world paddle association (wpa) level 1 sup instructor training
Become a World Paddle Association Level 1 SUP Instructor
Train to become a safe and effective paddle board instructor with this industry leading credential.
🏄🏽♀️ Are you a strong paddler looking to become an instructor?
🏄🏻♂️ Are you already a SUP instructor wanting to add an industry-leading credential?
🏄♀️ Are you ready to fine-tune your paddle strokes while learning how to teach SUP skills in a safe, fun, and effective way?
🏄🏾♂️Do you want to share the stoke and help others fall in love with stand up paddle boarding?
🏄🏿♀️Do you want to learn rescue and tow skills to make your lessons and tours as safe as possible?
If you said “YES” to any of these questions, then this is the training for you. 🏄🏽♀️🧘🏼♀️
what is WPA sup instructor training?
The World Paddle Association certifies experienced paddlers and instructors. The training includes both classroom and on-water instruction on the following topics:
Board/equipment considerations
SUP etiquette
Safety planning
Injury prevention
Water dynamics
Boating laws
Board/paddling skills
Rescue techniques
Water safety information
how do i know if i’m ready for WPA SUP Instructor training?
🏄🏾♂️ To successfully complete WPA Instructor Training, paddling experience and a high level of comfort on the water and on a paddleboard are pre-requisites. You will also need to demonstrate all required skills with proficiency by the end of training.
🏄🏽♀️Current CPR & First Aid credentials are required in order to pursue WPA SUP Instructor credentials. This must be an in-person training (not an online only one). American Red Cross training is recommended for CPR & First Aid to be accepted by WPA. If you don’t already have current & valid CPR and First Aid credentials, you can either take a course locally in advance of our WPA Instructor Training, or you can opt to add on our blended learning American Red Cross CPR & First Aid to your Instructor Training if that is more convenient.
🏄🏻♂️ As with any training, being open to learning new things and having a positive attitude is key!
🏄♀️ If you are interested but do not have the experience level or competency in paddleboard skills required, reach out about taking a skills development workshop!
Please note: This training is not for you if you are a beginner paddler who is still developing basic skill and balance. You need to be able to demonstrate skills at an instructor-level and be comfortable and competent enough on your board to quickly help others in an emergency. If you are a beginner, please consider taking a SUP Learn to Paddle Lesson or a Skills Workshop first.
what equipment will i need?
You will need the following:
Paddleboard (all-around style board recommended), paddle, leash, type III PFD.
You have 3 options:
1 - If you have your own equipment that you are comfortable with you are welcome to bring your own.
2- If you do not have your own equipment or are traveling by plane and cannot pack it, just let us know and we will provide gear for your use (at no additional charge). Please make sure to let me know ahead of time if you need to borrow gear so I can plan accordingly.
3- If you are looking into getting your own gear, please reach out. We have both new and used boards and gear for sale and can provide discounts if you purchase it along with SUP Yoga teacher training.
upcoming training dates/ locations:
Upcoming training dates:
Friday, June 21, 2024 in Dania Beach, FL.
If you sign up for WPA SUP Instructor training, you will join us for 1 day only to become a WPA Level 1 Standup Paddleboard Instructor. We also have a combined WPA SUP Instructor & SUP Yoga Teacher Training. If you sign up for the combined training, you will join us all 3 days of the training for combined WPA Level 1 SUP Instructor & SUP Yoga Teacher Training.
Prefer a private training? We offer that too! Please contact us for rates and scheduling.
Have any other questions or want to chat to find out more about the training? Call or email and we’ll be happy to help you out!
training schedule / what to expect:
9:30am - 3:30pm: The training day is intensive and 6 hours long. After a meet & greet, we will spend time reviewing & practicing WPA water safety, rescue skills, & paddle technique. Improve your forward stroke, forward sweep, reverse sweep, draw stroke, cross nose turn, and pivot turn. Learn the key points to teach and drills that you can use in the future with your students. Expect to spend lots of time on the water refining these skills as well as some time reviewing the WPA training materials on land before taking the WPA exam. You must pass the written exam with an 80% or higher (but don’t worry we will make sure to review everything first!) Please note that you will get wet while learning water rescues!
training location:
The training will be held in Dania Beach, Florida, which is just south for Fort Lauderdale. If you are traveling for the training, there are several hotels nearby as well as many AirBNBs, depending on what you are looking for. The exact location of the training will be:
Tigertail Lake
580 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33004
If you are traveling and hoping to stay as close as possible to the training, there are two hotels very nearby
1- Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale (This is right across the street and within walking distance)
2- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fort Lauderdale (Also very close but across the other side of the highway)
about the instructor trainer:
Hi! I’m Meghan Swanson and I’m the owner of TFY and will be leading this training.
You can find out more about my background and experience here:
Derrick Swanson, also an ACA Level 2 SUP Instructor may assist during our WPA SUP Instructor training day in order to make sure that everyone is getting individual attention and feedback while working on paddle skills. Derrick may also assist with equipment training as he’s our resident operations and equipment manager.
value & investment
When you sign up for our WPA SUP Instructor Training you will get the following:
WPA SUP Instructor Training $295 Value
Top of the line equipment for use $50 Value
Zoom Q&A Session prior to Training $50 Value
Paddle Skills Videos to Practice before Training $50 Value
WPA Instructor Manual $50 Value
Registration WPA & first year’s dues included $75 Value
Total Value $570
Total investment only $295
