River 1 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor
This award provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the River 1 Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Skills program.
Certification Awarded
Successful candidates will receive the River 1 SUP Instructor award.
Mandate of the River 1 SUP Instructor
The River 1 SUP Instructor is certified to:
- conduct the following Paddle Canada SUP skills courses and to certify paddlers at these levels: Flatwater 1, Flatwater 2, River 1,
- assist on the following Paddle Canada SUP skills courses, with prerequisite skills: River 2, Surf 1, Touring 1,
- be an instructor candidate on the following Paddle Canada SUP skills courses, with prerequisite skills: River 2, Surf 1, Touring 1, and
- teach SUP on Class I moving water.
Prerequisites
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Membership
Current Paddle Canada membership and Provincial/Territorial membership (as required).
Skills Certification
Paddle Canada River 2 SUP Skills certification.
Instructor Certification
Paddle Canada Flatwater 2 SUP Instructor certification.
Teaching Experience
A minimum of two Flatwater 2 Skills courses within the past three years, being the lead instructor on both of those courses.
Paddling Experience
Experience beyond that of the River 1 SUP Skills course.
Other Recommended Training
Appropriate lifeguard and surf-rescue training.
Minimum Course Length
2 days (16 hours) minimum.
Class Ratio
1 instructor trainer (IT):6 candidates
1 IT+1 IT Candidate:8 candidates
1 IT+2 IT Candidates:10 candidates
Minimum Staff and Certification
A minimum of one River 1 SUP Instructor Trainer is required to teach this course.
A maximum or 2 IT Candidates are allowed. Instructor Candidates must be at least an Flatwater 2 SUP Instructor Trainer.
Minimum Number of Registered Candidates
This instructor course must have a minimum of three registered candidates to qualify. This is to ensure the candidate experiences an appropriate level of group dynamics and can demonstrate competence in managing those dynamics. This policy will be strictly enforced.
Course Location
Same location as a River 1 SUP Skills course.
Environmental Conditions
Class-1 River environment. See Water Classification for Lakes and Oceans.
Other Important Policies and Assessment Notes
Read the Instructor Certification section for important information applicable to this instructor course.
River 1 SUP Instructor Certification Through Mentorship
As an alternative to an instructor course, Instructor Candidates can earn certification through mentorship. The mentorship process entails working as an Instructor Candidate under direct supervision of a mentor who is a qualified IT on a minimum of two appropriate courses.
Refer to the section, Instructor Certification Through Mentorship for specific information on the mentorship process.