Skip to main content Skip to footer

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES

SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES WALES

ISA FLAT WATER SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE

This course is aimed at people wishing to get qualified in instructing Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on flat water. 

Candidates will have some SUP experience able to use the boards in flat water scenarios and possess relevant water safety certification in order to conduct safe lessons and provide lifesaving support. Candidates will be required to attend the 2 day course and put through a professional course aimed at teaching instructors to deliver safety, technique, risk assessments, venue safety, equipment checks and fun well structured lessons leading to strong customer service and positive customer experiences.

After completing the 2 day course you will be required to complete 20 volunteer teaching hours to gain experience with qualified coaches before conducting a final lesson by yourself to be assessed by a senior coach. Upon completion of your final assessment you will be put into the ISA database and awarded you internationally recognised ISA certification and be ready to begin a new chapter as a qualified SUP instructor.

Paddle boarding is the fastest growing sport in the world so what better time to turn your passion into a career! Our ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor course will enable you to teach all over the world with an internationally recognised qualification. The ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Course is designed for introductory SUP instructors that are teaching the sport in the flat water environment. 

COURSE CONTENT

Duration: 2 days

Cost: £225

You will learn:

  • Role of a SUP instructor
  • Duty of care & Safety guidelines
  • Risk assessment & Venue Analysis
  • Equipment maintenance & storage
  • Teaching methods & lesson planning
  • Key skills development
  • Assessment

PREREQUISITES

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • Top of the range equipment
  • FREE wetsuit hire
  • Unlimited tea, coffee and water refills

PLEASE NOTE - You will need to complete your ISA/ILS Instructor Water Safety (or similar) certification and a minimum of 20 hours of practical work experience. If you are interested in completing any of these with us, please let us know when you book.

SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES IN WALES

SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

SUP Instructor courses running in Pembrokeshire, Wales 

Location’s & Dates; Marine Centre Of Excellence Saundersfoot, Tenby North Beach, Stackpole Quay and  Gupton Farm, Pembrokeshire:

  • 10 - 11 February 2025
  • 07 - 08 April 2025
  • 05 - 06 May 2025
  • 16 - 17 June 2025
  • 11 - 12 August 2025
  • 15 - 16 September 2025
  • 06 - 07 October 2025

BECOME A SUP INSTRUCTOR | WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us directly on 01646 680070 or via email contact@outerreefsurfschool.com

PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES | SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES

SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES WALES

ISA OPEN WATER SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE

The ISA Open Water SUP Instructor qualification is the only internationally recognised Open Water SUP Instructor qualification recognised by the International Surfing Association and member organisations. All ISA courses set the international standard for accreditation for Instructors and Coaches in the surf and paddle board centre and school industry.

The ISA Open Water SUP Instructor Qualification is the Instructor accreditation professional SUP instructors wanting to teach in open water and the associated types of SUP racing and paddling. It covers teaching, instructing and coaching in exposed waters, downwind and racing conditions for a distance of 5km.

All ISA Instructors must be a minimum age of 16 years old. Instructors under the age of 18 must work with a supervising instructor until they reach 18 years of age, at which time they are able to instruct on their own.

PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING FAQS

Here at Outer Reef, we have been running surf and SUP lessons and professional development courses for over 25 years both in our home county of Pembrokeshire and worldwide. 

We still love teaching the next generation of surfers, paddle boarders and beach lifeguards, whether it’s on a windswept beach in Wales, or on the beaches of France or Bali. 

Our team are true waterman / water-ladies  and have represented the GB in competitive surfing and are surf ambassador for UK/Europe, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, helping national governing bodies create a clear pathway for the sports development. With 25 years of experience in Surf, Sup and Lifesaving development to all ages and abilities, Dean is also very proud to work together with Disability Sport Wales, local community organisations, junior and secondary schools, National Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council, as well as global governing bodies.

We often employ people, especially locals, who have completed courses with us, so be sure to ask if you are looking for employment and we can let you know if we have any availability.

