L1 Instructor Course

Beginner mistakes (L1 renewal)

Optional: Understanding, spotting and rectifying the typical mistakes your clients will make is a fundamental aspect of teaching beginners.

If you’ve already been teaching for a while you’ll probably have seen all these mistakes already, many many times! So if you think you’ve already seen everything there is to see, and can spot (and fix) anything your average beginner can throw at you, and you know which ones are the most serious, then all good – feel free to move on to the next lesson. However, if you’d like to do a bit of refreshing on the subject, there is 35 minutes of very good revision material here that it will do you no harm to refresh on.

We’ll start by looking at the more serious mistakes, that need to be rectified straight away. This section of the lesson will take about 15 minutes to view.

Now we need to consider the less significant errors that you’ll encounter, and what to do about them. This video will take about 25 minutes to complete.

Hopefully you now have a good overall feel for the sort of beginner errors you’re going to be dealing with, and what you need to do about them.

The important take-aways from this are:

  • Beginners makes LOTS of mistakes!
  • Not all are of equal significance or importance.

Some mistakes need correcting immediately, because

  • They are likely to cause the client to fall
  • They are likely to cause injury to the client
  • They will cause that client to be very slow in comparison to everyone else

Others are less serious but, depending on how badly they are being displayed, may

  • prevent the client ever improving or developing
  • cause early fatigue

To give another view on the most common mistakes, here’s a quick vid from Supboarder mag showing their ‘top 9 paddling’ mistakes, which aligns pretty much with our own descriptions above. (However, note the awful duck/asymmetric stance of the person in the vid! Let’s not be doing any of that!)

The Beginner Lesson (L1 renewal)

Essential: This lesson is very much the ‘meat’ of what the L1 qualification is all about, so it’s an essential part of the Level 1 renewal process that you revisit it and refresh your memory on what is regarded as best practice.

Unlike most aspects of SUP teaching, the beginner lesson can and should follow a fairly formal structure, to ensure that everything is covered properly and to ensure the greatest possible chances of a successful session. No matter how experienced an instructor you are, we strongly recommend that you work through this lesson, as a refresher on the process.

You may well find that your own habits and processes have diverged from the process shown here, which should be recognisably similar to what you learned when you did your original SUP instructor course in New Zealand. It’s not a problem if you are now doing things a bit differently – as long as you are still achieving the same learning outcomes, lesson efficiency and safety practices. So take this as an opportunity to evaluate your own way of doing things, and consider why you’re doing it differently. It may be that you’ve found a better way of working, or your specific circumstances simply don’t suit the process shown here. As long as you can justify it, that’s absolutely fine.

The beginner lesson should be considered as five distinct phases.

Pre Lesson Preparation
This is the stuff that happens before the actual lesson itself, ie getting all the kit and paperwork ready, safety checking the venue, etc.

Part A: Safety Briefing  & maybe a warm-up
The absolutely vital safety briefing, as covered in detail in a previous lesson, and then perhaps some sort of warm up session, if appropriate. 

Part B: On the Beach Instruction
This is another absolutely vital part of the session, introducing the clients to their equipment and showing them how to use it. 

Part C:  On the water Session
The session itself, which has its own phases and flow. 

Part D: Warming down & Following up
The session does not finish when the clients step off their board at the end of their paddling, especially if you have any desire to see the clients again for further instruction. The lesson should be finished with a debrief and warm down. 

Each of these phases is explained below, with its own accompanying video. Please excuse the poor sound quality on some of the film footage in these modules. Despite numerous attempts we have not yet managed to find a location that has perfect conditions and perfect silence! We will continue trying.

If you wish to add further explanation, information and teaching above and beyond what is covered here when you are doing your own lessons, then this will not count against you in the assessment, although we recommend not over-doing the onshore stuff – your clients have come to paddleboard, not talk about it, so ensure that they do get a decent on-water experience!

Lesson Preparation & Set-Up

This section will take about 10 minutes to watch and covers:

  • Checks, equipment and paperwork considerations before the lesson 
  • Preparing the lesson site
  • Delivering the safety brief  
  • Doing a warm-up  

We strongly recommend that you download and use the template prompt card that was provided in the Safety Briefing lesson, while practicing your own safety briefs.

