Surf 1 Stand Up Paddleboard Skills

This course introduces the novice to paddling a paddleboard in moderate surf conditions in a suitable surf environment. The emphasis is on the fundamentals of entering and understanding the surf zone, introduction to tides and beach profiles, and safety and etiquette.

Successful participants will receive the Surf 1 Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Skills award.

Prerequisites

Skills Certification

Flatwater 2 SUP Skills course or equivalent skills and knowledge.

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

At least 6-8 hours, or more at instructor’s discretion.

Class Ratio

1 instructor:4 participants

1 instructor+1 assistant:6 participants

1 instructor+2 assistants:8 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

A minimum of one Surf 1 SUP Instructor is required to teach this course.

A Flatwater 2 Instructor with Surf 1 SUP Skills certification can assist.

Course Location

Surf near 1 metre.

Environmental Conditions

Class-2 environment. See Water Classification for Lakes and Oceans.

Participant Assessment

Evaluation is ongoing throughout each course. Participants can be evaluated through oral test, practical evaluation, 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

Falling Off Safely

The participant will demonstrate confidence falling off the board in surf conditions while maintaining control of the board and paddle. The participant will fall flat in shallow conditions and surface with their head covered.

Remounting the Board

The participant will remount the board quickly in between waves, not allowing the board to get between the paddler and an incoming wave.

Use of a Leash

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the benefits of using a straight leash in the surf zone and will use one properly at all times.

Teaching Note

Pulling on the leash is the most common surfing injury for beginners.

Landmarking

The participant will use visual landmarks on shore to keep track of position in the surf zone.

Controlling Board in the Surf Zone

The participant will demonstrate control of their board and gear when inside the surf zone.

Paddling Skills

Foot Positions and Stance

The participant will demonstrate when it is appropriate to switch from parallel stance to surf stance while entering and exiting the surf zone and while catching waves.

Bracing

The participant will use brace strokes to prevent falling off the board while entering and exiting the surf zone.

High Cadence Acceleration

The participant will use a higher stroke cadence in the surf zone to increase acceleration when needed.

Sweep Stroke in the Surf Zone

The participant will demonstrate an effective sweep stroke to position the board to catch waves.

Cross Draw in the Surf Zone

The participant will be introduced to effective cross draw turn to position the board.

Paddling Out Through Waves

The participant will:

• demonstrate confidence entering the surf zone and paddling out past the breaking waves while prone or kneeling, and
• practice paddling through waves while standing (consistency of this skill is not required at this level).

Catching Waves

The participant will catch small waves and ride them perpendicular to the beach.

Knowledge

Clothing

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate clothing and immersion gear needed based on water temperature, weather, and surf conditions.

Paddles

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate blade shapes and paddle length to increase efficiency and aid in injury prevention.

Board Design

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of board features designed for surfing and how they relate to specific paddlers.

Safety Equipment

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of recommended safety equipment and when they can be beneficial in the surf zone.

Tides

The participant will demonstrate how to research basic tide height data and begin to observe changes in the surf zone based on tide heights.

Surf Etiquette

The participant will surf with ample space between themselves and other surf users. The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the basics of surf etiquette and right-of-way rules.

Reading the Surf Zone

The participant will:

• identify potential hazards in the surf zone, such as rips, submerged hazards, and rock walls, prior to entering, and
• identify the difference between the lineup, sitting outside, and sitting inside.

Wave Types

Paddlers will identify surf hazards and basic understanding of wave types, such as point breaks and beach breaks.

Decision Making

The participant will demonstrate choosing an appropriate surf spot for their ability. This decision will be based on conditions such as wave height, wind, terrain, and group size.

Injury Prevention

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of potential surfing injuries and how they could be prevented and/or mitigated.

Buddy System

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the additional safety benefits of surfing with a friend.

Surf Forecasting

The participant will demonstrate basic knowledge of surf forecasting using forecast tools and other resources.

Heritage

The participant will demonstrate knowledge of surf heritage and how it relates to current SUP surfing.