Yes we are. We have £10 million public liability insurance and all instructors & surf crew are fully qualified & members of the NGB.

There are no hidden costs you will have to keep up-to-date with your membership to the ISA, which is the international governing body.

The ISA Introduction to SUP Instructing E-Learning Course is now live on the ISA Source and available to complete at any time. As announced, the ISA SUP Certification Pathway now requires all instructors to complete the course as a prerequisite to participating in the ISA SUP course. Course Fees is $50 after booking with Oute Reef. Please read our FAQ's on E-Learning for more information.

Our Pembrokeshire courses will be held at our Activity Centres at

The Marine Centre Of Excellence Saundersfoot 

Tenby North Beach

Stackpole Quay

Gupton Farm, Castlemartin, SA71 5HW.

Accommodation is not included in the cost of the course but we can recommend great value for money accommodation in the nearby area. 

Food is not included, but there are local cafes nearby and a small supermarket about a 15minute drive away. If you do need to heat up your food, we do have a microwave available onsite and don’t worry there is a kettle available for unlimited tea and coffee.

  • Wetsuit and surfboard (if you have them, if not both can be provided free of charge),
  • Towel/dryrobe (there are no changing facilities available at our beaches),
  • Paper and a pen, sunscreen (if required), refillable water bottle, lunch,

Yes! You must be able to show and understand the rules of priority, be able to negotiate the line up and show confidence in turning left and right

This is specific to each of the different courses we offer, and more details can be found on each of our individual course pages. We do require you to be swim fit and a confident and competent swimmer.

This is specific to each of the different courses we offer, and more details can be found on each of our individual course pages.

ISA Level 1 - 20 Hours

ISA Level 2 - 10 Hours

ISA Level 1 FW SUP - 10 Hours

Once you have completed your assisting hours all information will be sent to the relevant governing body who will then process your certification

Yes, all ISA courses require an up to date lifesaving qualification too which can be completed before or after your course. If you are interested in doing your lifesaving course with us please let us know upon booking.

Introduction: (for anyone booking an ISA SUP Course)

The ISA Introduction to SUP Instructing E-Learning Course is designed to provide paddlers with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, quality learn-to-SUP lessons for beginners and early intermediate level paddlers in a flat water environment. The course can be completed online at any time and is the first step on the pathway to achieving an ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Certification. Enroll today to begin your SUP instructor education journey through the ISA"s globally recognized Coaching and Instructing Program.

Course Description:

Welcome to the ISA Introduction to SUP Instructing E-Learning Course.   The course is divided into eight modules which must be completed sequentially. After you complete each module, your progress will save. The course can therefore be completed over multiple sessions. Please click on the modules below to begin.   Once you have completed all modules, you will be able to download your Certificate of Completion from your dashboard.

Fee: $50 after discount code is applied

Prerequisites: None

Length of Course: Approximately 8-10 Hours (can be completed at your own pace and over multiple sessions)

Languages Available: English, Spanish,

Outline:

  1. Module 1: Instructor Attributes
  2. Module 2: Safety Guidelines
  3. Module 3: Risk Management
  4. Module 4: Equipment for Beginner Stand Up Paddlers
  5. Module 5: Instructing Methods
  6. Module 6: SUP Skill Development
  7. Module 7: Program Planning
  8. Module 8: ISA Coaching and Instructing Pathway

PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES | INSTRUCTOR COURSES

SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES UK | SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSES | INSTRUCTOR COURSES BALI | SRI LANKA

PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES IN WALES

ISA STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES IN PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES 

The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Surfing and Racing, and all other wave riding activities. The ISA has been crowning World Champions since 1964.

The ISA Surf & SUP Coaching & Instructing Educational Program is the international standard for accreditation of Coaches and Instructors in the Surf & Sup School industry. The ISA is committed to all surfers. Its philosophy is one of inclusion: recognising it is the right of all people regardless of age, gender, ethnic background and ability level, to participate in the sport of surfing and its related activities. All of the above contribute to the ISA’s ultimate mission, which is to develop surfing globally.

