Please visit the Instructor Resources page to find our Covid guidelines and resources for Paddle Canada instructors.

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.

Find a School Search for a Stand Up Paddleboard Course Find a Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor

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.

The Small Print

The content on this page is provided for information only and could be incorrect or outdated. The course program manual is the official syllabus.

If you have any specific syllabus questions, please get in touch with the Stand Up Paddleboard Program Committee who is responsible for the development and maintaince of this course.