Course Overview

Beginner to intermediate paddlers wanting a fast track learning pathway

SUP enthusiasts looking to improve technique, efficiency, and confidence

Watersports participants seeking structured SUP education backed by ASI standards

Future SUP instructors preparing for ASI coaching qualifications. this course is a pre-requisite and can also be completed alongside the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor course. Regardless of prior experience, it ensures knowledge/skills are aligned with ASI guidelines and techniques. Instructor only workshops are also available.

You’ll be able to: 

• understand ASI guidelines, safety standards, and technical criteria

• choose suitable paddling locations based on weather and water conditions

• identify equipment needs and common hazards in enclosed flat‑water environments

• apply effective paddling techniques, at the ASI Basic Level, to improve balance, control, and efficiency

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:

• paddle safely and confidently in a range of enclosed flat‑water conditions

• assess conditions and make informed decisions about where and when to paddle

• use correct technique for efficient strokes, turning, and board handling, at the ASI Basic Level

• continue developing your skills using ASI technical criteria as your progression guide

• use the ASI paddlers card as proof of experience – to rent SUP boards, join SUP tours

This course covers all essential skills for basic level paddling on flat water, including:

Laws & regulations:  that apply to personal paddling

Safety:  identify location hazards, choose safe paddling locations, identify personal hazards,  self rescue methods, carry boards safely, minimise muscle injury by using correct technique, falling safely

Logistics planning:  features of enclosed flat water locations, types of weather and water conditions,  types of boards, leashes, equipment and clothing

Environment:  how to care for the paddling location

Technique (paddle stroke):  correct position, posture, introduction to 5 phases of paddle stroke, basic level 30 strokes per/minute

Technique (other paddle skills):   water entry/exit, paddling on knees, transition from kneeling to paddle and reverse, balance brace strokes, straight line paddling direction, turning strokes, stopping board & emergency stopping, get back onto board, dismount

Minimum age: any age
Swimming skills: able to swim 50 metres (160 ft)  unassisted

For New ASI SUP Instructors only
Minimum age:  16 years old
SUP experience: 100+ hours of paddling
SUP knowledge and skills: able to paddle with confidence, correct technique and safety equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water level.
Paddle stroke ability: foundation (moderate) level, 40 strokes /minute

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

Personal Paddling Ability:

(1) Paddle stroke: demonstrate correct paddle stroke technique, at the ASI basic level, minimum 30 strokes/min.

(2) Other paddle skills: demonstrate correctly performing “other paddle skills” to the ASI criteria

Knowledge:

Complete multi-choice online tests.

Time to complete: 12 months

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

• Work at your own pace.

• Video submission: paddle stroke & other paddle skills

• 2 free video assessments

Workshop:  For new ASI SUP Instructors only.  

• Online course with face to face (in-person) practical session

• Can only be completed alongside an ASI SUP Instructor course

• Complete some course requirements at the workshop – other paddle skills

• Video submission:  paddle stroke

• 1 free video assessment

• Workshop duration: 3 hours

• SUP Wise Intensiv online manual and assessments

• Feedback on your paddle stroke & other paddle skills (correct & incorrect technique, areas of improvement)

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 paddling skills

• ASI SUP Wise Intensiv certificate

• ASI SUP Paddlers Card (Enclosed Flat Water)
  (This handy credit card sized card may be used to rent SUP boards and join SUP Tours)

No expiry date.

No renewal requirements.

• Leader in SUP skills training

• Globally recognised coaching qualifications

• Industry‑leading safety and coaching standards

• Flexible online and in‑person training

• Clear career progression