent at the water with practice and demonstrations and in the classroom covering some key theory topics.

4 courses:

Workshop duration.  1.5 days. (1 full day + 1 half day)

What We Provide

  • Access to 4 x online learning manuals and assessments for:  (1) SUP Wise Intensiv  (2) SUP Rescue Water Safety Award  (3) Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) (4) Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

  • Paper-based manuals provided at workshop for: (1) SUP Rescue Water Safety Award. (2) Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water). (3) Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)  

  • 2 free post workshop video assessments for each module/course

  • ASI membership for 12 months.

 Course Requirements

Prior to workshop
Read online training manuals (highly recommended, to assist you in the workshop).

At Workshop

  • Complete theory, practice at water

  • Practice other SUP skills (eg entry, exit, turning, stopping etc).

  • Practice paddle stroke at enclosed flat waters

  • Practice paddle stroke at exposed coastal waters in swell (unbroken waves) up to 2ft.

  • Review of video analysis of your paddle stroke in both enclosed flat waters and exposed waters.

  • Practice paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins at enclosed flat waters and also exposed coastal waters in swell (unbroken waves) up to 2ft.

  • Practice SUP Rescues - unconscious person

  • Complete SUP Rescue mission test – swim 100 metres, run 200 metres, prone paddle 200 metres, without stopping,  within 10 mins

After workshop – SUP Wise

  • Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique – paddle stroke 30 strokes/minute

  • Submit video demonstrating other SUP skills

  • Complete online quiz.

After workshop – SUP Rescue

  • Submit video rescuing an unconscious person

  • Submit video completing the SUP Rescue mission test

  • Complete online quiz.

After workshop – Level 1 SUP Instructor

  • Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique – paddle stroke 40 strokes/minute

  • Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins. 

  • Complete online quiz.

  • Complete 10 hours practical experience. (1 hour signed off in workshop).

After workshop – Level 2 SUP Instructor

  • Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique – paddle stroke 40 strokes/minute in exposed waters swell (unbroken waves) 1-2ft.

  • Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins. 

  • Complete online quiz.

  • Complete 10 hours practical experience in exposed waters locations. (1 hour signed off in workshop)

Note: you do not need to submit video post workshop if you demonstrate competency during the workshop, in: SUP paddle stroke, other SUP skills, 1km paddle test, SUP rescue mission test  

In addition, before or after the workshop:

Time to Complete:  you have 12 months to complete all course requirements.

Study in your own time with ASI's e-learning platform. Upload videos to demonstrate skills. 

What We Provide

  • Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) online manual

  • Downloadable logbook (for practical hours)

  • ASI membership for 12 months.

  • 1 free assessment plus 1 free reassessment

Course Requirements

  • Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises.

  • Complete multi-choice online tests.

  • Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique, at exposed water locations, at minimum 40 strokes/min.

  • Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins. 

  • Complete 10 hours practical experience.
    Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons, at exposed waters locations, at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school.  Demonstrate ability to deliver sessions. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.

Other:

For ASI instructors with expired certification needing to regain their ASI qualification, this online course is an ideal option.
There is no requirement to complete practical hours or a paddle mission test.

Entry Requirements

Holds an ASI L2 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) certificate – completed within the past 3 years.  
(contact ASI if you completed the ASI training prior to this).

What We Provide

  • Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) online manual

  • SUP Wise Intensiv online manual

  • ASI membership for 12 months.

  • 1 free assessment

Course Requirements

  • Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises.

  • Complete multi-choice online tests.

  • Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique, at exposed waters, at minimum 40 strokes/min.

Other:

Enrolment

  • To update you would complete both L1 & L2.

  • Choose enrolment option Combined Level 1 - Level 2 SUP Instructor Exposed Waters) – UPDATE

  • SUP Wise Intensiv is included, so you don’t need to do a separate enrolment. 

  • “Welcome back” you only pay a discount fee. 

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 2 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Exposed Waters) Certificate
Valid for 12 months

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

(1) What are the Pre-requisite Courses?
The ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) course is a pre-requisite. However, you can enrol in both the ASI Level 1 and Level 2 SUP Instructor courses simultaneously.

(2) Do I need to complete ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor course first?
No.  The ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor course can be completed alongside the Level 2 SUP Instructor course (in other words you can enrol in both courses at the same time).

(3) Can I skip directly to the Level 2 course? Do I need to complete the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor course even if I'm an experienced paddler?
You cannot skip Level 1.  Enrolment in the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor course is mandatory. It covers the essential prerequisite skills and knowledge required for the Level 2 course, as the Level 2 course builds upon the foundation established in Level 1.

(4) How much on water paddling experience do I need to enrol into the Level 2 SUP Instructor course?
You should have a minimum of 100 hours of paddling experience in exposed waters is required.
If you're enrolling in both the Level 1 and Level 2 SUP Instructor courses, the required hours are already included—you won't need an additional 100 hours in enclosed flat waters.

(5) I hold a non-ASI SUP Instructor certificate, can I get recognition or transfer to ASI Level 2 SUP instructor.
No. Transfers are not available for Level 2 SUP Instructor Exposed Waters. There are some exceptions, so please contact ASI for more information.

(6) What is the difference between ASI Fasttrack and ASI Workshop courses?
Fastrack - is an online course with a short face to face workshop.  You submit your own video assessments.
Workshops -  are longer in duration and as such most of the course requirements and assessments are completed at the workshop.
Read more above in “Study Options”

(7) Rescue & First Aid  - Do I need to complete these courses first before enrolling in the Level 2 SUP instructor Course?
No.   But you will not obtain your Instructor certificate until you complete a Rescue or First Aid course.

(8) What type of Rescue Certificate do I need? 
The ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Certificate is required for all new instructors.
However, we also accept “ASI approved” surf lifesaving certificates. 

(9) Time to Complete: You have 12 months to complete all course requirements. 

(10) Assessment Fees:  If you use up your free assessments, additional resubmissions are available for a small fee. Fees

MORE FAQ’s: click here

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