SUP Instructor Standards-SUP Yoga

ASI has created the international standards for SUP Yoga Teachers to safely manage SUP Yoga sessions.

Location Definition

  • Inland waterways and bodies of water including rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals, small harbours 

  • Coastal bays 

Location Conditions

  • ​Flat water

  • No uneven waters - no chop or 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 SUP Yoga board or wide flat water paddle board

  • Board with deck pad covering at least 3 quarters of the board

  • Suitable anchors or anchor system 

  • Suitable paddles with correct blade

  • Coiled leashes must be fixed to the board

Teacher Qualifications

  • ASI SUP Yoga Teacher

  • 200 hour qualified yoga teacher

  • 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

Free flowing sessions
No more than 12 students to 1 fully accredited instructor (1:12)
If more than 6 students, an assistant is required (a competent paddler)


Anchored sessions
No more than 16 students to 1 fully accredited instructor (1:16)
If more than 8 students, an assistant is required (a competent paddler)


Group Size

No more than 12 or 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 Yoga 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 yoga poses

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

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