Course Overview

SUP Technical Coach (Enclosed Flat Water)

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Go the next step in your SUP Instructor career. Gain technical skills to help your students develop better paddle technique, to minimise injury and paddle with ease.

Each student has different skills. Learn how to identify correct and incorrect technique for that student, work on a plan to help them improve with skills adjustments, training and by using a range of drills. A basic knowledge of anatomy is covered to pinpoint areas of potential injury from using incorrect technique.

This is an online course with a one day workshop covering some key aspects of the course to help prepare you to complete your assessments. You have access to extensive online manuals, with technique videos, etc.

You can choose to enrol in a workshop date to start your course. Or enrol in the online option with no course date – then choose a workshop date at a latter time. No extra fees apply.

Once completed, you are eligible to become an ASI Associate Trainer (conditions apply).

  • understand the ASI correct and incorrect paddle stroke assessment criteria for both the Technical proficiency level and the Foundations level.

  • understand the correct and incorrect criteria for other paddle skills (eg enter, exit, getting on/off board, dismount, turning etc)

  • conduct video assessments identifying correct and incorrect technique.

  • create training plans and provide written feedback for a beginner student including advising of drill/s to improve performance.

  • able to take video that is suitable for video assessment.

Qualified to coach at:

  • enclosed flat locations, defined as: inland waterways including rivers, lakes, estuaries, canals, enclosed harbours with no swell or breaking waves.

  • exposed waters coastal locations with flat water and sheltered conditions, if you also hold an Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) qualification.

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

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

  • Eligible to be an ASI Associate Trainer. (based on you having 3 years experience as an ASI instructor and be an ASI Accredited SUP School owner).

  • Identify human anatomy in relation to SUP

  • Analyse use of the body, common mistakes

  • Analyse use of paddle, and common mistakes

  • Identify how to correct poor technique

  • Identify injuries that can result due to poor technique

  • Understand stroke efficiency / cadence

  • Identify suitable equipment and effect on technique

  • Assessing SUP performance using ASI assessment criteria

  • How to conduct video analysis, with benchmarking to understand

  • the level of assessment - not too hard or too easy.
    Identify drills and skills to correct technique

  • Prepare individualised coaching plans to improve performance

  • Identify the requirement for basic strength and conditioning exercises to assist in improving paddling technique.

Before starting this course:

  • Have completed a minimum of 500 hours on water paddling experience.

  • competent paddler - able to paddle with confidence, correct technique and safety equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water level -Technical Skills criteria. Paddle at 50 strokes per minute.

  • English speaking skills.

Pre-requisite Courses

The following study options are available for this course.

Flexible Online Learning with practice workshop: 

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

  • The course combines online learning and a practical skills session (a 1 day workshop to cover key concepts)

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.  

1. Receive online learning access. 

2. Read the online modules, view videos.

At practice workshop 

Attend one day workshop. It will cover key concepts, video analysis and on water SUP technical skills to prepare you to complete your projects. No formal assessment is conducted at this practice workshop.

Assessments to Submit

1) Submit video of your paddle stroke - demonstrating paddling ability at the technical proficiency level and conduct a self assessment using the ASI paddle stroke – technical proficiency criteria (50 strokes/min and technical proficiency).

2) Submit video of your “other paddle skills” and conduct a self assessment using the ASI “other paddle skills” criteria.

3) Complete project – assessment of your student. Find one student at the beginner level. Obtain video of your student. Conduct assessment of paddle stroke, using ASI paddle stroke – foundation skills assessment form, provide coaching feedback.

4) Video analysis. Complete online Paddle Stroke Video Analysis for 5 paddlers, using the ASI video scenarios and paddle stroke assessment Foundations skills level.

Other to Submit

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

  • Submit a current senior first aid certificate 

  • 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 of online enrolment, to complete all course requirements.  

Online manual and videos
Access to ASI’s e-learning platform
1 day workshop

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

  • Access to 1 student for your project 

  • 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 Stand Up Paddle Technical  Coach (Enclosed Flat Water) Certificate
(valid for 12 months)

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

Q. Do I need to attend the practice workshop first?
A. No. If there are workshop dates that are not suitable for you, you can start your online learning. When you are ready, you can book into a workshop. Check on ASI website for workshop dates. No additional fees apply.

Read more at:
How to become an ASI SUP Instructor
SUP Instructor Course FAQ's

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