SUP Instructor Standards - Downwind

ASI SUP Instructor Standards: SUP Downwind Paddling

ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) establishes the global benchmark for downwind stand up paddling instruction and activities.

Below are key operational standards for conducting safe, high-quality stand up paddleboarding lessons and downwind runs at coastal locations.

Definition

SUP Downwind Paddling (or downwinding) is an advanced level of stand up paddleboarding where paddlers travel in a single direction with strong winds and swells behind them, continuously catching and gliding along wind-driven open-water waves over long distances.

Approved Location Conditions

Downwind locations refer to coastal ocean environments designed for point-to-point or open-water paddling.

  • Swell & Surf: Swell size up to 1.2 metres (4 ft), with potential whitecaps present.

  • Wind Limits: Wind direction behind or on the quarter, with wind speeds between 12 and 20 knots.

  • Location Boundaries:
    Paddling distances up to 10 km (6 miles)
    Stay within 500 metres (1,620 ft) of the shore.

Required Equipment & Gear Standards

  • Paddle Boards: Downwind SUP boards with a minimum length of 3.8 metres (12 ft 6 in).

  • Paddles: Properly sized paddles.

  • Leashes: Coiled leashes or hybrid leashes, with suitable length, securely attached to the board at all times.

  • Personal Gear & Nutrition: Weather-appropriate SUP clothing, adequate hydration (hydration pack or water bottle), energy food, and a watch (GPS watch strongly recommended).

Instructor Qualification Requirements

To lead downwind SUP sessions, instructors must hold active, valid credentials:

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

  • 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 to evaluate individual physical capacity against wind and tide factors).

  • Swimming Ability: swim at least 100 metres (328 ft) unassisted in open ocean conditions.

  • SUP Paddling Ability: Demonstrated exposed waters SUP paddling skills.

  • Ocean Knowledge: Comprehensive ocean safety knowledge and environmental awareness.

Student Management & Supervision Ratios

  • Instructor-to-Student Ratio: Maximum 1:4 ratio (1 fully accredited instructor per 4 students).

  • Standard Groups: Maximum 4 to 6 students per group in the water.

  • Group Separation: Maintain at least 100 metres (328 ft) distance between concurrent groups in busy operational areas.

Water Safety & Risk Management

  • Leash Compliance: Instructors and students must wear leashes continuously during water activities.

  • Shallow Water Navigation: Participants must paddle seated or kneeling when entering, exiting, or navigating water under 1 metre (3 ft) deep.

  • Instructor Positioning: Instructors must remain on a board in the water, maintaining close proximity to students at all times.

  • Group Control: Regroup the paddlers at regular intervals throughout the downwind run.

  • Hazard Assessment: The operational area to be free from environmental, navigation, 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.