Course Overview
Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
enrol optionsLearn how to instruct SUP lessons and conduct SUP tours and offer rentals at enclosed flat water locations, with ASI the world leader in SUP coaching.
This course is recognised as the best and most comprehensive stand up paddle instructor course in the world and prepares instructors to deliver SUP lessons and tours with safety and confidence.
Study by attending a workshop or completing the ASI online learning course. You can even transfer your non ASI qualification to ASI. Complete the update course if your ASI instructor has qualification has expired.
An ASI accredited stand up paddle instructor is part of the ASI worldwide community. Your qualification is international. You get to work with great people in amazing locations. It’s the best job in the world! Combine your love of stand up paddling with a career. Follow the seasons and work around the world.
Modular Learning / Enrolment Options
ASI’s unique modularised learning offers flexibility in what you enrol and pay for.
To gain your ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor qualification, the following 3 ASI courses are required:
ASI SUP Wise Intensiv
ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award
ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
Enrol in all 3 courses at the same time by choosing the “Combined” enrolment option.
If you already hold an approved Rescue certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 2 ASI courses:
ASI SUP Wise Intensiv
ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
If you have the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 2 ASI courses:
ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award
ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
Pre-Requisite: The ASI SUP Wise Intensiv course is a pre-requisite. You can, however, complete it concurrently (at the same time) with the Level 1 SUP Instructor course. Note that you will not have access to the Level 1 SUP Instructor course materials or workshops unless you have either completed or are enrolled in the SUP Wise Intensiv course.
Rescue Course: can be completed at any time within 12 months, but must be completed before your Level 1 SUP Instructor certificate is issued.
Time to Complete: You have 12 months from date of workshop, or date of online enrolment, to complete all course requirements.
Competency Based Training: This course follows a competency-based approach. To obtain your instructor certificate, you must meet the ASI criteria. If you do not meet the criteria on your first attempt, we offer video submissions with free reassessment. You have 12 months to complete the course requirements. Our goal is to work with you to achieve your certification. Additional resubmissions are available for a small fee. Fees
Locations / Remit
Qualified to instruct at Enclosed Flat Water locations, defined as:
inland waterways including rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals, enclosed harbours without swell
with no swell (unbroken waves) or breaking waves
wind speed less than 12 knots
no more than 250 metres from shore
Career Outcomes
Stand Up Paddle Instructor in the SUP or outdoor recreation industry.
Industry job roles that require SUP knowledge (e.g. marketing, sales, retail).
Pathways to higher levels like SUP Tech Coach.
Start your own ASI accredited SUP school.
Topics
Compliance & Safety
The role of the SUP instructor
Laws and regulations that apply to conducting SUP lessons/tours
SUP lesson / tours risks and hazards
Strategies to minimise risks
Emergency processes and response
Planning Sessions
Identify suitable SUP locations and documentation
Logistics and how to plan enclosed flat water SUP sessions
Suitable boards, equipment and resources
Session Delivery
Deliver basic SUP lessons, SUP tours and SUP activities
Creating session plans for your clients / locations
ASI SUP Wise learn to SUP programs and how to implement
Instruction techniques and methods
Conduct paddle stroke and other SUP skills assessment using the ASI assessment criteria
Identify common mistakes
Provide feedback
Client Management
Communication skills for the SUP environment
Methods to manage clients safely
Other
Evaluate your own SUP teaching sessions
SUP Rentals safety and management
Entry Requirements
Before enrolling in this course:
have at least 100 hours on water SUP paddling experience.
competent paddler - able to paddle with confidence, correct technique and safety equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water level. Paddle stroke: 40 strokes /minute.
English speaking skills (online courses have translation into other languages).
Pre-requisite Course:
ASI SUP Wise Intensiv (Enclosed Flat Water) course
Completion of this course can be done concurrently with enrolling in the L1 SUP Instructor course, as it is a prerequisite.
However, you can only access the L1 SUP Instructor course materials or workshops if you have either completed or are currently enrolled in the SUP Wise Intensiv course.
Study Options
It’s great to have flexible learning options! The following delivery options are available for this course. Whether it's in-person training, online courses, or a blend of both, having the choice ensures you get the most out of your learning experience.
Workshop:
Ideal for people who like to complete most of the course requirements at the workshop and interact with the trainer.
Face to face training with highly qualified ASI Trainers, the best in the industry.
Complete most course requirements at the workshop.
Held in great locations throughout the world.
