Course Overview

You’ll be able to:  deliver advanced SUP technique coaching

At:

• inland waterways including rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals

• flat water with no swell /unbroken waves

• no breaking waves

• no more than 250 metres from shore

After completing the course, you can:

• run safe, structured stand up paddling sessions

• manage groups in the water

• help paddlers improve performance through targeted corrections, drills, and coaching plans

With your ASI SUP Instructor qualification, you can work as a SUP instructor:

• At SUP schools and outdoor centres

• In tourism and adventure sport programs

• At resorts, camps, and wellness retreats

• As a freelance SUP coach

• At SUP clubs, and racing groups

• For community sports programs

• At your own SUP School.  Apply to become an ASI Accredited SUP School, allowing you to operate  professionally under ASI’s global standards.

This course covers all essential skills for improving paddling technique on flat water, including:

Technical skills:   in-depth analysis of paddle stroke, stroke efficiency/cadence, common technical mistakes, targeted drills and skills

Technical assessment:   video analysis methods, correct benchmarking methods to ensure consistency in assessment, equipment & effect on technique

Performance (technique):  applying ASI technical paddle stroke criteria matrix to identify good and poor technique

Performance (anatomy): analysing human anatomy and effect on SUP performance,  SUP related injuries that affect performance and technique, strength & conditioning exercises to improve performance

Coaching plans:   preparing individualised coaching plans,  monitoring, evaluation

To enrol, you must meet:

Minimum age: 18 years

SUP experience: 500+ hours of paddling

SUP knowledge and skills: able to paddle with confidence, correct technique and safety equivalent  ASI SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water level.

Paddle stroke ability:  ASI technical (advanced) level, 50 strokes /minute.

Hold ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) certificate  
Or a non-ASI SUP Instructor certification

Before you can be certified, you’ll need to complete the below:

Personal Paddling Ability: 
Demonstrate correct paddle stroke technique, at the ASI technical level, 50 strokes/min.

Knowledge :

Paddle Stroke Video Analysis Assessment.
Complete online paddle‑stroke video analysis for five paddlers using the ASI video scenarios. Assess each paddler’s technique at the Foundations skills level and record your evaluations using the ASI paddle‑stroke assessment criteria.

Practical:

(1) Other Paddle Skills Assessment
Conduct an assessment of other paddle skills by filming yourself performing each required skill. Complete the ASI Other Paddle Skills criteria form using your video as evidence.

(2) Written Project -Prepare coaching feedback for an individual paddler.
Find a student with prior SUP experience who wants to improve their technique. Submit a video of the student, complete a technique assessment using ASI’s paddle‑stroke criteria, and provide coaching feedback and a tailored training plan based on your findings.

(3) Attend workshop
Covers key concepts, video analysis, benchmarking, on water advanced level SUP technical skills
To prepare you to complete your assessments
No formal assessment is conducted at this practice workshop.
Duration: 1 day

Plus: For Non-ASI instructors
Some additional course work and reading is required. 
Review of ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) guidelines.
Complete 2 x online quizzes

Submit Required Certificates:

• A current ASI SUP water rescue or a surf rescue certificate Acceptable Rescue certificates

• A current senior first aid certificate Acceptable First Aid certificates

Time to complete :  12 months

Workshop:  This option combines online study with a short in‑person workshop

• It covers the key theory concepts and on‑water practice to help you prepare your assessments and project.

• It is ideal for people who enjoy learning with a trainer, want a broad overview of the material, and value receiving feedback throughout the process.

• Duration :  1 day

• No formal assessment is conducted at the workshop.

• Assessment submissions – 2 free assessments

Online Learning: Ideal for people who would like flexibility to complete their training.

• Work at your own pace.

• 1:1 online virtual session (Zoom) with Trainer, scheduled a time to suit you. Discuss key concepts, case studies.

• Duration 1 hour. 

• Assessment submissions – 2 free assessments

Notes:

• Special discount fees apply to ASI instructors

• Non-ASI instructors – complete additional assessments

Online resources are provided:

• ASI SUP Technical Coach manual and assessments

• ASI membership for 12 months.

Plus: additional references:

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

• SUP Wise Intensiv manual

ASI’s E-learning Platform 
Provides access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments, includes built-in language translation.

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

• Flat water SUP board, paddle, coiled leash

• SUP clothing suitable for paddling

In addition:  

• Computer or device to access ASI e-learning platform 

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

For your project:  

• 1 student with paddling experience, wanting to improve their technique

ASI SUP 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

You can continue your SUP coaching development with:

• ASI SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) – Coastal

• SUP Fitness Instructor, SUP Yoga Teacher, and SUP Pilates Instructor

• Blue Health Skills for Watersports Instructors

  ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue course

• ASI Surf Water Safety Rescue course

• Globally recognised surf coaching qualifications

• Industry‑leading safety and coaching standards

• Flexible online and in‑person training

• Clear career progression

• Trusted by surf schools worldwide

READ: 10 Reasons to Become an ASI Instructor

(1) Do I need to attend the practice workshop first?

No, you don't. If the available workshop dates don't fit your schedule, you can start with the online learning component. When you're ready, you can book a workshop date. Check the ASI website for available workshop dates. There are no additional fees for this flexibility.

(2): Can I enrol in the SUP Technical Coach course if I have a SUP instructor qualification from another training provider and don't hold the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) certification?

Yes, you can. However, there is some additional course work and reading to undertake. You will also get access to relevant training manuals at the L1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) level.

Discover more in: 6 Game Changing Reasons to Perfect your SUP Stroke Technique