ASI has created the international standards for SUP Fitness Instructors to safely manage SUP Fitness sessions.
Location Definition
Inland waterways including rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals, small harbours
Coastal bays
Location Conditions
Flat water
Minimal uneven waters - minimal chop
No swell
No breaking waves
No shore break
Wind speed less than 12 knots
Water depth a minimum of 1 metre (3ft)
Water depth no more than 1.2 metres (4ft)
Standing depth for participants
No more than 50 metres (82ft) from shore
Free from hazards (hazards includes: boats, boat ramps rocks, fishing lines, submerged objects, oyster beds, pollution, dangerous marine creatures, etc. )
Equipment
Suitable wide SUP flat water board
Board with deck pad covering at least 3 quarters of the board
Suitable paddles with correct blade
Suitable anchors or anchor system
Coiled leashes must be fixed to the board
Instructor Qualifications
ASI SUP Fitness Instructor Level 2
Personal Trainer / Fitness certificate for group sessions. (eg. equivalent to UK REPS Level 1. Australia Level 3 Certificate).
Current Water Rescue or Surf Rescue
Current Senior First Aid
Working with children check (as applicable to the country)
Students
Age
At least 8 years of age (guide only – to take into consideration strength needed to paddle against wind and tide).
Entry Requirements
No entry requirements
Student Management
Instructor to Student Ratio
No more than 16 students to 1 fully accredited instructor (1:16)
If more than 8 clients, an assistant is required (a competent paddler)
Group Size
No more than 16 students (1 group) to be in the one place in the water at any one time. (for busy locations)
The groups are to be separated by a minimum 100 metres (328ft). (for busy locations)
SUP Fitness Safety & Student Management
Boards to have coiled leashes attached at all times
Students and instructors wear leashes when paddling into position
Leashes are not worn when conducting fitness exercises
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