Location: Rotary Sunshine Park, NL. Photo credit: Penny Fifield

Basic SUP Skills

The Paddle Canada Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) program includes nationally-recognized certifications in eight skill levels, with corresponding Instructor and Instructor Trainer certifications. The program teaches paddlers how to safely and efficiently use stand up paddleboards in a wide variety of waters. Paddle Canada’s goal is to provide the most relevant paddleboard instructional programming in the world.

This course introduces the novice to paddling a paddleboard in calm sheltered water. Enclosed and sheltered with easy landing options immediately available. Basic Assessment Activities focus on individual safety and comfortable paddling along a calm shoreline. While there is a great deal to learn at this level, the activities should concentrate on personal progress and an awareness of the need for future learning. Paddlers should leave the course encouraged to continue their learning and aware of their individual limitations.

Late May – early June is the one time of year that Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador offers Paddle Canada sanctioned Courses  to the general public and to Paddle NL club members. All courses are taught by Paddle Canada certified instructors. The age requirement is 14 years or older for the Basic SUP Skills course. Applicants under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants will receive a Paddle Canada Certification after a successful completion of the course, recognized anywhere in Canada.

Course Overview

Typical Course Length

  • Typical course length 2-3 hours

Course Topics

Safety Skills

  • Falling off safely
  • Remounting the board
  • Use of a leash
  • Understanding weather and paddling conditions

Paddling Skills

  • Lifting and carrying a board
  • Choosing and holding a paddle
  • Mounting a board at a beach or dock
  • Prone paddling
  • Paddling while kneeling
  • Standing up
  • Paddling in a straight line
  • Forward stroke
  • Braking stroke
  • Sweep strokes
  • Paddling in windy or turbulent conditions

Knowledge

  • Board design
  • Board outfitting
  • Clothing
  • Safety equipment
  • Paddles
  • Injury prevention
  • Equipment care
  • SUP resources
  • Transporting a SUP
  • SUP heritage

Course Prerequisites

  • None

Course Price - $ 100. (Total)

Course Location: Rotary Sunshine Park

To complete this course you will have to attend the full course:

  • Course – Rotary Sunshine Park, TBA

Items included at no charge for the duration of the course: A sup board, paddle and a life jacket for the duration of the course. You will be required to wear a wetsuit (farmer john’s neoprene) or dry suit for the course. If you have one or can borrow one from a friend that would be great.

If you have any questions about the Stand up paddle Board course not covered on this page, email us at web@paddlenl.ca.