Flatwater 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Skills
Paddleboarding skills on inland waterways with wind and waves. This level provides the theory and skills for paddling inland waters with some wind and waves. Includes pivot turns, wave surfing, foot positions, edging and bracing.
This course builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the Flatwater 1 Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) course and introduces participants to paddling in more challenging conditions and to more advanced paddleboarding skills.
Successful participants will receive the Flatwater 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Skills award.
Please note that in January, 2025 the name of this course was changed from Advanced Flatwater Stand Up Paddleboard Skills to Flatwater 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Skills. See a complete list of other program changes.
Prerequisites
Skills Certification
Flatwater 1 Stand Up Paddleboard course or equivalent experience.
Paddling Experience
Paddlers need time and practice to sufficiently develop the skills learned in the prerequisite course before registering in this course.
Minimum Course Length
2–3 hours, or more at instructor’s discretion.
Flatwater 2 SUP can be combined with Flatwater 1 SUP into a single course of 4–6 hours or more. Successful participants of such a combined course will receive the Flatwater 2 SUP Skills award.
Class Ratio
1 instructor:6 participants
1 instructor+1 assistant:8 participants
1 instructor+2 assistants:10 participants
Minimum Staff and Certification
A minimum of one Flatwater 2 SUP Instructor is required to teach this course.
A Flatwater 1 SUP Instructor with Flatwater 2 SUP Skills certification may assist.
Course Location
Sheltered waters with uninterrupted stretches of easy landing options.
Environmental Conditions
Class-1 environment. See Water Classification for Lakes and Oceans.
Participant Assessment
Evaluation is ongoing throughout the course. Participants can be evaluated through oral test, practical evaluation, written test, and general observation. Participants will be graded pass, weak, or fail in each category. Pass is required on all categories, but one weak skill may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor.
Learning Outcomes
Safety Skills
Safety skills concentrate on the safety of the individual paddler and paddling partners while paddling near shore with uninterrupted stretches of easy landing opportunities.
Towing
The participant will demonstrate the ability to tow or assist an injured paddler a minimum of 50 metres to shore.
Teaching Note
The injured paddler should be conscious and able to maintain stability while kneeling or lying on the board.
Paddling Skills
Launching into Waves
The participant will launch the board safely into the waves with confidence while protecting the board, the fin, other paddlers, and themselves.
Paddling in Waves
The participant will:
- paddle directly into wind chop with good speed, balance, and control over a minimum of 100 metres, and
- while quartering waves (paddling at an angle to the waves), show good speed, balance, and control over a minimum of 100 metres.
Foot Positions
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of and application of various foot positions.
Pivot Turns
While underway, the participant will quickly rotate the board 180 degrees by shifting weight backwards and using sweep strokes.
Efficient Forward Stroke
With good speed and control over a minimum of 100 metres, the participant will demonstrate good posture and use of body rotation.
Draw Stroke
From a static start, the participant will move the board sideways a minimum of 2 metres using the draw stroke and the sculling draw stroke.
While moving forwards, the participant will move the board sideways using a draw stroke.
Cross Draw
From a static start, the participant will rotate the board a minimum of 45 degrees using the cross draw stroke.
While moving forwards, the participant will turn the board 45 degrees using cross draw strokes.
The participant will demonstrate application of good body rotation and a shoulder-safe body position.
Bracing
The participant will demonstrate how to prevent a capsize with a variety of braces, both on-side and off-side.
Edging
The participant will demonstrate knowledge and application of how edging can assist turning or assist tracking and begin to show good edge control.
Paddling in Wind
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of strategies for dealing with wind and wind generated waves including headwinds, tailwinds, and crosswinds.
Teaching Note
Strategies might include paddling positions (prone, kneeling and standing), paddling side, stance, appropriate strokes, and using the wind and waves for added efficiency.
Knowledge
The extent of knowledge required for safe paddling at this level is governed by the conditions within a sheltered bay. The following list is not exhaustive and is provided here as a guide to the nature and extent of knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable paddling in a flatwater environment.
Equipment
The participant will demonstrate basic knowledge of the features and attributes of equipment including lifejacket and clothing, and requirements of Transport Canada.
Advanced Board Design
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of materials and design features, including fins, that are found on advanced race, surf or touring boards and discuss how they relate to specific paddlers and conditions.
Heritage
The participant will be encouraged to participate in at least one symposium, or watch a video, or read a book or magazine article.
Environment
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the impact SUPs have on the local natural environment.
Water, Wind, Waves, Weather Concerns and Hazards
The student will:
- demonstrate knowledge of how water, wind, waves, and weather interact within a paddling environment and the hazards associated with each, and
- demonstrate knowledge of precautions one should take in the event of unfavourable paddling conditions.
Hypothermia and Hyperthermia
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the signs, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of both hypothermia (low core body temperature) and hyperthermia (heat related illness), and their treatment.
Personal Preparation
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the importance of various personal items to be packed for a daytrip, considerations for varying weather conditions, and an understanding of the limitations of certain items (for example, cotton versus nylon or polyester, and quick-dry clothing).
Paddle Canada Lifejacket Policy
The participant will be made aware of the importance of always wearing a lifejacket, except when surfing.