How to Become an ASI Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Instructor / Coach
ASI stand up paddle (SUP) instructor and coaching training qualifications are the world standard and highly regarded in the industry.
It’s the best job in the world! Combine your love of stand up paddling with a career. Follow the seasons and work around the world.
An ASI stand up paddle instructor is part of the ASI worldwide community. Your qualification is international. You get to work with great people in amazing locations.
Remit
The ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) is the entry level course for SUP instructors. Deliver basic SUP lessons, short SUP paddle tours and SUP rentals in enclosed flat water locations.
Pre-requisites Skill
First you should have:
at least 100 hours on water paddling
able to paddle with confidence and correct techniques
Course Requirements
The ASI L1 SUP Instructor qualification contains the following components:
ASI SUP Wise Intensiv (Enclosed Flat Water)
ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award (or submit a Rescue certificate accepted by ASI)
Submit a First Aid certificate
Complete 10 hours practical experience at a SUP School
Working with children check is required in some countries. Read more..
Note: You can hold a surf lifesaving certificate instead of SUP Water Rescue.
See FAQ’s below for more information
Are you Teaching in Exposed Waters?
The ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) qualification is for teaching in ocean locations with conditions that may have swell and bumpy water but no breaking waves.
If you are an experienced paddler in exposed waters, you can enrol in the Level 2 course at the same time as the Level 1 course. It means you can complete your practical assessments at the same time.
How do I enrol ?
You can enrol in individual courses or combined (multiple) courses at the same time.
And you can choose a combination of online and workshops.
eg. for Combined courses, choose
(Workshop) Combined SUP Instructor L1 & SUP Rescue
(Online) Combined SUP Instructor L1 & SUP Rescue & SUP Wise
Workshops
You can enrol in all courses at the same time
eg.
SUP Wise Intensiv workshop
SUP Rescue & Level 1 SUP Instructor workshop
Online courses
You can enrol in all online courses at the same time
You will get access to all courses online.
Complete the SUP Wise Intensiv first before starting L1 SUP instructor course. To gain the required pre-requisite knowledge.
By doing all courses at the same time you can save time by taking all required video at the same time.
Other
Time to Complete
You have 12 months from date of enrolment or workshop date to complete all course requirements.
About the ASI E-learning Platform
The ASI e-learning platform, is an easy to use and comprehensive. You can access training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments.
FAQ's
Course Requirements – More Information
(1) SUP Wise Intensiv (Enclosed Flat Water)
Underpinning skills and knowledge to become an ASI SUP Instructor.
Online manual with extensive information and technique videos - to get you understanding and paddling to the ASI criteria.
Online: read online manuals and submit paddling skills video, received detailed feedback. (approx 12 hours)
Workshop: read online manual, attend 3 hour session, with guidance from the trainer. After workshop, submit paddling skills video for written feedback.
Course information and requirements.. click here
(2) Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
ASI SUP Instructor course focusses on instruction and guiding clients, safety, identify and managing risks, logistics, equipment, planning, managing groups, sessions plans and instruction techniques, rentals. (This course assumes you have knowledge of ASI SUP paddling guidelines and terminology as covered in SUP Wise Intensiv course).
Course requirements: Demonstrate lesson delivery, correct paddling stroke skills, paddle 1km within 10 mins, complete on the job experience signed off by ASI school or other approved person.
Workshop. 2 days, plus 2 hours online quiz, plus 10 hours job experience. Paper manual provided.
Online: 20 hours reading and quiz, plus time to take video plus 10 hours job experience. Online manual provided for 12 months.
Course information and requirements.. click here
/courses/level-1-sup-instructor--enclosed-flat-water
(3) ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award
SUP specific rescue skills, using the SUP board. how to rescue your clients if an unexpected incident occurred.
Course requirements: Demonstrate rescues, fitness mission test, multichoice test. Submit senior first aid certificate.
Workshop: 4 hours. All practical assessments and quiz. Paper manual provided.
Online: 3 hours plus online quiz, plus time to take own video of rescue and fitness mission. Online manual provided 12 months
Course information and requirements.... click here
/courses/sup-water-safety-rescue-award-flat-water
(4) ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)
The ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor qualification is for teaching in ocean locations with conditions that may have swell and bumpy water but no breaking waves.
If you are an experienced paddler in exposed waters, you can enrol in the Level 2 course at the same time as the Level 1 course. It means you can complete your practical assessments at the same time.
