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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.

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The content on this page is provided for information only and could be incorrect or outdated.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.