SUP Instructor Standards-Beginner Surf

ASI SUP Instructor Standards: Beginner SUP Surfing

ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) establishes the global benchmark for beginner level SUP surfing instruction and activities.

Below are key operational standards for conducting safe, high-quality stand up paddle surfing lessons.

Approved Location Conditions

Beginner SUP surf locations consist of coastal beaches with a sandy seabed and an even gradient.

  • Wave & Surf Parameters: Gentle breaking waves up to 0.5 metres (1.5 ft), a small channel, free from strong rips, and zero dumping shore break.

  • Wind Limits: Maximum wind speed of 12 knots (maximum 10 knots for offshore winds).

  • Location Boundaries:

    Stay within 100 metres (328 ft) of the shore.

    Keep at least 100 metres (328 ft) downwind of lifesaver patrol flags.

    Operate in low-density, non-busy surf areas.

Required Equipment & Gear Standards

  • Paddle Boards: Flat water paddle boards suitable for beginner surf.

  • Paddles: Properly sized paddles.

  • Leashes: Straight long leash securely attached to the board at all times.

Instructor Qualification Requirements

To deliver beginner level SUP surfing lessons, instructors hold current credentials:

  • SUP Instructor Certification: ASI Level 3 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Beginner Surf).

  • Rescue Skills: Current Surf Rescue qualification.

  • First Aid: Current Senior First Aid certification.

  • Background Check: Official Working with Children Check (as applicable to the country).

Student Entry Requirements

  • Minimum Age: Recommended baseline of 12 years old (instructors must evaluate individual physical capacity against wind and wave conditions).

  • Swimming Ability: Swim at least 50 metres (165 ft) unassisted in small surf conditions.

  • Ocean Experience: Confident in coastal exposed waters, with ocean safety awareness.

  • Preparation Baseline: Students should complete a minimum of 3 exposed water SUP sessions before attempting beginner surf transitions.

Student Management & Supervision Ratios

Instructor-to-Student Ratios:

  • Non-Busy Surf Location: Maximum 1:2 ratio (1 instructor per 2 students).

  • Busy Surf Location: Maximum 1:1 ratio (1 instructor per 1 student).

Standard Group Density:

  • Non-Busy Location: No other water users within a 100-metre (328 ft) radius. Maximum 2 students (1 group) in any 100-metre stretch of surf at one time.

  • Busy Location: Other water users present within a 100-metre (328 ft) radius. Maximum 1 student in any 100-metre stretch of surf at one time.

Crowd Avoidance:

Instructors to avoid high-density surf zones due to the increased impact hazard of large SUP boards.

Water Safety & Risk Management

  • Leash Compliance: Instructors and students wear leashes at all times during sessions.

  • Shallow Water Safety: Participants paddle on knees or seated when entering, exiting, or navigating water under 1 metre (3 ft) deep.

  • Instructor Positioning: Instructors remain on a board in the water, positioned close to students throughout the activity.

  • Hazard Assessment: The operational area to be free from environmental and other water hazards prior to and during the session.

Operational Safety & Risk Management

The ASI SUP Instructor Standards provide international benchmark guidelines for safe stand up paddling instruction. Instructors must conduct a comprehensive, real-time risk assessment before and during every session—evaluating student physical ability, water and weather conditions, and potential environmental hazards. Standards, group sizes, or ratios must be adjusted, scaled down, or activity cancelled accordingly to prioritise safety.