Instructing SUP in Exposed Waters

The challenges of teaching people to learn to stand up paddle in exposed waters presents additional challenges and safety issues for SUP Instructors.

Exposed waters has been defined by ASI (SUP education training provider) as open coastal waters or harbours and inland bodies of water greater than 1 km or 0.6 miles wide - with swell up to 2 ft but no breaking waves and shore break no more than 1 ½ feet.

These types of locations are more easily affected by the wind and tides causing uneven and bumpy waters, swell and currents.

The swell and uneven waters has potential to unbalance students off their board.  Students could become tired from falling off.  They can be separated from the group.

The currents make it more difficult to paddle and can also tire out students.

Consideration needs to be given on how to instruct students in these conditions, with techniques on how to manage the uneven waters.  This is different to instruction techniques on flat waters.  

An instructor to student ratio of 1 accredited instructor to 6 students is recommended as the international standard – to allow instructors to safely manage their clients.  The instructor is able to keep close contact with their students, can give ready feedback, watches out for potential safety issues and can act quickly if need be.

To avoid separation from board, coiled leashes must be worn at all times and students instructed in correct use.

In addition, the exposed waters location :

• has a sand, shingle bottom
• free from strong tidal flow and hazards
• minimal surface (wind) chop
• wind speed less than 12 knots, offshore winds less than 10 knots
• no more than 250 metres (840 ft) offshore

Prior to each session, the SUP instructor should assess the location and conditions to ensure they are suitable for the client group.   Some students may be able to handle the swell and uneven waters better than others.

With correct instruction techniques, students will have an enjoyable and safe time in swell and uneven waters.   

ASI is the world leader in SUP education.  ASI created the standards and identified different location types and hazards in 2008.
 

 ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) is the world’s leading professional membership education, training and accreditation organisation, catering for instructors and school operators and clubs in the outdoor sports and recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding. 
www.academyofsurfing.com

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