Updates on SUP Instructor Cert Courses

[robcasey]

Here's an update to my August 11' posting on Instructor Cert Courses for SUP.

There's 5 groups doing SUP instructor certification in N America.

Paddle Canada -
http://www.paddlecanada.com/

WSUPA - 6-8hr course
http://www.wsupa.us/inst.html
(instructors include Dan Gavere, Dane and Dick DeBoer, etc).

ACA - American Canoe Association - 3 day course.
http://www.americancanoe.org/

WPA - World Paddle Association:
http://worldpaddleassociation.com/levels-certification/

Stand Up Fitness - Paddle Fit Certification with Brody Welte
http://www.standupfitness.com/fitness/283914-paddle-fit-certification

I've heard good reports from all. 

Know of others? 

[Matt Ivey]

There is also National Surf Schools & Instructors Association that offer SUP instructor certifications.

http://www.nssia.org/index.html

[river]

From the insurance companies themselves we have heard that the ASI/WSUPA has been the only recognized program where underwriters (from Unassociated Ins Co's) will actually reduce your premiums. IMO a good instructor or highly motivated SUP enthusiast will take ALL of the instructional training programs because they want to be the best possible instructor possible.  Lets face it for the price of one race board you could take all of the courses:)  Get educated and spread the wealth of knowledge the more people are being successful right off the bat the more likely they will stick with SUP, find it rewarding, and in turn spend more money on SUP which is good for us all.

[Matt Ivey]

Thanks for the info River.  I did not know that we could get a break on our insurance through WSUPA.  I know that WPA is/was trying to do the same thing.  I totally agree with you and hope to do all of the programs to become as well rounded of an instructor as I can.  For me its all about getting as many people excited about the sport and the industry as I can.  I am partial to working with kids and it is great to see the sport is catching on with them.  Nothing better than helping someone feel that first glide!

[TomKat]

I'm not seeing any updated course dates for ASI/WSUPA. I'm in New Jersey and would rather not fly to Florida or the west coast to take a course

[Matt Ivey]

TomCat - The ACA typically has quite a few options on the east coast. 

[river]

Tom drop me a PM I may be able to help you out with an ASI Clinic in the NE.   

[robcasey]

I just took Brody Welte's Paddle Fit Certification which participants also will receive a Level 1 & 2 WPA Instructor Certification.  I definitely recommend this program, a good one.  Training is available on both coasts.

More info: http://www.standupfitness.com/fitness/283914-paddle-fit-certification

[JayP]

Slightly further afield for you guys in the US but with a lot of American's traveling to Europe still relevant.

supXscape are hosting a SUP Master Class in Portugal this year with instruction from Steve West and Ryan James. Concentrating on the high performance end with paddle technique, race and downwinding being covered - races and video analysis - bbq's and beer!  There will also be an ASI Instructor course following directly after the Master Class for those looking to become professional qualified instructors covering enclosed waters, exposed/ coastal waters, SUP surf and also surf water rescue.

More info master class http://www.supxscape.com/asi_master_class.html

More info ASI Instructor http://www.supxscape.com/become_a_sup_instructor.html

[nepaddlesurf]

On the insurance side I also know that ACA offers strong coverage which it's certified instructors can opt to use.  You can pay per student taught, which is cool if you aren't sure how many students you'll be teaching each year.  As an example, if you teach a class of five students, you pay a flat $20 course fee, plus $5 per student who isn't an ACA member (so most students), so that would end up being $9/student.  Factor that into the price of your course, say $75 for a 2 hour course, and you're looking at insurance overhead of 12%.

Here's the details: http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Insurance_Instructor

[ACA]

The ACA has SUP Instructor Certification Courses all over the country and is working on expanding that list as fast as possible.  We are developing new instructor trainers everyday to be able to offer more courses in more places.  Right now we offer courses in multiple countries and assisted Paddle Canada with their curriculum development.  Our current Instructor Trainers and Instructors include Diane Wenzel of the SUP Alliance, Charlie MacArthur of C4 Waterman (designer of the CMAC ATB), Jimmy Blakeney of BIC Sport Surf, Rob Casey, and Kieth Keller.  We have other notable paddlesport instructors and trainers all across the country and even in Europe.

The ACA is open to learning more about SUP and expanding the open process for its development.  We have been functioning as a national certifying body in paddlesports instruction since 1972.  The ACA has instructors that are Level 1 and love to teach beginners to Olympic and professional athletes and everything in between.  To learn more about the courses or look at the schedule please check out the links provided. 

We are hosting regional SUP Summits to get input and feedback on the ACA curriculum and certification program.  Most recently, one was help in San Diego and was attend by Andre Niemeyer from SUPConnect, Dick DeBoer, Dan Van Dyck, Diane Wenzel, Kristen Thomes, Roger Schumann, Steve Scherrer, and hosted by ACA Chief Operating Officer Chris Stec.  The next scheduled summit will be at the Rocky Mountain Surf Festival and will focus on River SUP as well as the beginner levels.

http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Instructor_Criteria (Instructor Criteria)

http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Courses_SUP (Skills Course Curriculum)

http://www.americancanoe.org/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=&start=3%2F15%2F2011&end=&view=&cid=3933 (SUP Instructor Certification Courses)

If you don't see a course near you, contact Trey Knight (tknight@americancanoe.org) to set up a course near you or with any questions about the ACA, the curriculum or for more information.

[Easy Rider]

Paddle Canada's courses are nothing more than a money grab! 

Just stating a fact.

[SUP Ottawa]

Hey Easy Rider can you expand on your comment. I'm about to take the paddle Canada with instructor Norm Hann. I'm super stoked about it.
 I believe that paddle Canada certs are the only sup certs available in Canada. Am I mistaken?


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[PSP]

WPA Instructor Certification courses are indeed available in Canada.
http://www.paddlesportperformance.com/WPA_SUP_Certification.html
Applicants are accepted and screened prior to the course
The next certification course will take place in Ottawa the first weekend of June.

[MnSUUUPerDude]

I was wondering If there are any SUP instrustor classes in the midwest. I Live in Minnesota, and I know about ten people that want to get certified. Any Ideas other than going all the way to one of the coast?