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SUP Instructor

The British Canoeing Awarding Body Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructor is a great first step for stand up paddleboarders looking to deliver safe and enjoyable taster/starter sessions based on their group’s needs and aspirations.


The qualification will support the SUP instructor with practical skills such as kitting up a group and getting afloat, initial familiarisation activities, games and activities and how to use mini journeys to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration. This will be enhanced with support on how these sessions can be delivered in a way that is enjoyable, safe and rewarding.

The Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor qualification is designed for instructors running SUP taster/starter sessions within the safety management systems of clubs, centres or other organisations in:

  • Very Sheltered Water environments
  • Stand Up Paddleboards deemed suitable for a first-time experience


The process of completing the qualification aims to help prepare candidates for their first SUP instructing role; ‘primed and ready’.


  • Registration & Prerequisites

    Candidates wishing to book on to a SUP Instructor course must register with their respective National Association (e.g. Scottish Canoe Association).


    It is advisable to do this at least 2-weeks prior to the training course.


    Registration is the start of the process by which an instructor's qualification journey is recorded and gives the instructor access to the training resources. Registration is different to booking a place on a course, which is done directly with the course provider.


    Registration for the Paddlesport Instructor is open to persons aged 14 and above. All candidates registering for the Paddlesport Instructor course will need to be a full member of their respective National Association. 


    We operate a Reasonable Adjustments  for those with some disabilities. Find out more.

  • Course Structure

    The  SUP Instructor qualification involves a minimum of two days and includes at least 15 hours’ teaching/learning contact time. Courses can be run over a longer duration to include additional time to focus on personal skills, rescue skills, or the development of instructing skills. 

  • Assessment & Certification

    There are three specific assessment tasks that are completed during the course:


    • Professional Standards
    • Rescue Skills
    • Personal Skills
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