Learn the Skill of Downwinding

The interest and participation in downwind and distance paddling continues to grow. Whilst general SUP paddling requires very little wind, SUP downwind relies completely on the wind.

Downwind paddling or Downwinding is characterised by the paddler using the wind to their advantage and combining paddling and surfing skills to travel in a near direct line of travel. Ideal conditions are 15-25 knot winds and distances of 6km to 10km and more. Specialised downwind boards are used, starting from 12’6 up to 16ft long.

Downwinding requires strategy plus water and wind knowledge. Choosing runners, surfing the swell, and ensuring the wind is on your back the whole time. Ability to read the water conditions, choose runners to “surf” you along is important for speed and saving energy. Once you have caught the runner, you need to understand the dynamics of powering up and powering down. If you choose the wrong runner, with the wrong technique, you may have to use valuable energy battling against the wind to get you back on track.

Combine that with being out in the elements in the ocean or large inland bodies of water. Paddling along the coast, watching the scenery as it passes by it’s the ultimate in enjoyment. Harnessing nature to your advantage.
Because you are in the wind, and travelling greater distances the discipline requires specialised knowledge and skills The logistics need careful consideration so as not to lose contact with land. Not having this knowledge can put you at risk of injury.

ASI runs specialist Downwind Instructors courses. The intensive 2-day workshop covers planning and organising logistics for instructing downwind & distance paddling sessions of 6 miles (10 km), risk management, keeping students safe, group management, equipment requirements, clothing, creating session plans and instruction techniques.

ASI Trainers, who teach people to be Downwind Instructors, are highly experienced, with competition and personal downwinding experience.

ASI accredited SUP Schools conduct Downwind Paddle skills Clinics. Learn how to downwind paddle, over a period of 6 sessions or weekend or weekly run courses. You will get all the info you need to start on your downwinding journey.

Learn the skill of downwinding at one of the ASI SUP Schools across the globe:

• UK England Cornwall – Ocean Sports Centre with Glenn Eldridge.
• UK Wales Pembrokeshire - The Big Blue Experience with Oli Tuggey
• Ireland Dublin– Irish SUP with Paul Byrne.
• Netherlands – Free Movement with Ricardo Haverschmidt
• USA New York – Paddle Diva with Scott Bradley
• USA Hawaii – Kawaii Outrigger Adventures with Ethan Sage
• Australia, NSW – Central Coast SUP with Will Anido
• Australia, Margaret River WA - Craig Fisher – Stand Up Surfing
• Australia, Perth – Stand Up Paddle Perth with Christiana Chessa
• Mexico, Puerto Vallarta - Surf Mexico with Adam Finer

ASI SUP Downwind Instructor courses:
https://www.academyofsurfing.com/stand-up-paddle/courses/downwind-paddle-skills

ASI Downwind Paddle Skills courses:
https://www.academyofsurfing.com/stand-up-paddle/courses/distance-downwind

ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors), is the worldwide peak body for Instructors and Coaches in the outdoor recreation and sport industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
www.academyofsurfing.com

We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level. 

International Instructor and Coach Accreditation.  You can travel the world with ASI.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.