BECOME A QUALIFIED SUP INSTRUCTOR
Develop the practical coaching, safety and session-planning skills needed to deliver professional stand up paddle boarding lessons.
TURN PADDLING EXPERIENCE INTO COACHING CONFIDENCE
The Surf School Alliance SUP instructor pathway combines course learning with supervised practical experience. Your workbook provides evidence that you can plan, deliver and review safe Flat Water SUP lessons.
- Lesson planning
- Venue analysis
- Group management
- Coaching techniques
- Safety procedures
- Session evaluation
THE SKILLS TO COACH SAFE, ENJOYABLE SUP SESSIONS
Build a professional foundation for working with beginners and developing paddlers in suitable environments.
COACHING
Structure lessons, communicate clearly, demonstrate skills and adapt your delivery to individual participants.
Plan • Deliver • ReviewSAFETY
Assess venues, manage changing conditions and maintain the safety qualifications required for your role.
Assess • Prevent • RespondPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Complete your workbook, session records, code of ethics and competency evidence to a professional standard.
Record • Reflect • QualifyYOUR FIVE-STEP QUALIFICATION PATHWAY
Course attendance begins the journey. Accreditation is completed once all practical, safety and administrative requirements have been met.
ATTEND
Complete the appropriate SUP coaching course.
COACH
Record 20 supervised practical coaching hours.
SAFETY
Hold the required current safety certificates.
MEMBERSHIP
Maintain National Surf Federation membership where required.
SUBMIT
Return the completed workbook to your Course Presenter.
CANDIDATE AND SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Clear evidence and meaningful supervision are central to completing the professional pathway.
COACHING CANDIDATE
Your workbook should show how you planned, delivered and reviewed each supervised session.
- Record 20 hours of practical SUP coaching experience.
- Complete a venue analysis before each lesson.
- Record practical lesson outcomes on the session record.
- Ensure your supervising coach is available.
- Complete and sign the Coach's Code of Ethics.
- Complete the coach information card.
- Obtain a signed competency checklist.
SUPERVISING COACH
The supervisor observes the candidate, checks their documentation and provides constructive feedback.
- Attend and supervise the 20 coaching hours.
- Check venue analysis and session records.
- Provide and record feedback after each session.
- Sign and date the relevant workbook evidence.
- Complete the final competency checklist.
The live page previously stated both “no prerequisites” and “40 hours of paddling.” Contact the team before booking so we can confirm the current participation standard and the evidence required for final accreditation.
ABOUT THE ISA SUP COACHING PATHWAY
The International Surfing Association is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing authority for surfing, stand up paddle surfing and racing, and other wave-riding activities.
The ISA coaching and instructing programme supports the global development of surfing and SUP through inclusive, professional education.
Visit The ISASUP COURSE QUESTIONS
Contact us if you need help identifying the correct course or confirming your existing experience and safety awards.
Ask The TeamDo I need previous SUP experience?
You should have enough personal paddling experience to focus on learning how to coach. Because the previous page listed conflicting requirements, please confirm the current entry standard with the team before booking.
Is attending the course enough to become accredited?
No. Candidates must also complete the required supervised coaching hours, workbook evidence, safety certificates and any membership requirements.
What are the 20 practical hours?
They are supervised coaching sessions recorded in your workbook, including venue analysis, lesson outcomes, feedback and supervisor sign-off.
How long does accreditation remain valid?
The current course information states one year. Relevant federation membership, first aid and safety qualifications must also be maintained according to their own renewal cycles.
Can the qualification help me find work?
Once all requirements are completed, your coaching card can be used as evidence of your professional SUP coaching accreditation when applying to suitable employers.
READY TO BECOME A SUP INSTRUCTOR?
Choose your course date or speak to the Surf School Alliance team about experience, safety requirements and completing your supervised coaching hours.
Paddle Board Instructor Courses | Sup Instructor Courses
QUALIFICATION INFORMATION
SUP coaching candidates must complete the following workbook to fulfill the accreditation criteria. It will then be used as evidence of your competence to deliver Flat Water SUP lessons.
PRE-REQUISITES
No pre-requisites for course participation.
ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE
1. Attend a SUP Surf coaching Course
2. Complete your 20 practical coaching hours, this includes session records and venue analysis signed off by a supervisor coach covering
3. Hold all required safety certificates
4. Be a National Surf Federation member
5. Complete workbook and return to ISA Course Organiser / Course Presenter
On completion of these requirements your ISA SUP Flat Water coaching accreditation will be registered on the ISA database and a new coaching card will be issued. The coaching card can be used as evidence to gain employment with any SUP school.
RE-ACCREDITATION
Your SUP accreditation is valid for one year. To re-accredit please visit www.isasurf.org. National Surf Federation membership must be paid yearly to keep the accreditation valid.
Other safety and first aid qualifications expire at different intervals, ensure they are maintained as individually required.
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Surfing and Racing, and all other wave riding activities. The ISA has been crowning World Champions since 1964.
The ISA Surf & SUP Coaching & Instructing Educational Program is the international standard for accreditation of Coaches and Instructors in the Surf & Sup School industry. The ISA is committed to all surfers. Its philosophy is one of inclusion: recognising it is the right of all people regardless of age, gender, ethnic background and ability level, to participate in the sport of surfing and its related activities. All of the above contribute to the ISA’s ultimate mission, which is to develop surfing globally.
PRE-REQUISITES
PRE-REQUISITES 40 HOURS OF PADDLE BOARDING
SUP WORKBOOK INSTRUCTIONS
This paddle boarding workbook is to be completed by the coaching candidate and signed off by your designated ISA Course Organiser / Course Presenter. It will then be used as evidence of your competence to deliver SUP Lesson’s.
COACHING CANDIDATE OBLIGATIONS:
Record 20 hours of practical SUP coaching experience under the supervision of a designated ISA Course Organiser / Course Presenter Contact
Complete a venue analysis prior to the lesson
Record practical lesson outcomes on coaching session record form
Ensure availability of the supervisor coach when you are organising lessons Complete and sign off coach’s code of ethics agreement form
Complete coach information card
Have your supervising coach complete and sign the competency check list
SUPERVISING COACH OBLIGATIONS
Attend and supervise 20 hours of participant coaching experience
For each session, check the participants venue analysis sheet and session record
Provide feedback to the participant after the venue analysis and record the feedback in the workbook Sign off and date the venue analysis and coaching session records
Provide the participant with feedback at the end of each session and record in the workbook
Sign off and date the competency checklist
RULES FOR SUBMISSION
Complete the final check list. This workbook is to be submitted to your ISA Course Organiser / Course Presenter with all copies of required certificates once you have completed the 20 hours of coaching experience.