Fasttrack:
Ideal for people who are time poor but would still like some face-to-face contact with a trainer.
Hybrid learning experience combining online coursework with a face-to-face workshop.
The workshop duration is significantly reduced to save you time, travel, and costs.
During the workshop, you'll master essential skills, enabling you to submit video evidence of your competencies afterward.
Online Learning:
Ideal for people who are already experienced or would like flexibility to complete their training.
Work at your own pace.
Using ASI's e-learning platform with access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments.
Can obtain additional coaching with face to face support from ASI Technical Coaches / ASI Accredited Schools.
Transfer:
Obtain your ASI qualification based on recognition of your non-ASI instructor qualification.
This is an online course option.
Update:
For ASI instructors whose qualification has expired and need to regain the ASI qualification.
This is an online course option.
Online Courses - ASI's E-learning Platform
ASI's e-learning platform provides access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments. Access is available for all the above delivery options.
Course Requirements – Workshop
Face to face (in-person) training. Complete most course requirements at the workshop.
Duration: 2 days.
What We Provide
Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) manual (paper)
Logbook for practical hours (paper)
ASI membership for 12 months.
1 free reassessment
Course Requirements
At workshop:
Attend classroom and on water practice.
Complete theory assessments and exercises.
Demonstrate correct paddle stroke technique at minimum 40 strokes/min. (with video analysis of your paddle stroke in classroom).
Complete paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins.
After workshop:
Complete multi-choice online tests.
Complete 10 practical hours experience (2 hours signed off in workshop).
Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons, at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school. Demonstrate ability to deliver sessions. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.
Other:
Submit a current ASI SUP water rescue or a surf rescue certificate Acceptable Rescue certificates
Submit a current senior first aid certificate Acceptable First Aid certificates
Submit identification
Submit child check (if applicable to your country)
Completed the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv course
Course Requirements - Fasttrack Course
The ASI Fasttrack course is an online course with a face to face (in-person) workshop.
The aim of the workshop is to cover key skills and prepare participants to submit their own video for assessment, after the workshop. Time is spent at the water with practice and demonstrations and in the classroom covering some key theory topics.
Duration: 1 day.
What We Provide
Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) training manuals – online access plus paper manual at workshop.
2 free video assessments (post workshop)
ASI membership for 12 months.
Course Requirements:
Prior to workshop
Read online training manual (highly recommended, to assist you in the workshop).
At workshop
Review of some key theory instructor and safety concepts
Practice on water - paddle stroke (with video analysis of your paddle stroke in classroom).
Practice paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins
After workshop
Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique, at minimum 40 strokes/min.
Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins.
Complete online quizzes.
Complete 10 hours practical experience. (2 hours signed off in workshop).
Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons, at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school. Demonstrate ability to deliver sessions. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.
Note: If you demonstrate competency in SUP paddle stroke or the 1 km paddle mission test during the workshop, you do not need to submit a video afterward.
Other:
Submit a current ASI SUP water rescue or a surf rescue certificate Acceptable Rescue certificates
Submit a current senior first aid certificate Acceptable First Aid certificates
Submit identification
Submit child check (if applicable to your country)
Completed the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv course
Course Requirements - Fasttrack Combined Course
The COMBINED fasttrack course option is a one step enrolment that covers the 3 courses required to become an ASI SUP Instructor.
The ASI Fasttrack course is an online course with a face to face (in-person) workshop. The aim of the workshop is to cover key skills and prepare participants to submit their own video for assessment, after the workshop. Time is spent at the water with practice and demonstrations and in the classroom covering some key theory topics.
3 courses:
SUP Wise Intensiv
SUP Rescue Water Safety Award
Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
Workshop duration. 1 day.
What We Provide
Access to 3 x online learning manuals and assessments for: (1) SUP Wise Intensiv (2) SUP Rescue Water Safety Award (3) Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water).
Paper-based manuals provided at workshop for: (1) SUP Rescue Water Safety Award (2) Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)
2 free post workshop video assessments for each module/course
ASI membership for 12 months.
Course Requirements
Prior to workshop
Read online training manuals (highly recommended, to assist you in the workshop).
At Workshop
Complete theory, practice at water
Practice other SUP skills (eg entry, exit, turning, stopping etc).
Practice paddle stroke
Review of video analysis of your paddle stroke
Practice paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins
Practice SUP Rescues - unconscious person
Complete SUP Rescue mission test – swim 100 metres, run 200 metres, prone paddle 200 metres, without stopping, within 10 mins
After workshop – SUP Wise
Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique – paddle stroke 30 strokes/minute
Submit video demonstrating other SUP skills
Complete online quiz.
