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

Basic SUP Skills

Discipline: Stand Up Paddleboard Stream: Skills Development

The Basic SUP course introduces the novice to paddling a paddleboard in calm sheltered water.


This course introduces the novice to paddling a paddleboard in calm sheltered water.

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Course Overview

Typical Course Length

Typical course length 2-3 hours

Course Topics

Safety Skills
  • Falling off safely
  • Remounting the board
  • Use of a leash
  • Understanding weather and paddling conditions
Paddling Skills
  • Lifting and carrying a board
  • Choosing and holding a paddle
  • Mounting a board at a beach or dock
  • Prone paddling
  • Paddling while kneeling
  • Standing up
  • Paddling in a straight line
  • Forward stroke
  • Braking stroke
  • Sweep strokes
  • Paddling in windy or turbulent conditions
Knowledge
  • Board design
  • Board outfitting
  • Clothing
  • Safety equipment
  • Paddles
  • Injury prevention
  • Equipment care
  • SUP resources
  • Transporting a SUP
  • SUP heritage
Course Prerequisites
  • None