 

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING | PEMBROKESHIRE WATERSPORTS

PEMBROKESHIRE PADDLE BOARDING

ISA SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES

ISA STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES IN PEMBROKESHIRE | ISA SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES

UNITED KINGDOM, EUROPE BALI, SRI LANKA & MOROCCO

PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES | SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES

FLAT WATER SUP AWARD 

OVERVIEW OF THE ISA COACHING
& INSTRUCTING PROGRAM [CIP]

The ISA CIP was established in 1994 as a progressive coach education program. Coaches of children, adults, veterans, athletes with a disability or elite athletes at club, school, regional, state or national level can become more effective coaches through participation in the CIP.

The global objectives of the ISA Coaching & Instructing Program are:

To establish an international system of
Coaching and Instructing Courses, improving the safety and efficacy of surf instruction around the world.

To further develop, through educational programs, a body of knowledge on which Coaches and Instructors may draw.

To provide Coaches and Instructors with employment opportunities, encouragement and support.

To advance surf coaching and Instructing as a globally standardised  and highly professional activity with stringent requirements.

For the individual, the CIP aims to:

Increase confidence and competence in coaching ability

Promote an ongoing progressive improvement of knowledge and expertise

Incorporate the basics of sports science, enabling a more in-depth approach to coaching

Promote the use of safe and correct techniques

Provide a structure to improve communication skills

Encourage the development of innovative coaching techniques

Provide quality controlled learning in all training programs

Increase the enjoyment of sport for coaches and athletes

CIP training programs include the following components:

Coaching principles – fundamentals of coaching and athletic performance

Sport specific – skills, techniques, strategies and scientific approaches to the particular sport

Coaching practice – practical coaching and application of coaching principles

Structure of the CIP

CIP programs utilise competency based training principles. This includes:

Competency standards that specify the levels of knowledge and skill required

Flexibility in education training delivery

Equitable access to the program and equitable training methods

Assessment that measures the identified competencies

A mixture of theory and practical training

Currency – coaches and officials must update their accreditation at least every 4 years

Who delivers and assesses CIP training programs?

CIP training programs are conducted by ISA selected organisers and course presenters. They are responsible for assessing whether a coach or official has met the requirements for domestic accreditation at a particular level of training.

FLAT WATER PADDLE BOARD COACHING COURSE

After attending the online paddle boarding theory course, you then have to do the practical coaching alongside a fully qualified sup coach. You’re more than welcome to do this with us where you will have continuous professional development coaching with a range of ages and abilities. so this is not only a online course. Due to the unprecedented times it’s a great opportunity to do the theory part like many schools & universities & national governing bodies do for example SLSGB life-saving. As a license AALS Centre the award is recognised & the flat water award is for flat water & not waves or down winding, these are separate awards you can also do with us. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

THE STEPS TO SUP FLAT WATER COACHING QUALIFICATION

Attend the entire 2 day course

Successfully complete the assessments:

Venue Analysis Lesson Plan Lesson Delivery SUP Skills Test

Hold a current SLSGB OR ILS OPEN Ocean Rescue Award or water safety equivalent
Hold a current First Aid Certificate
Hold a Working with Children Police Check
Complete 20 SUP coaching hours with a National Federation / ISA affiliated SUP school Be a National Surf / SUP Federation memberSubmit all paperwork to your ISA Course Organiser / Course Presenter for processing

On completion of these requirements, your ISA SUP Surf coaching accreditation will be endorsed and a new coaching card will be issued. The coaching card can be used as evidence to gain employment with a ISA affiliated SUP school.

RE-ACCREDITATION

QUALIFICATION INFORMATION

Your SUP Surf accreditation is added to your current SUP coaching accreditation and remains current whilst that accreditation is current. Providing there are no complaints registered against the instructor, the updating process will occur as part of your current SUP coaching re-accreditation.

