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

Surf 1 SUP Skills

Discipline: Stand Up Paddleboard Stream: Skills Development

This course introduces the novice to paddling a paddleboard in moderate surf conditions in a coastal environment.


The emphasis is on the fundamentals of entering and understanding the surf zone, introduction to tides and beach profiles, and safety and etiquette.

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Course Overview

Typical Course Length

6-8 hours

Course Topics

Safety Skills
  • Falling off safely
  • Remounting the board
  • Use of a leash
  • Landmarking
Paddling Skills
  • Foot positions and stance
  • Bracing (using the paddle to support getting out through the surf)
  • High cadence acceleration
  • Sweep stroke in the surf zone
  • Cross draw in the surf zone
  • Breaking through waves
  • Catching waves
Knowledge
  • Clothing
  • Paddles
  • Board design
  • Safety equipment
  • Tides
  • Surf etiquette
  • Reading the surf zone
  • Decision making
  • Injury prevention
  • Buddy system
  • Heritage
Course Prerequisites
  • Advanced Flatwater SUP skills course or equivalent skills and knowledge.
  • Paddlers need time and practice to sufficiently develop the skills learned in the prerequisite course before registering in this course.