Course Overview

Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

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Learn how to instruct SUP lessons and conduct SUP tours and offer rentals at exposed water locations, with ASI the world leader in SUP coaching.  

The ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor course covers the skill and knowledge to deliver sessions at open ocean coastal locations, that may have swell up to 2ft (unbroken waves) and uneven choppy waters.  

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. 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. 

ASI’s unique modularised learning offers flexibility in what you enrol and pay for.

To gain your ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor qualification, the following 4 ASI courses are required:

  • ASI SUP Wise Intensiv

  • ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

  • ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

Enrol in all 4 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 3 ASI courses:

  • ASI SUP Wise Intensiv

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

  • ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

If you have the ASI SUP Wise Intensiv certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 3 ASI courses:

  • ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

  • ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

Pre-Requisite:

Level 1 SUP INstructor (Enclosed Flat Water) and ASI SUP Wise Intensiv courses are a pre-requisite. You can, however, complete it concurrently (at the same time) with the Level 2 SUP Instructor course. Note that you will not have access to the Level 2 SUP Instructor course materials or workshops unless you have either completed or are enrolled in the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor and SUP Wise Intensiv courses.

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

Deliver basic SUP lessons, short SUP paddle tours and SUP rentals at exposed waters locations.

This course builds on the ASI  Level 1 SUP instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) course and focusses on exposed waters hazards, techniques and instruction methods.  

Qualified to instruct at Exposed Waters locations, defined as:

  • coastal beaches and bays

  • large harbours open to the ocean and subject to 2ft swell (unbroken waves)

  • shore break less than 1½ feet

  • swell (unbroken wave) size 1 to 2ft

  • no breaking waves

  • wind speed less than 12 knots, offshore wind less than 10 knots

  • no more than 250 metres from shore

  • Stand Up Paddle Instructor in the SUP or outdoor recreation industry.

  • Industry job roles that require SUP knowledge (e.g. marketing, sales, retail).

Compliance & Safety

  • SUP lesson / tours risks and hazards at exposed waters

  • Strategies to minimise risks

  • Emergency processes and response

Planning Sessions

  • Identify suitable SUP exposed waters locations and documentation

  • Difference between enclosed flat water and exposed waters sessions

  • Logistics and how to plan exposed waters SUP sessions

  • Suitable boards, equipment and resources

Session Delivery

  • Deliver basic SUP lessons, SUP tours and SUP activities in exposed waters

  • Creating session exposed waters session plans for your clients / locations

  • ASI SUP Wise learn to SUP exposed waters programs and how to implement

  • Instruction techniques and methods in exposed waters

  • Understand how to negotiate swell (not breaking waves) - into swell, alongside swell, with swell

  • Understand how to perform step back pivot turns - heel side and toe side

  • Conduct paddle stroke assessment using the ASI exposed waters assessment criteria

  • Identify common mistakes

  • Provide feedback

  • Evaluating your own SUP sessions  

Client Management

  • Communication skills for the SUP environment

  • Methods to manage clients safely

Before starting this course:

  • have at least 100 hours on water SUP paddling experience in exposed waters. 

  • be confident in paddling in minimum swell (unbroken waves) of 2ft and wind speed of 15 knots.

  • able to paddle with confidence, correct technique, knowledge and safety. Equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Exposed Waters level - minimum paddle stroke: 40 strokes/minute.

  • English speaking skills (online courses have translation into other languages).

Pre-requisite Courses

  • ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water).

    Completion of this course can be done concurrently with enrolling in the L2 SUP Instructor course.
    However, you can only access the L2 SUP Instructor course materials or workshops if you have either completed or are enrolled in the L1 SUP Instructor course.

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.

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.

Face to face (in-person) training. Complete most course requirements at the workshop.  

Duration:  1 day. 

What We Provide
Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) 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 exposed waters locations, 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 (1 hour signed off in workshop).
    Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons at exposed waters locations, 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:

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:  half day (3 hrs)

What We Provide

  • Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) 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 at exposed waters location -  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 exposed waters locations, 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 exposed waters locations, 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:

The COMBINED fasttrack course option is a one step enrolment that covers the 4 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.

4 courses:

Workshop duration.  1.5 days. (1 full day + 1 half day)

What We Provide

  • Access to 4 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) (4) Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

  • Paper-based manuals provided at workshop for: (1) SUP Rescue Water Safety Award. (2) Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water). (3) Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)  

  • 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 at enclosed flat waters

  • Practice paddle stroke at exposed coastal waters in swell (unbroken waves) up to 2ft.

  • Review of video analysis of your paddle stroke in both enclosed flat waters and exposed waters.

  • Practice paddling mission test -paddle for 1 km (0.6 miles) in under 10 mins at enclosed flat waters and also exposed coastal waters in swell (unbroken waves) up to 2ft.

  • 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).

After workshop – Level 2 SUP Instructor

  • Submit video demonstrating correct paddle stroke technique – paddle stroke 40 strokes/minute in exposed waters swell (unbroken waves) 1-2ft.

  • 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 in exposed waters locations. (2 hours signed off in workshop)

Note: you do not need to submit video post workshop if you demonstrate competency during the workshop, in: SUP paddle stroke, other SUP skills, 1km paddle test, SUP rescue mission test  

In addition, before or after the workshop:

Time to Complete:  you have 12 months to complete all course requirements.

Study in your own time with ASI's e-learning platform. Upload videos to demonstrate skills. 

What We Provide

  • Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) 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 exposed water locations, 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 exposed waters locations, 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:

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 L2 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 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) 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 exposed waters, at minimum 40 strokes/min.

Other:

Enrolment

  • To update you would complete both L1 & L2.

  • Choose enrolment option Combined Level 1 - Level 2 SUP Instructor Exposed Waters) – UPDATE

  • SUP Wise Intensiv is included, so you don’t need to do a separate enrolment. 

  • “Welcome back” you only pay a discount fee. 

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 

ASI Level 2 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Exposed Waters) Certificate
Valid for 12 months

Each year, ASI SUP Instructors renew their ASI SUP Instructor certificates.   
More about renewal requirements

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