Do you have a passion to teach surfing OR paddle boarding ? Our surf & Sup instructor courses will give you the skills and knowledge to teach a variety of different clients using industry developed techniques formulated by experts in this field.

For this qualification to be valid you must hold a valid lifesaving qualification such as the SLSGB Surf Lifeguard or SLSGB Surf Coach Safety and Rescue award. We look forward to having you on our course

PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES COSTS

COURSE FEES £225

ABOUT PEMBROKESHIRE SURF LODGE

 

A short walk from golden, sandy beaches, this basic yet comfortable lodge is a dream location for those who want to spend time exploring the Pembrokeshire coast and enjoy the pathway to becoming an outdoor activity instructor. Come & experience Pembrokeshire’s amazing blue flag beaches, which we boast are some of the best the county has to offer.

Just a short walk from Freshwater West, one of Wales's best beaches, Gupton Farm Surf Lodge is the perfect coastal escape for adventurous guests who want to enjoy the outdoors and meet up with friends and family.  You’ll find lots of things to do right on your doorstep. Hike along the Pembrokeshire coast path, go wildlife watching at the nearby bird hide, or head straight to the beach. This wild, sandy stretch is adored by adventurers and nature lovers alike. With consistent swell and strong waves, the beach is regarded as one of Wales’ best surfing spots. Our Surf & Paddle Boarding Centre is right next door, so all the equipment you need is right on hand.   

The surf lodge is a comfortable space for ten people & being on a campsite your venturesome friends and family may like to join you under canvas or in their camper van and stay close by.

 

With its award-winning beaches, tranquil wooded valleys and outdoor activity centre, Stackpole estate is a short drive away. From kayaking to coasteering, you can try a variety of outdoor activities on the estate.

LOCATION

We are based on Pembrokeshire's coastline in Wales on the westerly tip of the UK. Come & join us on your new career path as an outdoor adventure instructor. Experience Pembrokeshire’s amazing blue flag beaches. Outer Reef Surf Centre was established in 1999 & has been running instructor training courses ever since. Our team of instructors are all fully qualified, who specialise in coaching development worldwide & will run you through all stages of learning how to develop as a multi activity coach. All surf equipment is provided by us. We are The Official Activity Provider for the National Trust & our Centre is licensed by the AALA Adventure Activities Licensing.

FAQ'S

Where is it?

We are based on the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline in Wales, on the westerly tip of the UK.

Are you insured?

Yes we are. We have £10 million public liability insurance and all instructors & surf crew are fully qualified & members of the NGB.

What is not included?

DBS update service

Workbook Instructions 2 Qualification Information 3 SUP Surf Skills Assessment Sheet 4 Venue Analysis and Coach Session Records 6 Competency Checklists 26 Practical Coaching Hours Table 31 Coach Information Card 32 Workbook Final Checklist 34 Contacts

