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Two people paddling in a stand-up paddleboard on Widgeon Creek, BC.
Location: Widgeon Creek, BC. Photo credit: Diane Kiss

The Paddle Canada National Stand Up Paddleboard Program (SUP)

The Stand Up Paddleboard Program teaches paddlers how to safely and efficiently use stand up paddleboards in a wide variety of waters.

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The Paddle Canada Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) program includes nationally-recognized certifications in eight skill levels, with corresponding Instructor and Instructor Trainer certifications. The program teaches paddlers how to safely and efficiently use stand up paddleboards in a wide variety of waters. Paddle Canada’s goal is to provide the most relevant paddleboard instructional programming in the world.

The program launched in 2011 and is maintained and updated by a committee of top-level Instructor Trainers from across Canada who leverage Paddle Canada’s kayak and canoe program experience to remain ahead of the industry-standard for SUP instruction. At last count, there were well over 800 current SUP Instructors in the Paddle Canada program, all of whom undergo regular professional development to ensure their skills and knowledge represent the paddling world’s best practices.

The Paddle Canada Stand Up Paddleboard Program begins with the Basic SUP skills course in calm sheltered conditions and progresses in steps to advanced touring skills on open water in rough conditions. Additionally, the paddler can seek advanced skills in the river and surf streams. The complete program includes Instructor and Instructor Trainer levels.

The SUP program no longer includes intentional camping in its curriculum. If you want to learn about camping while paddleboarding, check out Paddle Canada’s Camping Skills Program.

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