SUP Recreational Paddling Standards

Enclosed flat water is inland waterways including rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, canals, small enclosed harbours.

• The main hazard is water flow especially in rivers and estuaries. Fast flowing water can push you onto objects in the water like rocks or boat moorings, making it difficult to paddle on.

• River mouths are especially dangerous as the water usually flows faster.

• Changes in tides also cause fast flowing water.

• Wind can cause you to be blown far from shore. So always stay close to shore.

• Stay well away from hazards like boats and boat mooring and other water traffic.

Always check water and wind conditions before going out.

Recommended conditions are:

• Flat water with no swell or breaking waves

• Wind speed less than 12 knots

• Minimal water flow (less than 2 knots)

• Water depth no less than 1m (3ft)

• A minimum of 200 metres (650ft) from river mouth

• No more than 250 metres (820ft) from shore

• Free from hazards (hazards includes: boats, boat ramps rocks, fishing lines, submerged objects, oyster beds, pollution, dangerous marine creatures, etc.)

Exposed waters are coastal locations – beaches, bays and very large harbours.

• The main hazard is wind. It can cause you to be blown far from shore and way out to sea. So always check your position and stay close to shore.

• Water conditions can also change hourly, causing waves and choppy conditions, making it difficult to paddle and potentially to fall off board.

• Stay away from river mouths- they are especially dangerous as the water usually flows faster here.

• Stay in calm waters in protected bays.

• If you go in more choppy water, you should already be experienced at paddling in flat waters.

Always check water and wind conditions before going out.

Recommended conditions are:

• shore break less than 1½ feet

• swell size less than 2ft

• no breaking waves

• wind speed less than 12 knots, offshore wind less than 10 knots

• no more than 250 metres (820ft) from shore

• at least 200 metres (660 ft) from a river mouth

• free from hazards (includes: boats, other water users rips, rocks, reef)

Downwinding is usually conducted in the ocean.  It utilises the wind and the energy of the ocean swells to assist the paddler.

It requires SUP skill, strategy and endurance to judge the peaks and troughs (runners) and catch these to propel you along, whilst keeping the wind on your back.

For experienced paddlers only, who are competent in paddling in the ocean.

Recommended conditions are:

• Less than 4ft swell

• wind speed less than 20 knots

• no more than 10km distances

This is the first step in learning to SUP Surf.  SUP surfing is a specialist discipline of SUP. 

You must first be a competent paddler at the Exposed Waters level. 

Ride small breaking waves up to 1½ ft.  

Perform SUP surfing manoeuvres, read the waves, choose suitable waves to ride, perform and link manoeuvres whilst using your paddle to full effect.

3 - 4ft peeling waves.

The most experienced SUP surfers. Perform advanced level SUP surfing manoeuvres and successfully link manoeuvres with effective use of the paddle.

In surf up to 6ft.