SUP Instructor Courses-FAQs

The first step is to become an ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water).  This is for inland water locations. ASI’s unique modularised learning offers flexibility in what you enrol and pay for.

The following 3 ASI courses are required:

• ASI SUP Wise Intensiv

• ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award

• ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

If you already hold an approved Rescue certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 2 ASI courses:

• ASI SUP Wise Intensiv

• ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

 If you have hold the SUP Wise Intensiv certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 2 ASI courses:

• ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award

• ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

Enrolment: 
You can enrol in all courses and complete them at the same time. 

To save time, you can enrol in all 2 or 3 courses at the same time by enrolling in “combined” course.

Enrolment links…

In addition to the above, you also need to have a First Aid Certificate (see the FAQ below)

If you are also operating in ocean locations, see the FAQ below.

You will need to also complete the ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) course. ASI’s unique modularised learning offers flexibility in what you enrol and pay for.

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)

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 hold the 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)

If you hold the SUP Wise Intensiv certificate and approved Rescue certificate, you only need to enrol in the following 2 ASI courses:

• ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water)

• ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters)

Enrolment: 
You can enrol in all courses and complete them at the same time. 

Enrolment:  To save time, you can enrol in all 2, 3 or 4 courses at the same time by enrolling in “combined” course.

Enrolment links ….

In addition to the above, you also need to have a First Aid Certificate.  

Yes, all ASI instructors must complete the SUP Wise Intensiv course.

Starting the path to becoming a SUP instructor requires a solid foundation.  The ASI SUP Wise Intensiv course is an initial first step and is required for all stated SUP Instructors. 

While this course is not designed for instruction, it ensures that every instructor, regardless of their prior experience, possess a consistent level of base knowledge, aligned with ASI guidelines and techniques.  This comprehensive preparation equips aspiring SUP instructors to confidently undertake the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructors course.

Exemption:  SUP Yoga, Pilates, or Fitness SUP Instructors are not required to complete the SUP Wise Intensiv course since they only walk their clients into position and teach in waist-deep water. However, paddling technique information is included in the ASI course content to ensure comprehensive education.

(1) Do you need to complete the SUP Wise Intensive course first?
No.   The SUP Wise Intensiv course can be completed alongside the Level 1 SUP Instructor course (in other words you can enrol in both courses at the same time).

(2) Level of Technical Ability - Paddle Stroke
While the SUP Wise Intensiv course  covers the basics, a higher level of paddling experience is required to enrol in the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor course.  
For example: 
SUP Wise Intensiv only requires basic speed of: paddle stroke of 30 / min
The ASI SUP Instructor course requires moderate speed of:  40 strokes / min.

(3) Streamline of Course Requirements
We’ve streamed the process for individuals involved in both SUP Wise Intensiv and L1 SUP Instrutor course.  Both require submission of paddle stroke video, but you can just submit one lot of video.
SUP Wise Intensiv course information…

It’s great to have flexible learning options! With ASI offering a range of course delivery methods, you can choose what suits your style and schedule best. 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.

Transfer:

• Obtain your ASI qualification based on recognition of your non-ASI instructor qualification.

• This is an online course option. 

Update:

• For ASI instructors whose qualification has expired and need to regain the ASI qualification.

• This is an online course option.

16 years of age.   
However instructors under the age of 18 years old, cannot teach unsupervised unless they have an adult (18 years and over) accredited instructor supervising nearby.  
Accredited Instructors under 18 years of age, are still counted for student to instructor ratios.

As part of the ASI SUP Instructor training, you'll gain hands-on experience by assisting in the delivery of SUP sessions. This practical experience equips you with real-life scenarios, helping you better understand the requirements of being an ASI Instructor.

(1) Where to Complete Practical Hours?
Practical hours are completed at ASI SUP Schools or approved SUP Schools.  

(2) What if there is no SUP School nearby?   
We can tailor your practical hours based on your experience and ability. If an ASI school isn't nearby, options include completing hours at a non-ASI school or providing video assessments if you're an experienced instructor in another watersport.

(3) Can I get Recognition (RPL) for my past Experience ?
If you have previous SUP instruction experience, RPL of your practical hours can apply if you're deemed competent at the workshop, have extensive experience in outdoor water activities, and hold another outdoor watersports qualification (e.g., canoeing, windsailing, SUP, kitesurfing, bodyboarding).

You have 12 months from the workshop date, or the enrolment date for flexible online courses, to complete all course requirements. After this period, your enrolment will be cancelled.

This timeframe should be more than sufficient to complete all requirements. Be sure to account for your practical hours training and seasonal variations.

(1) What First Aid Certificates does ASI accept?
ASI has listed some certificates that are acceptable.  click here

(2) What Topics Must be covered in the First Aid Certificate?
ASI has listed the minimum topics required at  click here

(3) Do I need to hold a first aid certificate before enrolling in the ASI Instructor courses?
No.  You have 12 months after the workshop date to provide it to ASI. Your instructor certificate will not be issued until we receive your first aid certificate.

(4)  What is a “current’ first aid certificate?
The certificate date must not be expired.  Certificates that are more than 3 years old are not accepted (even if the expiry date is longer).  

