Course Overview

SUP Tour Guide (Enclosed Flat Water)

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Plan and conduct stand up paddle tours of short duration day trips or overnight stays. 

Qualified to guide SUP tours at Enclosed Flat Water locations, defined as:

  • inland waterways including rivers, lakes, canals

  • with no swell or breaking waves

  • wind speed less than 12 knots

  • no more than 250 metres from shore

Stand Up Paddle Instructor or Guide in the SUP or outdoor recreation industry.
Industry job roles that require SUP knowledge (e.g. marketing, sales, retail)

  • Identify different types of SUP tours for enclosed flat waters locations
  • Suitable SUP touring boards, all round boards 
  • Other equipment and clothing 
  • Rules and regulations applicable when conducting SUP tours
  • Identify risks and hazards and how to manage risks
  • Identify and forecast weather and water conditions that affect SUP touring and navigation
  • How to identify and plan SUP touring routes
  • How to navigate using navigation aids
  • How to manage clients safely during SUP tours
  • SUP touring emergency responses

Before enrolling in this course:

  • Able to paddle 15 kms (approx 10 miles) on each day and in between breaks.

  • English speaking skills

Pre-requisite Courses:

The following study options are available for this course.

Workshop:  An intensive course that focuses on the major components, with the ability to interact with the trainer and the group. 
Duration:  2 days. 

Includes overnight accommodation. The type of accommodation will vary depending on the location. Options are:

  • Hotel, bed & breakfast with private room, or

  • Cabins at camping site, or 

  • Wild camping where you set up your own tent and cook outdoors.  
    Personal effects are transported by support vehicle. 

At the workshop 

  • On water practical tour guiding

  • Overnight stay in accommodation

  • Classroom theory 

After the workshop 

  • Submit a written project that demonstrates ability to plan a SUP tour at 2 different locations. One tour must be an overnight tour.

  • Choose your proposed overnight SUP tour and conduct the tour with one other person as your student.  Prepare a video dossier on conducting your tour. 

Other
Applies to all study options.

  • Submit a current ASI SUP water rescue or surf rescue certificate 

  • Submit a current senior first aid certificate 

  • Identification

  • Working with Children Check: If applicable to your country. 

Acceptable Rescue certificates
Acceptable First Aid certificates

Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided before or after workshop or within 12 months of enrolment. 

Time to Complete 
You have 12 months from date of workshop, or date or online enrolment, to complete all course requirements.  

ASI SUP Tour Guide (Enclosed Flat Water) Training Manual.
ASI membership valid for 12 months.
Overnight accommodation

The following equipment and clothing is required to complete the training:

  • SUP Touring board (or suitable flat water board) 
  • Paddle
  • Leash 
  • SUP clothing suitable for longer distance paddling.
  • Hydration - camel back or water bottle
  • Energy food
  • Personal protection e.g sunscreen 
  • Watch – ideally a GPS watch
  • Clothing and personal possessions for overnight stay

ASI Stand Up Paddle Tour Guide (Enclosed Flat Water) 
valid for 12 months 

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

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