This is the all-online course for the would-be instructor in New Zealand(*) looking to offer basic how-to SUP beginner lessons or an entry-level SUP experience in a safe, non-challenging environment. The course covers everything you need to know in order to operate on a commercial basis and/or with school groups, youth groups, EOTC programmes etc. Check out the reviews of this and the other Level 1 courses here.

This is the completely online version of the Level 1 course, as opposed to the online plus practical assessment method of completing the course. Instead of the practical assessment, with this course you will have to submit assignments and complete a test, but the entire process can be completed from your own location – you do not have to attend any training or assessment sessions. However, you will need access to paddleboard equipment, and the assistance of at least two other people, one to film you and the other (ideally two or three) to be your ‘students’ in your assignment videos. At least one of these will need a paddleboard and paddle also.

As all watersports and activity instructors should be first-aid qualified as part of the Safety Management system they will be operating under, so to complete the process for this L1 SUP Instructor coiurse, candidates will also be required to upload a copy of a current First Aid qualification, of at least NZQA 6401, 6402 level, as well as completing the SUP RESCUE course.

You may be wondering whether an online-only course can be a valid way to complete an instructor course. Rest assured, it is no easy shortcut! Check out our FAQ pages for much more information on this.

To see the various other ways of taking the Level 1 course check the course page here.

(*) Note – if you are not intending to teach paddleboarding in New Zealand then the legal requirements in your area will be different. Click here for the all-online course for instructors outside of New Zealand.

The online learning lessons in this course cover the theory, safety understanding and background knowledge to operate safe and productive sessions, along with a step-by-step guide on exactly how to deliver that perfect beginner lesson. The equipment you will need is also discussed.

The course will take about 12 hours to complete, plus a few extra hours of practice, and the time taken to complete your assignments. You should also allow 2-3 hours for completing the SUP RESCUE course.

Candidates are welcome to repeat the online lessons as many times as they like, and will continue to have access to the material after completion, so it remains a valuable information archive. 

To complete the training for the Level 1 SUP instructor, the candidate must also show the required level of paddling ability. Advice on bringing your paddling technique up to the required level is included as part of the course, along with feedback and assistance in completing the assignments to a satisfactory level. See the FAQ pages for more information on the online assessment process.

Alternatively, if the candidate prefers, the final assessment can be done in person – assessment sessions regularly take place all around the country, so there is not normally a need to travel too far for an assessment. We do recommend taking the practical assessment if at all possible – you will get much more out of being able to spend time on the water with the assessor. However, we recognise that for many people it’s an expense and time commitment they cannot afford, hence this course.

VALIDATION 

The course is based on best practice and is in line with other paddleboard instruction qualifications worldwide. It is not a formal qualification as per NZQA credits etc, so it does not have a validity period as such, but we would strongly recommend renewing the course after 2-3 years, to keep your skill levels current. There is a renewal course available which can be done online here.

The $300 fee for this course covers the online learning material (including continued access throughout your license period) plus the skills assessment and subsequent advice. Payment can be made via credit card or paypal by clicking on the registration button above, or by bank transfer.