A single person paddleboarding on Pitt Lake, BC.
Location: Pitt Lake, BC. Photo credit: Diane Kiss

Surf 1 SUP Instructor

Discipline: Stand Up Paddleboard Stream: Instructor Development

This award is designed to provide a national certification in the instruction and administration of the Surf 1 SUP program. This award may be achieved through a course or apprenticeship. Successful candidates receive the Surf 1 SUP Instructor award.

The Surf 1 SUP Instructor is certified to:

  • conduct the following Paddle Canada SUP skills courses and to certify paddlers at these levels: Basic, Advanced Flatwater, Surf 1,
  • assist on the following Paddle Canada SUP skills courses, with prerequisite skills: Surf 2, Touring 1, River 1,
  • apprentice on the following Paddle Canada SUP skills courses, with prerequisite skills: Surf 2, Touring 1, River 1, and
  • teach SUP in a coastal environment with moderate winds and surf conditions less than 1 metre.
Find a School  Search for a Stand Up Paddleboard Course  Find a Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor
Course Prerequisites
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Current Paddle Canada membership.
  • Certification
    • Paddle Canada Surf 2 SUP skills certification, or equivalent skills and knowledge.
    • Paddle Canada Advanced Flatwater SUP Instructor certification.
  • First Aid
    • Current certification in standard first aid with CPR (14–16 hours).
  • Experience
    • Experience beyond that of the Surf 1 SUP skills course.
  • Recommended
    • Appropriate lifeguard and surf-rescue training.

How to Register for an Instructor Course

  1. Contact the course director/organization and register with them first.
  2. Register yourself as an instructor candidate member with Paddle Canada by following these steps:
    • Are you existing Paddle Canada member or a past skill course student? Login to your account and follow the instructor candidate link there.
    • Are you brand new to Paddle Canada? Proceed to the Instructor Candidate membership form.
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