Course requirements: Demonstrate lesson delivery, correct paddling stroke skills, paddle 1km within 10 mins, complete on the job experience signed off by ASI school or other approved person.
Workshop: 1 day workshop, plus 2 hours online quiz, plus 10 hours job experience. Paper manual provided.
Online: 10 hours reading and quiz, plus time to take video plus 10 hours job experience. Online manual provided.
Course information and requirements....click here
/courses/level-2-sup-instructor--exposed-waters
What is the Minimum Age to Enrol in the Instructor Courses?
16 years of age.
However instructors under the age of 18 years old, cannot teach unsupervised unless they have an adult (18 years and over) accredited instructor supervising nearby.
Accredited Instructors under 18 years of age, are still counted for student to instructor ratios.
Pre-requisites to Enrol in the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor course
(1) What are the pre-requisites?
At a minimum, you must have completed the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv course.
It is the first step in becoming an ASI SUP Instructor. It is a requirement that ASI SUP instructors are competent paddlers before enrolling in the SUP Instructor courses. And this course covers theory and technical skills, ASI terminology required for SUP Instructors.
SUP Wise Intensiv can be completed at the same time as enrolling for the Level 1 SUP Instructor Course.
(2) Can I attend Level 2 without completing Level 1?
No. You need to do the level 1 course first. Level 1 is a pre-requisite for the Level 2 (as it contains essential knowledge and skills).
(3) SUP Yoga Instructor. I have not yet completed my Yoga Teachers certificate 200 hours certificate. Can I enrol?
No. You must have completed your Yoga Teacher training before enrolling in the ASI SUP Yoga Instructor course.
(4) SUP Fitness / Pilates Instructor. I have not yet completed my Personal Trainer or Fitness / Pilates Certificate. Can I enrol?
No. You must have completed your Personal Trainer or Fitness / Pilates training before enrolling in the ASI SUP Fitness or SUP Pilates Instructor courses.
Can I Enrol in Level 1, followed by Level 2, Level 3, etc?
Yes. You must ensure you have the required Paddling Skills at each level, before you enrol.
What is Correct Paddling Technique?
ASI sets the world standard in correct paddling technique.
The ASI SUP Wise Intensiv course is a pre-requisite for enrolling in the ASI SUP Instructor courses and provides detailed videos and explanations on correct technique and knowledge and procedural guidelines.
Practical Hours
Are completed at ASI Accredited SUP schools. Find Schools on the ASI website.
Other SUP schools may be acceptable (contact ASI for approval)
We can also assist finding a SUP school, if required.
Practical hours are completed only after you have passed the course requirements.
(1) Where can I do my practical hours?
You can organise to do your practical hours with the Trainer. You will need to contact the trainer and ask if they have availability. The trainer details are listed on the actual training event/workshop page on the ASI website.
You can find an ASI accredited SUP school on the ASI website
You can do your practical hours with a non ASI SUP school you plan to work for. Please send us the name of the school, location and website and we can check their suitability.
RPL of your practical hours can apply. If you are deemed competent at the workshop, have prior extensive experience delivering outdoor water activities and hold another outdoor watersports qualification (eg surfing, canoeing, windsailing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding).
(2) There is no ASI School near me to complete practical hours / There is no SUP school near me that can offer me practical hours.
At the workshop, the trainer will discuss how you can complete your practical hours based on your experience and ability. Where an ASI school is not near you, a variety of options is available including completing hours at a non ASI school and / or if you are an experienced outdoors recreation instructor in another watersport, you may be able to complete your own hours and provide video assessment of delivery. We will prepare a simple plan for you.
Contact us to discuss options if you are completing the online course.
First Aid Certificates
First Aid certificates that are acceptable. Click here
First Aid at Work or Online first aid certificates are not acceptable.
At a minimum your first aid certificate must include at least 6 hours of face to face training.
These are usually 1 day to 2 days training with combination of online learning and face to face training. Valid for 2 to 3 years.First Aid certificate must not be expired and no more than 3 years old from date of issue.
(1) Do I need to hold a first aid certificate before enrolling in the ASI Instructor courses?
No. You have 12 months after the workshop date to provide it to ASI. Your instructor certificate will not be issued until we receive your first aid certificate.
(2) What is a “current’ first aid certificate?
The certificate date must not be expired. Certificates that are more than 3 years old are not accepted (even if the expiry date is longer).
