This course is for the instructor who has already completed a SUP instructor qualification outside of New Zealand, and is looking to convert their qualification to the NZ way of doing things. Many SUP qualifications internationally have a Level 1 and Level 2, but the difference and delineation between the two levels is not standardised. In New Zealand the difference is as follows:

The Level 1 course is about teaching beginners, and also covers all the foundation elements such as the legislative environment, necessary paperwork, proper safety practices, essential equipment knowledge, etc. It is a requirement for any instructor looking to instruct at anything beyond Level 1 that the Level 1 course is completed and passed. If you have not yet done your Level 1 conversion course then start with that.

Level 2 instruction is about taking the progressor to the next levels of paddleboarding: improving their turning skills and increasing their repertoire of turning techniques, introducing new stances, taking them into more challenging conditions, and of course, improving their general paddling skills.  To see the various other ways of taking the Level 2 course check the course page here.

If you have been teaching at this level outside of New Zealand, and want to convert your qualification to the NZ way of doing things, then this course is for you.

There are two parts to the conversion process; the online learning course and then the practical assessment.

This is the online learning section of the course, covering the theory, safety understanding and background knowledge to take your clients on their journey of progress beyond Level 1. Much of the material may not be new to you, but as there is no standardisation in instructor qualifications, this conversion course covers every aspect of the New Zealand Level 2 course, so as to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Some of the lessons are marked as essential, because – even if you’re confident with the processes already – it’s important to standardise on practice and terminology so thatt you can fit right in with any existing NZ SUP school. The optional lessons are there if you want to refresh you knowledge on that topic, or because it’s something you maybe didn’t cover in your previous training.

The online course will take about 4 hours to complete if you take every lesson, or about half that time if you just do the essential ones.

Once the course is completed, you will need to complete a practical assessment session. There will be an additional fee of $75-$100 (depending on location) for this assessment, which can be booked when the candidate feels ready to take it. See the FAQ pages for more information on the assessment process.

Payment can be made via credit card or paypal by clicking on the registration button above, or by bank transfer.