Become a certified Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Instructor qualified to teach, lead and guide paddlers at inland / enclosed flat‑water environments.
This internationally recognised ASI qualification is the essential first step for anyone wanting to work professionally in the SUP industry.
With your ASI SUP Instructor qualification, you can work as a SUP instructor:
ASI qualifications are internationally recognised, giving you the freedom to work and travel.
To enrol, you must meet:
Minimum age: 16 years
SUP experience: 100+ hours of paddling
SUP knowledge and skills: able to paddle with confidence, correct technique and safety equivalent to ASI SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water level.
Paddle stroke ability: foundation (moderate) level, 40 strokes /minute
Certificates:
Hold or completing: ASI SUP Wise Intensiv certificate. ASI’s essential SUP safety and knowledge course. This is a required pre-requisite, but it can be completed at the same time as your Level 1 SUP Instructor training
Note:
For SUP Wise Enclosed Flat Water, you only need to state on enrolment form you have these knowledge & skills).
Before you can be certified, you’ll need to complete the below at inland enclosed flat waters.
See the Study Option section below to confirm the specific requirements that apply to you.
(1) Personal Paddling Ability:
(2) Knowledge: Online Tests:
Complete multi-choice online tests.
(3) Practical: Hours Experience:
Complete 10 practical hours experience .
Assisting in the delivery of SUP lessons, at an ASI accredited SUP school or other approved SUP school. Submit logbook of hours and declaration signed by SUP school owner.
(4) Submit Required Certificates:
Time to complete: 12 months
Workshop: Ideal for people who like to complete most of the course requirements at the workshop and interact with the trainer.
Course Requirements:
Fasttrack: Ideal for people who want practical training but can’t attend a longer workshop.
Course Requirements:
Online Learning: Ideal for people who would like flexibility to complete their training.
Course Requirements:
Update Course: For instructors whose ASI certification has expired and need to regain the ASI certification.
Course Requirements:
Transfer Course: Obtain your ASI instructor certification by applying for recognition of your current non ASI instructor certificate.
Course Requirements:
All study options receive:
In addition at the workshop and fasttrack courses, you also receive a paper copy of:
ASI’s E-learning Platform
Provides access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments, includes built-in language translation.
The following equipment and clothing is required to complete the training:
ASI also issues education department approved training certificates. (excludes transfer/update course options).
Australia Only
ASI is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and also issues the following certificate to students undertaking training in Australia.
Australian Department of Education. Registered Training Organisation RTO ID 91496
Statement of Attainment in Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership (SIS30619)
for units of competency:
SISOSUP004 Lead stand up paddle boarding activities on inland flatwater.
SISOSUP001 Paddle a stand up board on inland flatwater.
SISOFLD002 Minimise environmental impact.
You can continue your SUP coaching development with:
Because ASI courses are modular, you can complete required foundational courses prior to your Level 1 training or bundle them together in one simple enrolment.
| Your Current Status | What You Need | Recommended Option |
|---|---|---|
| Already hold SUP Wise Intensiv + Water Safety Rescue | Level 1 Instructor Training only | Standalone Level 1 Course |
| Hold Water Safety Rescue / Surf Life Saving, but NO SUP Wise Intensiv | Level 1 Instructor + SUP Wise Intensiv | 2 Course Option |
| New to ASI qualifications (No SUP Wise Intensiv, No Water Safety Rescue) | Level 1 Instructor + SUP Wise Intensiv + Water Safety Rescue | 3 Course Option (Full Package) |
(1) Can I enrol in the Level 1 Instructor course if I haven't done SUP Wise Intensiv or Water Safety Rescue?
Yes! Both are required prerequisites, but you can take them concurrently. Choose the 2 Course Option (if you already have rescue training) or the 3 Course Option when enrolling to complete all required credentials together.
(2) What are the main benefits of choosing a combined 2 course or 3 course package?
Bundling your courses fast-tracks your qualification by letting you study required safety theory simultaneously, and simplifies administrative setup into one single 12-month completion portal.
(3) What if I already have a Surf Life Saving Rescue certificate?
If you hold a recognized Surf Life Saving or equivalent water rescue qualification, you only need to choose the 2 Course Option when enrolling (Level 1 SUP Instructor + SUP Wise Intensiv).
(4) Do I have to enrol in the SUP Wise Intensiv course if I am an experienced paddler?
Yes.
Starting the path to becoming a SUP instructor requires a solid foundation. While this course is not designed for instruction, it ensures that every instructor, regardless of their prior experience, possess a consistent level of base knowledge, aligned with ASI guidelines and techniques. This comprehensive preparation equips aspiring SUP instructors to confidently undertake the ASI Level 1 SUP Instructors course.
(5) Is the online study option completely digital?
While theory and video assessments are completed online, earning your Level 1 SUP Instructor qualification requires completing 10 supervised coaching hours at an ASI accredited school, under an ASI instructor, or other approved supervisor before full certification is awarded.
(6) How long do I have to complete the certification?
You have up to 12 months from your enrolment date to complete all theory modules, practical assessments, and required supervised coaching hours.
(7) More SUP Instructor Course FAQ’s: click here
