SUP Instructor Standards-SUP Pilates

ASI SUP Instructor Standards: SUP Pilates

ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) establishes the global benchmark for SUP pilates sessions.

Below are key operational standards for conducting safe, high-quality SUP pilates sessions in flat water locations in standing depth water only.

Definition

SUP Pilates is a low-impact mind-body class that adapts traditional Mat Pilates exercises—focusing on core strength, postural alignment, stability, and flexibility—to a stand up paddleboard in calm, flat water.

Instead of exercising on a gym mat, participants perform adapted pilates exercises, on a wide, stable paddleboard (often anchored in place in shallow water). Operating on the dynamic, unstable surface of the water continuously engages deep stabilizing muscles, offering an intense core workout while promoting focus, body awareness, and balance in a peaceful outdoors setting.

Approved Location Conditions

SUP Pilates locations include sheltered inland waterways—such as lakes, rivers, lagoons, estuaries, canals, and small harbors—as well as calm coastal bays.

  • Water Surface & Waves: Flat water conditions. Zero swell, chop, shore break, or breaking waves.

  • Wind Limits: Maximum wind speed of 12 knots.

  • Water Depth Parameters: Minimum depth of 1 metre (3 ft) up to a maximum depth of 1.2 metres (4 ft), ensuring standing depth for participants.

  • Location Boundaries: Stay within 50 metres (164 ft) of the shoreline.

  • Activity Area – Paddling Distance: The SUP pilates activity area to be under 50 metres paddling distance.

Note:
If you plan to paddle more than 50 metres it is recommended, that you hold ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor certification.
If you plan to deliver sessions in deep water, you also need to reconsider safety protocols.

Required Equipment & Gear Standards

  • Paddle Boards: SUP pilates boards or wide, stable flat water paddle boards, with full decking.

  • Paddles: Properly sized paddles.

  • Leashes: Coiled leashes securely attached to the board.

Instructor Qualification Requirements

To lead SUP Pilates sessions, instructors hold current credentials:

  • SUP Pilates Instructor Certification: ASI SUP Pilates Instructor

  • Pilates Certification: Hold a UK Level 3 Pilates Instructor Certificate or equivalent

  • First Aid: Current Senior First Aid certification.

  • Rescue Skills: Have knowledge of SUP rescue skills or hold a water rescue certificate.

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

Student Entry Requirements

  • Minimum Age: Recommended baseline of 8 years old (instructors must evaluate individual physical capacity to manoeuvre board and/or get back on board if they fall off ).

  • Paddling Experience: No prior paddling experience required.

Student Management & Supervision Ratios

Anchored Sessions:

  • Maximum 1:16 ratio (1 instructor per 16 students).

  • Plus Assistant Required: An additional competent paddle assistant is required for groups larger than 8 students.

Group Density & Spacing:

  • Maximum 12 to 16 students per group in the water simultaneously.
    Maintain at least 100 metres (328 ft) distance between concurrent groups in busy operational areas.

Water Safety & Risk Management

  • Leash Protocols:

    Students and instructors wear leashes while transitioning to and from the SUP Pilates location.

    Leashes are detached while practicing Pilates exercises on the board, due to ability to hinder performing exercises.

  • Buoyancy Aid Protocols: Are not worn during Pilates sessions, due to ability to hinder performing exercises.

  • Transitioning to the SUP Pilates activity area: Participants can walk their boards out or paddle seated/kneeling while moving to the activity zone.

  • Teacher Positioning: The SUP Pilates Instructor must remain on a board in the water, maintaining close proximity to students throughout the entire session.

  • 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.