Now the lesson can start properly…

On the beach – part 1

In this section , which will take about 20 minutes to watch, we look at:

  • Introduction to the board & paddle.
  • How to paddle
  • How to change sides with the paddle
  • How to turn
  • How to stop!

We strongly recommend that you download and use the Part B prompt card while following and practicing delivering this part of the lesson. 

If you’re comfortable with this part of the onshore briefing, you can now move on to the next part.

On the beach – part 2

Now that we have shown them the basics of paddling, we have to show them a few other  really important things. In this section, which will take about 20 minutes to watch, we’ll look at the Part B beach teaching and practice for :

  • How to get on and off the board
  • Paddling in safe position
  • Doing the first stand up
  • Falling in and getting back onto the board
  • Carrying the board

Again, we strongly recommend that you download and use the Part B prompt card while following and practicing delivering this part of the lesson, until the flow comes naturally.

Despite the fact that it has taken rather longer to discuss and dissect the Part B material, it actually only takes 10 minutes or so in ‘real life’ with real clients. And it is 10 minutes incredibly well spent that will make all the difference in ensuring your lesson goes smoothly and successfully.

Hopefully you now have a feel for how it flows. Once you have delivered it a few times it feels extremely natural and becomes easy to deliver. This format is used by virtually every successful SUP school in New Zealand – not because they are mandated to, but simply because it works so well!

Onto the water!

Now we’re ready to hit the water. In this module, which will take about 20 minutes to watch, we will look at:

  • The launch
  • The safe position work-through
  • The stand-up
  • Getting going
  • Foot faults
  • The session end

This module is a bit more discussion-based rather than based on ‘live footage’ as there is a lot to talk about.

And there you have it. After all the other learning and preparation you have completed in this course, you’ve now done the real thing, and introduced some newcomers to our great sport. Well done!

One thing not covered in the video – how long should this phase of the lesson last? 45 minutes is a perfectly acceptable amount of time on the water for a first lesson, indeed you will often find that this as much as clients can cope with.

But it’s not quite over yet. Just a few more things to consider…

Warm Down & Follow Up

Finally, once ashore, a couple of really important aspects to finishing the session and ensuring everyone got the most out of it.  In this module, which will take about 8 minutes to watch, we will look at:

  • The wrap-up
  • Onshore debrief
  • Warm Down

These last few minutes will make a good impression with your clients and also leave you in the best possible position for either then packing up to go home, or preparing for the next lesson.

In Summary

So to summarise this very important lesson, we have looked at:

  • Pre lesson preparation
  • Setting up the lesson
  • The safety briefing & warm-up
  • The onshore work
  • Getting everyone onto the water
  • Safe Position Work
  • The stand Up
  • The paddling session
  • The end of the session
  • Post session

This is undoubtedly one of the most important lessons in this course, so feel free to revisit it as often as you need.

Equipment for teaching SUP (L1 renewal)

Optional: A reminder regarding equipment choices for teaching beginner SUP, and also the equipment that you the instructor should be using .

If your school already has its gear and you’re happy with the equipment you personally use when on the water in instructor mode, then you can bypass this lesson. However, if your school is looking at re-investing in equipment, or you’re rethinking your own gear reconfiguration, then there will be useful information in this lesson.

A SUP teaching operation must be able to supply each client with the correct equipment for their needs, in order to fulfil one of the fundamental duties of care.  Having the clients on the right kit also ensures that they will get the maximum benefit from their session, and hopefully be inspired to come back for more!

It is also vitally important that the instructor too is using the right equipment, and carrying the right extras in order to be able to cope with any situations that may arise. 

The video will take about 40 minutes to view and discusses: 

  • What boards to use for clients, and the instructor
  • What paddles to use for clients, and the instructor
  • What leashes to use for clients, and the instructor
  • What PFD to use for clients, and the instructor
  • Other equipment for schools, such as wetsuits, footwear, clothing etc. 
  • What else the instructor should be carrying and wearing

Check Understanding!

  • Do you understand what sort of boards should be used for beginner lessons?
  • Do you understand what sort of equipment you should be using and carrying, in order to be properly prepared as the instructor?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. Otherwise, congratulations, you’ve finished the equipment section of the course, and you can now move on to the final section. If you would like to discuss any of the material in this section please contact us.