(5) I completed first aid in my surf rescue course.  Is that acceptable to ASI?
In some countries, the Surf Lifesaving and Lifeguard qualifications includes senior first aid training.  These combined Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates are acceptable. e.g UK, Spain, Portugal, Bali, USA 

In Australia, the Surf Lifesaving Bronze only includes basic first aid.  A separate senior first aid certificate must be completed.  
In other countries, senior first aid training is generally separate to the surf rescue training. 

(6) I am a paramedic or nurse. Do you I have to provide a first aid certificate?
No.  But you must provide evidence / certificate / letter from the hospital you work for that states you are current in first aid. 

(7) Do I need to update my First Aid certificates?
Yes.  You must keep these current at all times. 
Make sure the certificate has not expired or is no more than 3 years old from the date of training.

To obtain the ASI SUP Instructor qualification, instructors must hold an approved rescue certificate. The rescue course must take place in an outdoor environment and include training on rescuing someone on a board and prone paddling with a patient. Swimming pool, kayaking, diving, or similar rescue courses are not acceptable as they do not apply to the SUP outdoor environment.

Exemption:  SUP Yoga, Pilates, or Fitness SUP Instructors are not required to hold a rescue certificate since they only teach in waist-deep water. However, rescue information is included in the ASI course content to ensure comprehensive education.

(1) What Rescue Certificate is Approved by ASI?
The ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Certificate is required for all new instructors.
However if you hold a surf lifesaving certificate, this will also be accepted.
SUP Surf and Downwinding qualifications require a Surf Rescue certificate, as you are operating in surf conditions.

In summary, by qualification:

• Enclosed Flat Water SUP Instructor, Wellness Instructor:  Flat Water Rescue or Surf Rescue

• Exposed Waters SUP Instructor, Wellness Instructor:   Flat Water Rescue or Surf Rescue

• SUP Surfing Instructor:  Surf Rescue  

• SUP Downwind Instructor :  Surf Rescue  

• SUP Yoga, Pilates, Fitness Instructors:  No rescue certificate required as teaching in waist-deep water only.

ASI has listed some approved rescue certificates and training providers at: click here

(2) Do I need to hold a rescue certificate before enrolling in the ASI Instructor courses?
No.  You have 12 months after the workshop date to provide it to ASI.   Your instructor certificate will not be issued until we have received your rescue certificate.

(3) What is a “current’ rescue certificate?
It is a certificate that is not expired and no more than 24 months old from when it was completed/issued.
Or, no more than 12 months old in Australia for surf rescue certificates.

(4) My Rescue Certificate is valid for 5 years.  Will ASI accept this?
No.  ASI only accepts rescue certificates up to 24 months from date of the course / issue date.   (no more than 12 months in Australia for surf rescue certificates).

(5) Can you accept an outdoor recreation / instructor qualification that includes rescue skills?
Generally no. We need a copy of your actual Rescue certificate that shows the date it was completed/issued.
We can accept a transcript that shows when you completed the rescue training module. 
The course must cover the topics acceptable by ASI.  click here

(6) Can I provide a Swimming Pool Lifeguard certificate?
No. You must have an open water rescue certificate. 
It demonstrates experience completing rescues in an uncontrolled environment, using a rescue board.

(7) Do I need to update my Water Rescue certificates?
​Yes.  To keep your SUP Instructor qualification valid, you must keep your water rescue certificate "current" at all times.

Yes, if you are working with children. 
This only applies to the country you are working in.  Not every country has laws for working with child checks. See info....  

(1) Do I have to renew my instructor certificate?
Yes.  Your SUP Instructor accreditation certificate expires at least 12 months from the date of the training - to the nearest renewal date for the region.   

• Australia, Asia - 31 December

• UK, Europe, Middle East, USA, Americas - 30 June  

In your first year, you may be given more than 12 months to renew (but you will receive at least a minimum of 12 months).

(2) How do I Renew?
Login to your member account on the ASI Website.  Complete the online renewal form and submit relevant evidence as per renewal requirements. 

(3) What are the Renewal Requirements
You can read more about this at:  Renewal Requirements

(4) Why do I have to renew each year? 
You are a professional and this demonstrates you are keeping your skills and knowledge updated. 
You don’t need to attend another course. 

You can obtain your ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor certificate by ASI recognizing your non-ASI instructor certificate, provided it hasn't expired by more than 12 months.  An online ASI course option applies.

Transfers are not available for Level 2 SUP Instructor in exposed waters. There are some exceptions, so please contact ASI for more information.

Transfers do not apply to general Outdoor Instruction qualifications.  

(1) Can I work in other countries with ASI qualifications?
Yes, ASI has been operating since 2003 and is the world leader in education and training accreditation in the surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding sections of the outdoor recreation industry.

(2) I did my ASI training in the UK (or another country) and I want to work in Australia.  Do I have to pay any extra fees to be recognised?
No.  You do not pay any extra once you have your ASI qualifications.  
There may be additional country certificate requirements  eg for first aid and surf rescue.    
You may be required to apply for a state based working with children check.  
ASI Australia can assist if you have any questions.