Developing your SUP skills
Whether you’re brand new to paddleboarding and want to develop your paddleboarding skills or are looking to become an instructor, coach or leader, we’ve got the course for you!
New to paddleboarding?
If you’re new to paddleboarding and don’t know where to start, the Paddle Awards are for you.
The Paddle Start Award does exactly what it says on the tin and is the place to start your paddleboarding journey! It covers everything from getting on and off your board to what you need to wear and some useful paddleboarding skills.
The Paddle Discover Award allows you to develop your decision-making and practical skills for a fun and safe time on the water as you become a more skilled and independent paddleboarder. Through this award, you will learn how to choose and effectively use equipment while developing an understanding of the factors that affect your paddling.
If you want to become independent on the water, go on self-guided adventures to control your board, and stay safe on the water, the Paddle Explore Award is for you! You will take ownership of your own decisions and learn to make confident choices based on the places you paddle, wind, and weather.
Developing your paddleboarding skills?
Sheltered water environment, e.g., small lakes or lochs, slow-moving rivers, small enclosed bays, or enclosed harbours, the Stand Up Paddleboard Sheltered Water Award will give you an understanding of how to plan and paddle an enjoyable and safe trip. You will be able to journey in water that is no more than 200 metres from the shore and up to force 3 winds.
White water environment, e.g. Simple white water with small rapids featuring regular waves up to grade 2. The Stand Up Paddleboard White Water Award will progress your SUP skills and introduce the skills required to have an enjoyable and safe day out on white water.
Surf environment: The Stand Up Paddleboard Paddle Surf Award will give you the personal and decision-making skills to enjoy your first wave riding experiences. You will learn how to catch, ride and exit a wave.
These courses are open to all ages and are great for individuals, families, and groups wanting to develop their paddleboarding skills.
Become an Instructor, Coach or Leader
As the National Governing Body for Stand Up Paddleboarding, recognised by Sport England, we are also the only Awarding Body in the UK for SUP. As an organisation, we recognise and celebrate experience. For those who have gained certification from another training centre or have experience, we offer direct access to assessments, allowing a time and cost-effective way to gain a formal, credible, and regulated qualification. Find the right qualification for you!
SUP Instructor
Aimed at: Paddleboarders whose primary focus is to deliver fun-starter sessions and activities and short journeys within the safety management systems of clubs/centres or other organisations. The activity takes place in a very sheltered water environment, such as small lakes or gentle, slow-moving rivers.
Age: 14+
Prerequisites: Personal paddling and rescue competence and Full National Association Membership.
Training & Assessment: two days combined
Examples: This is great for outdoor centres and clubs to support their activity delivery, such as running introductory sessions for those who have never tried paddling or clubs playing games to progress their new paddleboarders’ skills.
SUP Coach
Aimed at: Paddleboarders who wish to coach those who want to improve their paddleboarding skills. This will include coaching beginners new to paddleboarding or paddleboarders looking to develop their skills so they can paddle safely without needing a coach.
Age: 16 or over at the time of assessment.
Options:
Stand Up Paddleboard Sheltered Water Coach
Stand Up Paddleboard Open Water Coach
Stand Up Paddleboard White Water Coach
Stand Up Paddleboard Race Coach
Prerequisites: Membership is the only prerequisite of Core Coach Training.
Training: Two-day Core Coach Training and two-day Discipline Specific Training.
Assessment: One-day assessment
Examples: A SUP Race club looking to develop their athlete’s skills or a club coaching SUP sessions on open water or white water.
SUP Leader
Aimed at: Paddleboarders running safe and enjoyable trips and journeys based on their group’s needs and aspirations.
Age: 16+
Options:
Stand Up Paddleboard Inland Open Water Leader
Stand Up Paddleboard Coastal Leader
Stand Up Paddleboard White Water Leader
Prerequisites: Two-day First Aid, safeguarding training and Membership.
SUP Coastal Leader: Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning.
SUP White Water Leader: White Water Safety.
Training: It is not compulsory. Candidates can cross-check their requirements and opt for bespoke training opportunities, such as in-house training at your club or working alongside/ shadowing other leaders at your centre.
Assessment: one-day assessment
Examples: A Stand Up Paddleboard Coastal Leader could lead journeys and provide a safety framework in a moderate sea environment.
Why choose us?
British Canoeing Awarding Body fit-for-purpose qualifications are included in the register of regulated qualifications and have been accepted as the industry standard for over 45 years. We are recognised and regulated by Ofqual, QiW and the CCEA. Our qualifications are mapped to the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) professional standards and aligned with national coaching standards.
Due to our regulated status, we can offer high-quality learning and standardised assessment processes, providing peace of mind for SUP Coaches, Leaders, and deployers worldwide.
All SUP award providers have undergone a significant recruitment, training, and moderation process, ensuring that high standards are followed. Compulsory updates are also provided yearly to ensure continual competence and delivery of the most current practices within SUP.
Come and join us! The only paddlesport awarding body to offer stand up paddleboard qualification and awards. Find your next course today at paddlesuptraining.com
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