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Paddleboarding along Squamish-Estuary, BC.
Location: Squamish-Estuary, BC. Photo credit: Diane Kiss

Advanced Flatwater SUP Skills

Discipline: Stand Up Paddleboard Stream: Skills Development

In the Advanced Flatwater SUP Course, students are introduced to paddling in more challenging conditions and to more advanced paddleboard skills.


This course builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the Basic SUP course and introduces participants to paddling in more challenging conditions and to more advanced paddleboarding skills.

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Course Overview

Typical Course Length

2-3 hours
*Advanced Flatwater SUP can be combined with Basic SUP into a single course of 4–6 hours or more. Successful participants of such a combined course will receive the Advanced Flatwater SUP skills award.

Course Topics

Safety Skills
  • Towing
Paddling Skills
  • Launching into waves
  • Paddling in waves
  • Foot positions
  • Pivot turns
  • Efficient forward stroke
  • Draw strokes
  • Cross draw
  • Bracing
  • Edging
  • Paddling in wind
Knowledge
  • Equipment
  • Advanced board design
  • Heritage
  • Environment
  • Risk assessment and management
Course Prerequisites
  • Basic SUP course, or equivalent experience.
  • Paddlers need time and practice to sufficiently develop the skills learned in the prerequisite course before registering in this course.