  • Acknowledgements
  • Course overview  day 1 Course overview day 2 ISA Surfing Accreditation Program
  • ISA’s SUP Instructor Accreditation Program
  • Module 1: Role of the instructor 
  • Qualities of a good instructor
  • The community roles
  • Environmental Organisations 
  • Module 2: Safety of the paddler in your care
  • Duty of care
  • Safety guidelines
  • Paddling and weather conditions
  • Hazards
  • Access
  • Risk management
  • Venue analysis
  • Practical session 1: Venue analysis and beginner SUP lesson demonstration
  • Module 3: Equipment for the beginning SUP rider
  • Equipment
  • Maintenance & Storage 
  • Module 4: Instructing methods How to teach skills
  • Teaching methods
  • Instructional Evaluation
  • Inclusive instructing
  • Presenting the lesson
  • The essence of instructing
  • Module 5:
  • Skill Development
  • Characteristics
  • Core Skills
  • Kneeling
  • Standing
  • Paddling
  • Dismount
  • Paddle turning
  • Class Control and Safety
  • Enclosed flat water SUP skills
  • Module 6:
  • Program planning
  • 52 Planning the lesson
  • Workshop 1: Planning the lesson.Practical session 2: Delivering the planned lesson
  • Practical session 3: Demonstrate basic SUP skills
  • Workshop 2: Assessing lesson delivery
  • Appendix 1: Assessment
  • 62 Venue analysis assessment sheet
  • Lesson planning assessment sheet
  • Lesson delivery assessment sheet
  • SUP skills assessment sheet
  • Post course checklist
  • Appendix 2: National Training Standards
  • 68 ISA Recommendations
  • ISA Standards Checklist
  • Appendix 3: Steps to level 1 accreditation
  • 70 Accreditation requirements
  • National instructor accreditation scheme
  • Level 1 SUP instructor details
  • 71 Appendix 4: Further Information
  • 72 Contact Details
  • 73 Online Shop
  • 74 Organisations / Reading & Resources

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSES & PADDLE BOARDING COURSES UK

WAVE SUP BOARDING COURSE

Coming Soon

OPEN OCEAN PADDLE BOARDING COURSE

Coming soon

COURSE DATES

Course Dates & Venues

ISA PADDLE BOARDING COURSE SYLLABUS

ISA PADDLE BOARDING COURSES

The ISA's Intermational Surf Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) Instructor Ac-Creditation Program is desihned to develop the skills, knowledge and  abilities of these individuals who widh to obtain a scientific approach to the instructing of surfing and paddle boarding (SUP)

QUALIFICATION INFORMATION

ISA Flat Water paddle boarding SUP Coaching Accreditation.

1. Attend the paddle boarding SUP Surf coaching course

2. Complete your 10 practical coaching hours, this includes completed session records and venue analysis signed off by a supervisor coach

3. Hold current safety certificates as per Flat Water accreditation

4. Complete workbook and return to ISA Course Organiser / Course Presenter

On completion of these requirements your ISA paddle boarding SUP Surf coaching accreditation will be endorsed and a new coaching card will be issued. The coaching card can be used as evidence to gain employment with a ISA affiliated SUP school.

Your SUP Surf accreditation is added to your current SUP coaching accreditation and remains current whilst that accreditation is current. Providing there are no complaints registered against the instructor, the updating process will occur as part of your current SUP coaching re-accreditation.

Workbook Instructions 2 Qualification Information 3 SUP Surf Skills Assessment Sheet 4 Venue Analysis and Coach Session Records 6 Competency Checklists 26 Practical Coaching Hours Table 31 Coach Information Card 32 Workbook Final Checklist 34 Contacts

Acknowledgements..................................................

Course overvies day 1..............................................

Course overview day 2..............................................

ISA Surfing Accreditation Program..................... .................

ISA’s SUP Instructor Accreditation Program........................

Module 1: Role of the instructor ................................

Qualities of a good instructor................................................

The community roles............................................................

Environmental Organizations................................................

Module 2: Safety of the paddler in your care................

Duty of care.........................................................................

Safety guidelines..................................................................

Paddling and weather conditions.........................................

Hazards................................................................................

Access.................................................................................

Risk management................................................................

Venue analysis.....................................................................

Practical session 1: Venue analysis and beginner SUP lesson demonstration

Module 3: Equipment for the beginning SUP rider .........

Equipment............................................................................

Maintenance & Stroage.........................................................

Module 4: Instructing methods .....................................

How to teach skills................................................................

Teaching methods................................................................

Instructional Evaluation.........................................................

Inclusive instructing..............................................................

Presenting the lesson............................................................

The essence of instructing....................................................

Module 5: Skill Development........................................

Characteristics.......................................................................

Core Skills..............................................................................

Kneeling.................................................................................

Standing.................................................................................

Paddling.................................................................................

Dismount...............................................................................