Leashes for SUP (L1 renewal)

Essential: This is fundamental SUP safety knowledge and you absolutely should refresh your memory on all aspects of leashes, especially as some recommendations have changed.

The leash is 99% of SUP safety, but it’s critical that the right leash is worn for the conditions. Incorrect leash choice for the conditions has caused fatalities in New Zealand. The SUP instructor must have an excellent understanding of leashes, not just for their own work, but also when advising clients on sup safety in general.  There will be questions on leashes in the self-assessment test at the end of this course.

The video will take about 20 minutes to view, and discusses: 

  • Why do we wear a leash?
  • The potential pitfalls in wearing a leash
  • Attaching the leash to the board
  • The different styles of leash
  • Which is best for which conditions

Check Understanding!

  • Do you understand why a leash is so vital to SUP safety?
  • Do you understand why the wrong type of leash can be a grave threat to safety?
  • Do you understand the different types of leash and the pros and cons of each
  • Do you understand which type of leash is best for which conditions?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. There will be questions on leashes in the self-assessment test at the end of this course. Otherwise, you can move on to the next lesson

PFDs for SUP (L1 renewal)

Essential! This is essential safety knowledge that you must pass on to your clients, so you absolutely should refresh your memory on the material in this lesson.

Using a PFD while on a paddleboard is a legal requirement in most areas of NZ, and indeed the rest of the world. However, some PFDs are well suited to SUP, others are most definitely not. Understanding the pros and cons of the various styles, and their relevance and suitability to SUP is vital knowledge for the SUP instructor. Not just for their own work, but also when advising clients on sup safety in general.  It is also essential that SUP instructor fully understands the law regarding PFDs, so that they can ensure they are operating legally, and to advise their clients. There will be questions on this topic in the self-assessment test at the end of this course

The video will take about 20 minutes to view, and discusses: 

  • Why do we wear a PFD?
  • The legal requirements regarding PFDs
  • The different types of PFD
  • The pros and cons of the different types
  • Which is best for different types of paddler

Check Understanding!

  • Do you understand why a PFD is so vital to SUP safety?
  • Do you understand why we wear a PFD?
  • Do you understand the different types of PFD?
  • Do you understand the pros and cons of the different types?
  • Do you understand which is best for different types of paddler?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. There will be questions on this topic in the self-assessment test at the end of this course. Otherwise, you can move on to the next lesson.

The SUP Paddle (L1 renewal)

Optional: The basics of the SUP paddle.

As you have been paddling and instructing for a while now, you probably have a pretty good understanding of SUP paddles. However, if you do want to refresh your knowledge, then this lesson will give you everything you need.

It is vital for the SUP instructor to have a basic understanding of SUP paddles, if only to ensure that their clients have the right size and style of paddle for their requirements. However, as the paddle is such a fundamental part of the SUP experience, it’s good to also have knowledge of the different constructions, options, blade shapes and how to advise a customer on purchasing a paddle. 

This lesson will take about 30 minutes to complete.

The video discusses: 

  • Why the SUP instructor needs to know about paddles 
  • The parts of the paddle
  • Understanding blade shapes
  • Understanding adjustment mechanisms
  • The correct height for the paddle
  • Paddle constructions
  • How to advise a customer on what paddle to purchase.

Check Understanding!

  • Do you understand why the SUP instructor needs to know about paddles?
  • Can you name the various parts of the paddle?
  • Do you know how to advise on the correct height for the paddle?
  • Do you understand the pros and cons of the various paddle constructions?
  • Could you give a customer some general advice on what sort of paddle to purchase?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. Otherwise, you can move on to the next lesson

Choosing a First Time SUP Board (L1 renewal)

Optional: If you find yourself advising clients on what board to buy then you will find the process detailed here extremely useful.  

This lesson looks at how to advise on a first time board purchase.  It will take about 10 minutes to complete.

If you are teaching adult clients to paddleboard then you are almost certainly going to come up against this question on a regular basis. Indeed, when you hear those words: “I love this sport, I want to get a board, what should I buy?”, it is a clear indicator that you have done your job well! 

And, as their instructor, you are the best placed person to assist them in getting the right board. There are myriad choices available, with loads of conflicting advice online, so it’s bewildering for the newcomer. Whereas you know exactly what their ability is and can ask the right questions to ensure they end up with the right board for their requirements.

