Overview
Smart Start for Safe Paddling Certification Criteria - SUP Module
Course Overview We expect Smart Start for Safe Paddling facilitators to be able to effectively maneuver their craft and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. This module is to be taught in conjunction with the Smart Start for Safe Paddling General Knowledge Module. This program was formerly known as “Paddlesports Safety Facilitator” and was officially re-branded as “Smart Start for Safe Paddling” in October 2025. If you’re a student who would like resources to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide the Smart Start for Safe Paddling suite of resources, which features a comprehensive resource book, student activity workbook, facilitator’s guide, and free online coursework. The 100% free Smart Start for Safe Paddling interactive online course can be found here. A certificate of completion is included! This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.
Course Prerequisites
Course Duration General Knowledge Module Duration: Minimum of 4 hours Discipline Specific Module Duration: Minimum of 1 hour per module
Course Location / Accessible Venues Flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots and within swimming distance of shore.
Course Size 12 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 24 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 24.
Instructor This course may be offered by currently certified ACA:
Endorsements Endorsements can be given by any currently certified ACA Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator. If the ACA Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator would like to offer the Smart Start for Safe Paddling endorsement to an instructor certified in a different discipline, the IT or ITE must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Award in that discipline.
Succeeding Courses Level 1: Intro to Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, or Packrafting Skills, Assessment, or Certification
Course Community Paddlesports Leader (CPL) Certification Course Paddlesports Leader (PL) Certification Course
Smart Start for Safe Paddling Certification Maintenance Requirements
SUP Module Requirements Demonstrate the following:
Demonstrate the ability to perform the following safety and rescue skills:
Successfully complete the General Module Successfully complete the Smart Start for Safe Paddling Exam Conclusion and Course Wrap Up
© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 10/28/2025
https://americancanoe.org
Course Overview We expect Smart Start for Safe Paddling facilitators to be able to effectively maneuver their craft and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. This module is to be taught in conjunction with the Smart Start for Safe Paddling General Knowledge Module. This program was formerly known as “Paddlesports Safety Facilitator” and was officially re-branded as “Smart Start for Safe Paddling” in October 2025. If you’re a student who would like resources to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide the Smart Start for Safe Paddling suite of resources, which features a comprehensive resource book, student activity workbook, facilitator’s guide, and free online coursework. The 100% free Smart Start for Safe Paddling interactive online course can be found here. A certificate of completion is included! This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.
Course Prerequisites
- Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
- Be a current ACA Member
- Understands and acts in accordance with ACA's Code of Conduct
Course Duration General Knowledge Module Duration: Minimum of 4 hours Discipline Specific Module Duration: Minimum of 1 hour per module
Course Location / Accessible Venues Flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots and within swimming distance of shore.
Course Size 12 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 24 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 24.
Instructor This course may be offered by currently certified ACA:
- Level 3 SUP Instructors (or higher)
- Level 1 and 2 SUP Instructors with a Smart Start for Safe Paddling Endorsement. If the ACA Instructor would like to offer this course in another discipline (Canoe or Kayak), they must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Award in that additional discipline to offer that module
- Leader Trainers (or higher)
- Guide Trainers (or higher)
- Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator as described below
Endorsements Endorsements can be given by any currently certified ACA Level 1 (or higher) Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator. If the ACA Instructor Trainer or Instructor Trainer Educator would like to offer the Smart Start for Safe Paddling endorsement to an instructor certified in a different discipline, the IT or ITE must have, at minimum, an ACA Level 1 Skills Award in that discipline.
Succeeding Courses Level 1: Intro to Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, or Packrafting Skills, Assessment, or Certification
Course Community Paddlesports Leader (CPL) Certification Course Paddlesports Leader (PL) Certification Course
Smart Start for Safe Paddling Certification Maintenance Requirements
- Maintain ACA membership annually
- This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.
SUP Module Requirements Demonstrate the following:
- Securing board for transport on car or trailer using proper tie downs, straps, or knots
- Knots: Figure-8, bowline, truckers hitch, and 2 half hitches
- Techniques for safely loading and unloading a SUP from a car, trailer, or rack
- Safely carry the SUP to and from the water
- Enter and launch the board from shore in a controlled manner, checking for clear departure
- Determine board stability (nose to tail, rail to rail)
Demonstrate the ability to perform the following safety and rescue skills:
- Appropriately choose when to use/not use a leash based on venue and conditions
- Calmly dismount the board, using proper body position and contact with the board and paddle
- Swim the SUP 30 feet (9 meters) to shore
- Prone paddle the SUP 30 feet (9 meters) to shore
- Maneuver the SUP to rescue a person in the water and their craft
- Strategies and techniques for board and paddle recovery including bumping, bulldozing, towing, or swimming equipment to shore (with and without a leash)
- Self and assisted swimmer re-mount techniques in deep water (i.e., from the tail, from the side, board flip, etc.)
- Perform an unresponsive paddler rescue
Successfully complete the General Module Successfully complete the Smart Start for Safe Paddling Exam Conclusion and Course Wrap Up
- Group debrief / individual feedback
- Course limitations
- Importance of First Aid and CPR
- Importance of additional instruction, practice, and gaining experience
- Importance of appropriate level of safety and rescue training
- Life sport / paddling options
- Local paddling groups / clubs
- Handouts / reference materials
- ACA membership benefits and renewal process
- Course Management System (CMS) access for credentials and training history
© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 10/28/2025
https://americancanoe.org
This curriculum is managed by the ACA Introduction to Paddling (IPC) Committee. To connect with the leadership of this committee, please view the SEIC Committee rosters on the ACA website.