ISA OPEN WATER SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE
Progress from Flat Water SUP instruction into open-water coaching with the ISA Open Water SUP Instructor qualification in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Develop the skills to teach, instruct and coach in exposed water, downwind and racing environments, including open-water paddling for distances up to 5km.
ISA OPEN WATER SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE WALES
This qualification is designed for professional SUP instructors who want to progress beyond enclosed flat-water environments into exposed water, race starts, buoy turns, downwind conditions and open-water journeys.
ISA OPEN WATER SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE
The ISA Open Water SUP Instructor qualification develops professional instructors who want to teach in open water and associated SUP racing and paddling environments.
The course builds on your Flat Water SUP Instructor training and focuses on confidence, competence, safety and technical skills in more exposed environments.
Open Water SUP Skills Assessment
Participants must demonstrate the required open-water techniques with confidence and competence.
Wave Negotiation
Demonstrate controlled board handling and safe negotiation of open-water conditions.
Race Starts & Buoy Turns
Mount the board effectively for a race start and demonstrate confident buoy turns.
Drafting & Speed
Demonstrate wash riding, sprinting and the ability to increase paddle rate and speed.
Downwind Paddling
Catch runners, steer with the feet and return safely to shore in open-water conditions.
What You Need Before Joining
The Open Water qualification is a progression course. Candidates must already have attended the ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Course.
Flat Water SUP
You must already have completed the ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Course before attending Open Water training.
Good Fitness
A good level of fitness is required for open-water paddling, rescue and technical assessment.
Confident Swimmer
You should be a confident and competent swimmer and comfortable in open-water environments.
Passion For SUP
You should show a genuine interest in SUP coaching, paddling and professional development.
Requirements For Accreditation
Attending the course is one part of the qualification pathway. Full accreditation requires the course work, coaching hours, workbook and rescue requirements to be completed.
Attend The Course
Attend the ISA Open Water SUP Instructor Course and complete the required practical elements.
Complete Assessments
Complete venue analysis, lesson planning, lesson delivery and required SUP skills demonstrations.
10 Coaching Hours
Complete 10 practical instructing hours with a supervisor instructor who signs off the competency checklist.
Complete Your Workbook
Fully complete the ISA Open Water SUP Instructor workbook and supporting course documentation.
Rescue Award
Hold and be proficient in an appropriate Open Water Aquatic Rescue Award before the qualification is issued.
Equipment & Course Support
Quality Equipment
Top-of-the-range training equipment is available for course use.
Free Wetsuit Hire
Wetsuit hire is available free of charge during the course.
Tea, Coffee & Water
Unlimited tea, coffee and water refills are available at the course base.
Professional Support
Training, assessment guidance and progression support from the Outer Reef team.
ISA Open Water SUP Instructor Course Dates
The existing page lists the following Pembrokeshire course dates. Always use the booking link to confirm current live availability.
21 – 22 Mar 2026
Pembrokeshire, Wales
11 – 12 Apr 2026
Pembrokeshire, Wales
9 – 10 May 2026
Pembrokeshire, Wales
20 – 21 Jun 2026
Pembrokeshire, Wales
15 – 16 Aug 2026
Pembrokeshire, Wales
17 – 18 Oct 2026
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Open Water SUP Instructor Training In Action
OPEN OCEAN SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE IN WALES
The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program provides a progressive international system designed to improve coaching knowledge, safety, competence and professional standards.
The Open Water qualification builds on the Flat Water SUP pathway and can support further progression into wider SUP, surf, rescue and outdoor-instructor development.
Open Water SUP Training Across Pembrokeshire
Courses use suitable Pembrokeshire locations including Saundersfoot, Tenby North Beach, Stackpole Quay and Gupton Farm, depending on conditions and training requirements.
Saundersfoot
Marine Centre of Excellence and sheltered-water SUP training environment.
Tenby North Beach
Coastal SUP and instructor training when conditions are suitable.
Stackpole Quay
Scenic coastal environment used for paddle sports and instructor development.
Gupton Farm
Pembrokeshire course base near Freshwater West, Castlemartin, SA71 5HW.
Open Water SUP Instructor Course FAQs
Why Choose Outer Reef?
Outer Reef has been running surf, SUP, lifesaving and professional-development courses for over 25 years in Pembrokeshire and internationally.
Are You Insured?
Yes. Outer Reef has £10 million public liability insurance and instructors and surf crew are qualified and members of the relevant governing bodies.
Are There Additional Fees?
The existing page states there are no hidden course costs, although candidates must keep their ISA membership and any required accreditation current.
Where Are The Courses Held?
Courses may use the Marine Centre of Excellence Saundersfoot, Tenby North Beach, Stackpole Quay and Gupton Farm in Pembrokeshire.
Is Accommodation Included?
Accommodation is not included in the course cost, but Outer Reef can recommend nearby accommodation options.
Is Food Included?
Food is not included. Local cafés and shops are available, and basic facilities such as a microwave, kettle, tea and coffee may be available at the course base.
What Do I Need To Bring?
Bring suitable watersports clothing, a towel or changing robe, paper and pen, sunscreen if required, refillable water bottle and lunch. Equipment can be provided where stated.
Do I Need A Lifesaving Qualification Too?
Yes. ISA pathways require a suitable current lifesaving or water-safety qualification. Open Water accreditation also requires proficiency in an appropriate Open Water Aquatic Rescue Award.
Continue Your SUP & Outdoor Instructor Journey
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
If you are ready to progress beyond Flat Water SUP instruction, check the live dates and book your ISA Open Water SUP Instructor Course in Pembrokeshire.
If you have questions, contact Outer Reef on 01646 680070 or speak to the team before booking.
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