Paddle turning........................................................................

Class Control and Safety........................................................

Enclosed flat water SUP skills................................................

Module 6: Program planning .......................................52

Planning the lesson................................................................

Workshop 1: Planning the lesson...........................................

Practical session 2: Delivering the planned lesson................

Practical session 3: Demonstrate basic SUP skills.................

Workshop 2: Assessing lesson delivery.................................

Appendix 1: Assessment...............................................62

Venue analysis assessment sheet..........................................

Lesson planning assessment sheet.......................................

Lesson delivery assessment sheet.........................................

SUP skills assessment sheet..................................................

Post course checklist.............................................................

Appendix 2: National Training Standards ........................68

ISA Recommendations...........................................................

ISA Standards Checklist..........................................................

Appendix 3: Steps to level 1 accreditation ......................70

Accreditation requirements....................................................

National instructor accreditation scheme...............................

Level 1 SUP instructor details...............................................71

Appendix 4: Further Information......................................72

Contact Details......................................................................

Online Shop..........................................................................73 

Organisations / Reading & Resources...................................74 

QUALIFICATION INFORMATION

ISA Flat Water SUP Coaching Accreditation.

1. Attend a SUP Surf coaching course

2. Complete your 10 practical coaching hours, this includes completed session records and venue analysis signed off by a supervisor coach

3. Hold current safety certificates as per Flat Water accreditation

4. Complete workbook and return to ISA Course Organiser / Course Presenter

On completion of these requirements, your ISA SUP Surf coaching accreditation will be endorsed and a new coaching card will be issued. The coaching card can be used as evidence to gain employment with a ISA affiliated SUP school.

Your SUP Surf accreditation is added to your current SUP coaching accreditation and remains current whilst that accreditation is current. Providing there are no complaints registered against the instructor, the updating process will occur as part of your current SUP coaching re-accreditation.

Do you have a passion to teach surfing? Our surf instructor courses will give you the skills and knowledge to teach a variety of different clients using industry developed techniques formulated by experts in this field.

For this qualification to be valid you must hold a valid lifesaving qualification such as the SLSGB Surf Lifeguard or SLSGB Surf Coach Safety and Rescue award. 

ISA PADDLE BOARDING COURSES DATES

We look forward to having you on our course.

OPEN WATER SUP INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATION

The pre-requisite for the ISA Open Water SUP Instructor qualification is that a candidate must already have completed the ISA Flat water SUP Instructor Course. All after-course components DO NOT need to have been completed and signed off, just having the done the course. Please note, before being awarded the ISA Open Water SUP Instructor qualification an instructor must have fully completed all requirements for the ISA Flat water SUP Instructor qualification

The requirements for accreditation and gaining the ISA Open Water SUP Instructor qualification are

▪ Attend the 1 Day ISA Open Water SUP Instructor Course

▪ Satisfactorily complete all requirements of the course including

▪ Venue Analysis

▪ Design a basic Open Water SUP lesson plan

▪ Deliver a basic Open Water SUP lesson

▪ Demonstrate basic stand up paddling skills( attend of this document, there is an explanation of what is required to demonstrate for the Open Water SUP skills)

▪ Complete 10 practical instructing hours with a Supervisor Instructor who signs off a competency Check List for the Trainee Instructor

▪ Fully complete the Open Water SUP Instructor Work Book

▪ Complete and be proficient in an Open Water Aquatic Rescue Award

▪ It is also strongly recommended that all instructors are a member of their National Governing Body

▪ * Please note that there may be additional location specific requirements that must

be met prior to the issuing of the Qualification. This may include for example, the requirement to have any working with children checks completed

Once these are all completed, the Trainee Instructor submits their Work Book to the Course Organiser, the National Governing Body or to the person identified during the course to whom all completed materials must be submitted to.

DEAN GOUGH AT THE MARINE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

BOOK ONLINE

"Good Vibes Only"

Cookie Notice

Find out more about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience.