ASI establishes the global benchmark for exposed waters coastal stand up paddling instruction and activities.
ASI Coastal Exposed Waters SUP Instructor Standards recommend international safety parameters, student ratios, instructor qualifications, and risk management guidelines for safe stand up paddleboarding lessons and tours in open coastal environments.
Below are key operational standards for conducting safe, high-quality stand up paddleboarding lessons and tours at coastal exposed waters locations.
Approved Location Conditions
Exposed water locations include coastal beaches, open bays, and large ocean-connected harbours.
- Swell & Waves: Maximum 2 ft swell; shore break under 1.5 ft; zero breaking waves in the operational area.
- Wind Limits: Maximum wind speed of 12 knots (maximum 10 knots for offshore winds).
- Location Boundaries:
Stay within 250 metres (820 ft) of the shore.
Keep at least 200 metres (650 ft) away from river mouths.
Required Equipment & Gear Standards
- Paddle Boards: All round flat water paddle boards suitable for skill level.
- Paddles: Properly sized paddles.
- Leashes: Coiled leashes securely attached to the board at all times.
- Buoyancy Aids: Buoyancy aids may be worn by students with low confidence and or poor swimming ability; however, wearing a buoyancy aid does not override the standard swimming ability entry requirements.
Instructor Qualification Requirements
To lead sessions in exposed waters, instructors must hold active, valid credentials:
SUP Instructor Certification: ASI Level 2 Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Exposed Waters)
Rescue Skills: Current Water Rescue or Surf Rescue qualification.
First Aid: Current Senior First Aid certification.
Background Check: Official Working with Children Check (as applicable to the country).
Student Entry Requirements
Minimum Age: 8 years old (recommended baseline; instructors assess individual physical strength against conditions, ability to get back on board).
Swimming Ability: Participants are to be able to swim at least 50 metres (165 ft) unassisted, in coastal waters.
Student Management & Supervision Ratios
Instructor-to-Student Ratios:
- Standard Exposed Conditions (Up to 8 knots wind): Maximum 1:6 ratio (1 instructor per 6 students).
- Moderate Wind Conditions (8–12 knots wind): Maximum 1:4 ratio (1 instructor per 4 students).
- Flat Water Conditions (No swell): Maximum 1:8 ratio (1 instructor per 8 students).
Group Density & Spacing:
- Standard Exposed Groups: Maximum 6 students per group in the water simultaneously.
- Flat Water Groups: Maximum 8 students per group in the water simultaneously.
- Group Separation: Maintain at least 100 metres (328 ft) distance between concurrent groups in high-density areas.
At Risk Students (Low Swimming Ability): Recommend one-on-one private lessons in a controlled, flat water ocean conditions only, free from water hazards, with water depth ranging from 1 metre (3 ft) up to chest/standing depth.
Water Safety & Risk Management
- Leash Compliance: Instructors and students must wear leashes continuously during water activities.
- Shallow Water Navigation: Participants must paddle seated or kneeling when entering, exiting, or navigating water under 1 metre (3 ft) deep.
- Instructor Positioning: Instructors remain on a board in the water, positioned close to students throughout the activity.
- Hazard Assessment: The operational area to be free from environmental, navigation, and other water hazards prior to and during the session.
Operational Safety & Risk Management
The ASI SUP Instructor Standards provide international benchmark guidelines for safe stand up paddling instruction. Instructors must conduct a comprehensive, real-time risk assessment before and during every session—evaluating student physical ability, water and weather conditions, and potential environmental hazards. Standards, group sizes, or ratios must be adjusted, scaled down, or activity cancelled accordingly to prioritise safety.