The training video discusses: 

  • What questions to ask
  • How to interpret the answers
  • Some practical examples

Check Understanding!

  • Do you understand the type of questions to ask to assist someone in identifying the right board to buy?
  • Do you understand how the answers to these questions can lead you towards a solution?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. Otherwise, you can move on to the next lesson

L1 Renewal: SUP Board Construction Copy

Importance: Medium. Understanding the differences between the various board constructions is useful knowledge and will help give you greater understanding and perspective on the sport.

Understanding the different options is very important for any paddleboard instructor who is likely to be advising their clients on board choice, etc,  and understanding the pros and cons of each style of construction is of course pretty vital when making purchases for the school, and understanding the problems that the school equipment may encounter. The lesson will take around 30 minutes to complete.

The training video discusses: 

  • The various types of board construction
  • The pros and cons of each
  • Inflatable boards construction
  • Why there is such a wide difference in quality and prices between inflatables. 

The written test at the practical assessment will not include questions on the details of board construction. However, there may be questions on the general pros and cons of the main construction styles in common use, as you are likely to be working with these types of boards in any teaching environment. 

Check Understanding!

  • Do you understand the pros and cons of epoxy/composite construction?
  • Do you understand  the pros and cons of plastic construction?
  • Do you understand  the pros and cons of inflatable board construction?
  • Do you understand why there is such a difference in price and quality with inflatable boards?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. Otherwise, you can move on to the next lesson

SUP Board Design & Dimensions (L1 renewal)

Optional: Understanding of board design and dimensions in order to ensure that your clients are on the right boards for their requirements.

As you have been working with paddleboards for a while now, you’re probably fairly comfortable with understanding SUP board design and dimensions. However, if you’re a bit rusty on it, and/or could do with a top-up, then working through this lesson will get you up to speed with everything you need to know.

Being able to interpret the measurements and appearance of a board in order to understand what it does and who it will be suited for is a vital skill for the paddleboard instructor – particularly when it comes to the question of board stability. The lesson will take around 30 minutes to complete.The training video discusses: 

  • The anatomy of the paddleboard
  • The importance and relevance of the main parameters
  • How these factors determine the stability of the board

The knowledge in this lesson is not just for when you’re dealing with the questions of your clients, but also for when you are assigning boards to clients, and understanding how they interact with them on the water during your sessions.

Check Understanding!

  • Do you know the names of the various parts of the board?
  • Do you understand what the rocker profile is?
  • Do you understand what the length of the board tells you?
  • Do you understand what the volume of the board tells you?
  • Do you understand what the width of the board tells you?
  • Do you understand what the thickness of the board tells you?
  • Do you understand which dimensions are primarily responsible for determining the stability of a board?
  • Could you give advice as to what dimensions of board would be appropriate for, say, a 100kg person wanting a general purpose all rounder?
  • Do you understand how changing other aspects of the plan shape affects stability?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. Otherwise, you can move on to the next lesson

L1 Renewal: The SUP Board Market Copy

Importance: Medium. There is nothing in this lesson that you will be assessed on, but it is good background knowledge  and will help give you greater understanding and perspective on the sport.

This lesson looks at the SUP board market. It will take about 10 minutes to complete.

The training video discusses: 

  • Why the SUP instructor needs to be able to understand the board market
  • Why there are so many models of board
  • Why they come in so many different shapes and sizes

The SUP board market is extremely crowded, with literally hundreds of different brands and thousands of different models. Understanding the market helps the instructor to navigate their way through it, and assist and answer questions from their clients, which is very much part of the remit of being a SUP instructor.   

A detailed knowledge of the SUP board market is not a primary requirement for a SUP instructor, especially if you are only ever going to be working with children for example, and not in a position whereby you’ll be needing to discuss the relative merits of brands and purchase suggestions etc.  There will not be questions on this material in the Instructor Exam. Nevertheless, we still strongly recommend having at least a basic understanding of the market.

Check Understanding!

  • Do you understand why there are so many different brands of SUP board available?
  • Do you understand why each brand has so many different models?

If you’re unsure on any of these, go back and review the lesson again. Otherwise, you can move on to the next lesson.