Surf 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Skills
Advanced paddleboard surfing. This level provides the theory and skills for surfing bigger conditions. Includes bottom turns, bracing, surf forecasting and efficient paddling.
This course provides participants with the theory and skills to advance their abilities in more demanding surf environments. The emphasis is on transferring the skills and knowledge of the Surf 1 Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Skills course to more challenging or populated surf zones.
Successful participants will receive the Surf 2 SUP Skills award.
Prerequisites
Skills Certification
Surf 1 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:4 participants
1 instructor+2 assistants:8 participants
Minimum Staff and Certification
A minimum of one Surf 2 SUP Instructor is required to teach this course.
A Surf 1 Instructor with Surf 2 SUP Skills certification can assist.
Course Location
Surf 1–3 metres.
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
Board Control
The participant will:
- maintain control of the board in the surf zone, especially when surfing near others, and
- demonstrate the ability and judgement to get off waves early to maintain board control.
Surf Rescue
The participant will demonstrate the ability to safely return a conscious swimmer to shore from just outside the breaking surf zone. Scenarios could include a surfer that loses their board or a swimmer that requires assistance.
Paddling Skills
Paddling Out Through Waves
The participant will paddle in a standing position out through breaking Class 2 waves.
Controlled Exit
The participant will demonstrate exiting a wave in a controlled manner.
Bracing
The participant will demonstrate bracing to assist in getting out through breaking waves, to increase stability and turning in more dynamic turns.
Pivot Turns in the Surf Zone
The participant will execute a pivot turn prior to catching a wave.
Nose Draw
The participant will demonstrate using a nose draw to maintain a forward direction while paddling on one side.
Efficient Forward Strokes
The participant will demonstrate quick, high-cadence strokes for acceleration, deeper more powerful strokes to catch waves with greater efficiency, and the judgement to use each at the appropriate time.
Trim
While surfing down the line, the participant will move forward or backward on the board to increase or decrease speed.
Cross Draw in Surf Zone
The participant will demonstrate using a cross draw to position the board in preparation to catch a wave.
Bottom Turns
The participant will demonstrate appropriate use of a bottom turn. The skill will be demonstrated on both the toe-side and the heel-side.
Surfing Down the Line
The participant will demonstrate surfing down the line by edging their rail.
Knowledge
Board Design
The participant will:
- demonstrate knowledge of board design differences and how they suit different surfers and different conditions, and
- demonstrate knowledge and application of surf shapes, materials, and design features.
Surf Forecasting
The participant will demonstrate how to research and gather data from multiple sources to predict conditions at certain beaches. These predictions should be based on swell height, wind speed, beach aspect, topography, and terrain.
Fins
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of the differences between various fin set-ups. After using a fin set-up different than they are currently using the participant will outline the pros and cons of each set-up.
Tides
The participant will read and interpret a tide chart for a specific location and understand how tide height can affect beach profile, hazards, and surf conditions.
Surf Etiquette
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of where to surf within a location, how to maintain proper etiquette, and how to stay safe.
Reading the Surf Zone
The participant will:
- identify different portions of the surf zone such as peaks, close-out sections and rip currents, and
- demonstrate knowledge of how to observe the surf zone and determine an appropriate spot to begin surfing.
Decision Making
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of various decision-making models and how they can help paddlers make informed decisions about when and where to surf. These models should be easy to remember and include important aspects such as water, weather, terrain, and humans.
Injury Prevention
The participant will demonstrate knowledge of injury prevention associated with paddle surfing. This becomes more important at this level as conditions and terrain become more dynamic and challenging.