SUP Wise Skill Level (Exposed Waters)

Overview

This skill level identifies a competent paddler who has the practical ability and safety knowledge to confidently navigate coastal environments with dynamic, and choppy waters.

At this level, you demonstrate the board control required to safely handle open ocean swells up to 2 feet and successfully manage changing coastal conditions outside of the surf zone (without breaking waves).

Aim

Paddle with confidence, safety, and correct technique at exposed waters (coastal) locations according to the respective paddle stroke levels: Basic, Foundation, or Technical.

Environment Location and Conditions

Exposed waters (coastal) paddling locations are defined as:

  • Coastal beaches and bays

  • Large harbours open to the ocean and subject to 2ft swell

With the following conditions:

  • No breaking waves

  • Swell size (unbroken waves) and chop no more than 0.6 metres (2 ft.)

  • Shore-break no more than 0.5 metres (1 ½ ft.)

  • No more than 250 metres (820ft) from shore

  • At least 200 metres (660ft) from a river mouth

  • Minimal wind speed (onshore wind speed less than 12 knots & offshore wind less than 10 knots)

Equipment

  • Flat water stand up paddle board

  • Coiled leash

  • Paddle

Skills and Knowledge

Pre-requisite

Holds the skills and knowledge at the SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Waters level (basic stroke level)

Water Safety

Swim 50 metres (164 ft), without buoyancy aid, at ocean locations with swell & choppy waters.

Environment & Safety

  • Identify surface water movement, current direction, rips

  • Identify wind direction and strength and affect on paddling

  • Identify SUP hazards in swell and choppy waters

  • Choose a safe SUP exposed waters location

  • Identify self rescue techniques and when to apply them

  • Apply SUP etiquette at exposed waters locations

Equipment & Clothing

  • Select an appropriate exposed waters board, type of leash, and other equipment

  • Learn correct methods for carrying the board, including entry and exit techniques at coastal locations

  • Choose suitable clothing for coastal locations

Technique - Other Paddle Skills

  • Identify methods of safe entry and exit

  • Identify techniques to negotiate shore-breaks up to 1½ ft

  • Identify paddling technique and stance used in swell and choppy waters

  • Fall and retrieve techniques in swell, choppy waters and wind

  • Identify techniques to negotiate swell - side on, front on and swell from behind

  • Demonstrate turns in exposed waters: back paddling and sweep turns

  • Perform step back pivot turn (heel side & toe side)

  • Perform kahi stroke & reverse kahi stroke

Paddle Stroke – Technique

  • Apply correct paddle stroke technique in swell and choppy waters

Paddle Stroke – Rate (Cadence)

  • Basic level: Confident with basic skills, achieving 30 strokes per minute.

  • Foundation level: Moderate paddler, improved technique with a speed of 40 strokes per minute. (minimum Instructor level)

  • Technical level: Strong paddler, achieve technical perfection and paddle strength with 50 strokes per minute. (Minimum technical coach level)

Read more: ASI SUP Wise Paddle Stroke Rate & Cadence Explained