Course Overview

SUP Fitness Instructor

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Discover how to lead SUP fitness sessions with confidence and creativity.

This combined Level 1 & 2 course is built for fitness professionals ready to take their training to the water. You’ll gain the essential skills to safely design and deliver effective SUP-based workouts, blending fitness expertise with an on water experience.

SUP fitness is more than a workout—it’s a full-body challenge. The unstable surface of the board intensifies even simple movements, boosting balance, core strength, endurance, and coordination. Learn how to incorporate resistance bands, dynamic circuits, and progressive routines that push your clients further.

With internationally recognized certification, you can expand your career opportunities and meet the growing demand for SUP Fitness.

Conduct stand up paddle fitness sessions with basic to intermediate-advanced exercises, including using resistance bands, in standing depth water, no more than 50 metres from shore.

SUP fitness locations are defined as:

  • inland waters or coastal locations with flat water, no swell or breaking waves, minimal or no wind

  • water depth no more than 4ft (standing depth)

  • no more than 50 metres from shore

  • paddling less than 50 metres to get to the SUP fitness activity area

  • SUP Fitness Instructor within the stand up paddle industry or outdoor recreation industry.

  • Industry job roles that require SUP Fitness knowledge (e.g. marketing, sales, retail)

Compliance & Safety

  • The role of the SUP fitness instructor

  • Laws and regulations that apply to conducting SUP fitness sessions

  • SUP fitness sessions risks and hazards

  • Strategies to minimise risks

  • Emergency processes and response

  • Basic SUP rescue skills

Equipment

  • SUP fitness boards

  • Anchoring systems

  • Accessories

SUP Fitness Exercises / Technique / Delivery

  • SUP Fitness exercises modified for SUP and on board sessions

  • A library of SUP fitness exercises from beginner to advanced levels

  • SUP Fitness session plans and sequences, set up, and ready to use in your own classes.

  • Client management

  • Providing feedback and SUP fitness technique correction

  • Basic SUP paddle skills

Level 1

  • Learn a range of fitness exercises -  cardio, core, strength, toning, balancing modified for basic / beginners SUP fitness

  • Develop SUP fitness programs to suit your client base

  • Demonstrate delivery of SUP fitness programs

Level 2

  • Learn a range of fitness exercises modified for intermediate-advanced SUP fitness.

  • Learn SUP resistance training exercises with the use of resistance tubes/bands.

  • Provide SUP cardio moves giving you that aerobic workout

  • Develop a range of high end SUP fitness workout programs including: SUP circuits, SUP tums bums, Resistance training, Interval training SUP Abs

  • Create intermediate-advanced core workout sessions with the use of resistance tubes and paddle

  • Demonstrate delivery of intermediate-advanced SUP fitness programs.

Before starting this course:

  • Hold a Personal Trainer qualification or similar
    As minimum this is where you are certified to train clients in a group, in an unsupervised setting, including outdoor sessions. 
    eg.  UK-Reps Level 2. Australia-Certificate 3 in Fitness, Other countries-equivalent. 

  • have participated in, or practiced on your own, a minimum of 10 hours of SUP fitness sessions.

  • a minimum of 20 hours on water SUP paddling experience.

  • English speaking skills  

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. 

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

Duration:  2 days. 

What We Provide

  • ASI SUP Fitness Instructor manual (paper manual)

  • ASI SUP Wise Intensiv (skills) online manual

  • ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue online manual

  • SUP Fitness Instruction Logbook (paper)

  • ASI membership for 12 months.

  • 1 free re-assessment

At workshop:

  • Complete theory assessments and exercises & practice on water.

  • Practice SUP paddle skills and SUP rescues

  • Demonstrate ability to perform SUP Fitness exercises with safety.

  • Demonstrate ability to prepare the class - enter the water, anchoring, organise group ready to start the session.

  • Demonstrate ability to conduct SUP Fitness class with correct sequencing, techniques and safety.

After workshop:

  • Complete multi-choice online tests - SUP Fitness Instructor, SUP Rescue and SUP Wise Intensiv

  • Complete 10 hours of practical experience (2 hours signed off in workshop).
    Assisting in the delivery of SUP Pilates sessions at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.
    Alternative practical hours experience is available if no ASI school nearby to you.
    Recognition of previous SUP fitness instruction experience can be accepted.

Other:

Note: First Aid Certificate can be provided before or after workshop or within 12 months of enrolment. 

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

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

  • SUP flat water SUP board, paddle, coiled leash

  • SUP clothing suitable for SUP Fitness

  • Computer or mobile phone to access SUP Wise Intensiv and SUP Rescue online reference manuals

Other provided at workshop:

  • Anchoring systems

ASI Level 1 & 2 Stand Up Paddle Fitness Instructor certificate

(valid for 12 months)

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

Read more: click here

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