After workshop – SUP Rescue
Submit video rescuing an unconscious person
Submit video completing the SUP Rescue mission test
Complete online quiz.
After workshop – Level 1 SUP Instructor
Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique – paddle stroke 40 strokes/minute
Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins.
Complete online quiz.
Complete 10 hours practical experience. (2 hours signed off in workshop)
Note: you do not need to submit video post workshop if you demonstrate competency in: SUP paddle stroke, other SUP skills, 1km paddle test, SUP rescue mission test
In addition, before or after the workshop:
Submit a current senior first aid certificate Acceptable First Aid certificates
Submit identification
Submit child check (if applicable to your country)
Time to Complete: you have 12 months to complete all course requirements.
Course Requirements – Online Learning Course
Study in your own time with ASI's e-learning platform. Upload videos to demonstrate skills.
What We Provide
Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) online manual
Downloadable logbook (for practical hours)
ASI membership for 12 months.
1 free assessment plus 1 free reassessment
Course Requirements
Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises.
Complete multi-choice online tests.
Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique, at minimum 40 strokes/min.
Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins.
Complete 10 hours practical experience.
Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons, at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school. Demonstrate ability to deliver sessions. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.
Other:
Submit a current ASI SUP water rescue or a surf rescue certificate Acceptable Rescue certificates
Submit a current senior first aid certificate Acceptable First Aid certificates
Submit identification
Submit child check (if applicable to your country)
Complete the SUP Wise Intensiv course
Course Requirements – Transfer Course
Obtain your ASI qualification based on recognition of your non ASI instructor qualification.
This is an online course option.
There is no requirement to complete practical hours experience.
Entry Requirements
Submit an acceptable non ASI SUP Instructor certificate, not expired by more than 12 months. (Contact ASI for more information)
What We Provide
Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) online manual
SUP Wise Intensiv online manual
ASI membership for 12 months
1 free assessment
Course Requirements
Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises.
Complete multi-choice online tests.
Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique, at minimum 40 strokes/min.
Submit video demonstrating paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins.
Other:
Submit a current ASI SUP water rescue or a surf rescue certificate Acceptable Rescue certificates
Submit a current senior first aid certificate Acceptable First Aid certificates
Submit identification
Submit child check (if applicable to your country)
Have completed the SUP Wise Intensiv course
Enrolment Instructions
Choose enrolment option Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) - TRANSFER.
SUP Wise Intensiv is included, so you don’t need to do a separate enrolment.
If you are working with an ASI Accredited SUP School, you pay a special discount fee (choose special fee on enrolment form, and provide name of the ASI SUP school).
Course Requirements - Update Course
For ASI instructors with expired certification needing to regain their ASI qualification, this online course is an ideal option.
There is no requirement to complete practical hours or a paddle mission test.
Entry Requirements
Holds an ASI L1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) certificate – completed within the past 3 years.
(contact ASI if you completed the ASI training prior to this).
What We Provide
Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) online manual
SUP Wise Intensiv online manual
ASI membership for 12 months.
1 free assessment
Course Requirements
Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises.
Complete multi-choice online tests.
Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique, at minimum 40 strokes/min.
Other:
Submit a current ASI SUP water rescue or a surf rescue certificate Acceptable Rescue certificates
Submit a current senior first aid certificate Acceptable First Aid certificates
Submit child check (if applicable to your country)
Complete the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv course.
NOTE: If you have obtained your ASI SUP Wise Intensive certificate after 1 October 2021, there is no need to complete SUP Wise Intensiv course.
Enrolment
Choose enrolment option Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) – UPDATE
SUP Wise Intensiv is included, so you don’t need to do a separate enrolment.
“Welcome back” you only pay a discount fee.
Equipment
The following equipment and clothing is required to complete the training:
Flat water stand up paddle board, paddle, coiled leash
SUP clothing suitable for paddling
In addition, for the Online learning option:
Computer or mobile phone to access ASI e-learning platform
Video camera or mobile phone to take video of practical skills and submit online
Certificate Issued
ASI Level 1 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) Certificate
Valid for 12 months
Renewal
Each year, ASI SUP Instructors renew their ASI SUP Instructor certificate.
More about renewal requirements
FAQ's
Read more at: SUP Instructor Course FAQ's