SUP Instructor Standards-Beginner Surf

ASI has created the international standards for SUP Instructors for safe paddling, and managing students, at beginner SUP Surf locations.

Location Definition

  • Coastal beach

  • Sandy beach / ocean floor with even gradient  

Location Conditions

  • Gentle breaking waves up to 0.5 metres (1½ ft) 

  • Small channel

  • Free from strong rips

  • No dumping shore break   

  • Wind speed less than 12 knots, offshore winds no more than 10 knots. 

  • No more than 100 metres (320 ft) from shore.

  • At least 100 metres (320ft) downwind from lifesaving flags  

Equipment

  • Suitable flat water paddle boards (ideal length 10-11ft) 

  • Suitable paddles with correct blade

  • Long leashes must be fixed to the board

Instructor Qualifications

  • ASI Level 3 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Beginner Surf) 

  • Current Surf Rescue 

  • Current Senior First Aid

  • Working with children check (as applicable to the country)

Students

Age

At least 12 years of age (guide only – to take into consideration strength needed to paddle against wind and tide).


Entry Requirements

  • Able to swim 50 metres (165ft)

  • Exposed waters stand up paddle skills

  • Ocean safety knowledge, skills and awareness

  • Ideally have surfing knowledge and ability equivalent to ASI Learn to Surf Beginner Level 3

Student Management

Instructor to Student Ratio

No more than 1 student to 1 fully accredited instructor  1:1  (busy location)
No more than 2 students to 1 fully accredited instructor  1:2   (non busy location)

Definitions: 
Non busy surf location:  no other water users within a 100 metre (320 ft) radius of activity
Busy surf location: other water users within 100 metres (320 ft)


Group Size

In any 100 metres (320ft) of surf, no more than:

  • 2 students (1 group), at any one time. (non busy surf location)

  • 1 student at any one time (busy surf location) 

Paddling Safety & Student Management

  • Students and instructors wear leash at all times

  • In shallow water and water depth less than 3ft and on entry and exit to water, participants must paddle on knees or bum

  • The instructor is to be on a board, in the water, close to students at all times

  • It is recommended that a minimum of 3 lessons are conducted in the exposed water locations before a beginner student could reasonably demonstrate effective paddling skills to negotiate surf

  • Instructors are not to take students into areas where there are a high number of other surf users. SUP boards are bigger so the potential injury to other surf users is higher