(3) What First Aid Certificates do you accept?
Senior or secondary first aid certificates (a similar term). It is not just basic CPR.
The course topics should cover the types of incidents that could occur to your students. At a minimum, it should include: basic emergency care for injuries and illnesses: CPR, cramp, hypothermia, heat stroke, strain/sprains, fractures, breaks and dislocations, breathing emergencies including choking and asthma, head injuries, eye injuries, bites and stings, bleeding, shock, epilepsy, allergies.
In Australia, the certificate must be from a Registered Training Organisation and be the course code HLTAID011 or HLTAID003. These are valid for 3 years.
(4) Do you accept online first aid certificates?
No. The First aid training must have a face to face component.
(5) I completed first aid in my surf rescue course. Is that acceptable to ASI.
In some countries, the Surf Lifesaving and Lifeguard qualifications includes senior first aid training. These combined Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates are acceptable.
e.g UK, Spain, Portugal, Bali, USA
In Australia, the Surf Lifesaving Bronze only includes basic first aid. A separate senior first aid certificate must be completed.
In other countries, senior first aid training is generally separate to the surf rescue training.
ASI has listed some Surf Lifesaving that are acceptable. Click here
(6) I am a paramedic or nurse. Do you I have to provide a first aid certificate?
No. But you must provide evidence / certificate / letter from the hospital you work for that states you are current in first aid.
(7) Do I need to update my First Aid certificates?
Yes. For your SUP instructor qualification to remain valid, you must keep your first aid current at all times.
Rescue Certificates
ASI Accepted Rescue Certificates
ASI has listed topics required and some certificates that are acceptable. Click here /rescue-certificates
(1) What Rescue Certificate do I need to complete?
The ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Certificate is required for all new instructors.
However if you hold a surf lifesaving certificate, this will also be accepted.
Enclosed Flat Water SUP Instructor, Wellness Instructor: Flat Water Rescue or Surf Rescue
Exposed Waters SUP Instructor, Wellness Instructor: Flat Water Rescue or Surf Rescue
SUP Surfing Instructor: Surf Rescue
SUP Downwind Instructor : Surf Rescue
(2) Do I need to hold a rescue certificate before enrolling in the ASI Instructor courses?
No. You have 12 months after the workshop date to provide it to ASI. Your instructor certificate will not be issued until we have received your rescue certificate.
(3) What is a “current’ rescue certificate?
It is a certificate that is not expired and no more than 24 months old from when it was completed/issued.
Or, no more than12 months old in Australia for surf rescue certificates.
(4) My Rescue Certificate is valid for 5 years. Will ASI accept this?
No. ASI only accepts rescue certificates up to 24 months from date of the course / issue date. (no more than12 months in Australia for surf rescue certificates).
(5) I completed an outdoor recreation or another instructor qualification that included rescue training with it. Is that acceptable for my rescue certificate?
We need a copy of your actual Rescue certificate that shows the date it was completed/issued.
We can accept a transcript that shows when you completed the rescue training module.
(6) Do I need to update my Water Rescue certificates?
Yes. To keep your SUP Instructor qualification valid, you must keep your water rescue certificate "current" at all times.
(7) Can I provide a Swimming Pool Lifeguard certificate?
No. You must have an open water rescue certificate.
It demonstrates experience completing rescues in an uncontrolled environment.
Renewal Requirements
(1) Do I have to renew my instructor certification?
Yes. Your SUP Instructor accreditation certificate expires at least 12 months from the date of the training - to the nearest renewal date for the region.
Australia, Asia - 31 December
UK, Europe, Middle East, USA, Americas - 30 June
In your first year, you may be given more than 12 months to renew (but you will receive at least a minimum of 12 months).
Read more: Renewal Requirements
(2) Why do I have to renew each year?
You are a professional and this demonstrates you are keeping your skills and knowledge updated.
You don’t need to attend another course. Complete the online renewal form and submit relevant evidence.
Working in Other Countries
(1) Can I work in other countries with ASI qualifications?
Yes, ASI has been operating since 2003 and is the world leader in education and training accreditation in the surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding sections of the outdoor recreation industry.
(2) I did my ASI training in the UK (or another country) and I want to work in Australia. Do I have to pay any extra fees to be recognised?
No. You do not pay any extra once you have your ASI qualifications. There may be additional country certificate requirements e.g. in Australia, you need to have a local first aid certificate The SUP school you are working for will advise you of requirements.