SUP Wise Competency Standards (Exposed Waters)

Overview

The ASI SUP Wise Exposed Waters course is designed for paddleboard enthusiasts keen to navigate coastal locations with challenging, choppy waters. This course equips paddlers with the skills needed to safely tackle ocean swells up to 2ft and manage conditions without breaking waves.

With a focus on maintaining safety and enjoyment in dynamic conditions, the ASI SUP Wise Exposed Waters course is a must for those looking to enhance their paddleboarding skills in exposed water environments.

SUP Recreational Standards Exposed Waters

Locations and Conditions 

Exposed waters paddling locations are defined as: 

  • Coastal beaches and bays

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

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

  • Swell size no more than 0.6 metres (2 ft.)

  • No breaking waves 

  • Onshore wind speed less than 12 knots 

  • Offshore wind less than 10 knots 

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

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

Pre-requisites

Before paddling at these locations, you should:

  • be able to swim 50 metres (164 ft), without stopping.

  • have enclosed flat water paddling skills (if going into swell and choppy waters).

Equipment Suitable at this Location

Flat water stand up paddle board with coiled leash
Paddle

Skills and Knowledge

To paddle correctly and safely at this level, requires the following skills and knowledge:  

Environment & Safety

  • Identify surface water movement, current direction, rips 

  • Identify wind direction and strength and affect on paddling

  • Identify SUP hazards in bumpy 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

  • Choose suitable flat water board, leash and equipment

  • Choose suitable clothing for paddling

Paddle Skills

  • Identify safe entry and exit points

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

  • Identify paddling technique and stance used in choppy waters

  • Fall and retrieve techniques in uneven 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

SUP Wise Courses

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