Level 1: Intro to SUP Course Overview The Introduction to SUP course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and skill acquisition for entry-level individuals in the public, private, and commercial setting. If you’re a student who would like a resource to prepare for this course, ACA is pleased to provide a free online paddling safety course, here. A certificate of completion is included!
Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct
• No prior paddling experience or training is required to participate in this course

Course Duration The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
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. Number of Participants 5 participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor, the ratio can be 10 : 2. Instructor Level 1 or higher ACA Instructors within their discipline.
Course Outline The following is a general summary of course content for the Level 1 Introduction to SUP course. The content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location, and time allowance. The course content includes the National On Water Standards for human powered craft. The full rubric for Level 1 can be found in the above link, pages 17-65.
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics:

• Welcome, introductions, paperwork
• Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
• Course itinerary and site logistics
• Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
• About the ACA
• Life jacket policy (always wear on water)
• Appropriate personal behavior
  • No alcohol / substance abuse
  • Proper etiquette on and off the water
  • Respect private property
  • Practice Leave No Trace ethics

Preparing to Depart

• Discuss weather conditions, forecasts, and other environmental hazards (wind, water, weather, waves)
• Evaluate hazards to navigation
• Discuss importance of developing good judgment and group responsibility for a trip
• Evaluate individual’s ability, water comfort, and confidence prior to trip
• Warm up to reduce injury
• Make sure the board is securely fastened to the car or racks, using proper tie downs, straps, or knots.
• Review proper techniques to safely lift and carry the board on shore
• Review life jackets appropriate for the operator’s size, craft, and activity, assuring all others in the group are properly wearing their life jacket
• Inspect the board and all safety equipment to meet state, federal, and local requirements for the vessel and activity
• Describe and follow safe paddling practices (behavior, substance abuse, on water and land etiquette, Leave No Trace ethics)
• Review elements of a float plan (Who, What, When, Where, filing practices)
• Review personal equipment needed for the craft, activity and environment
• Prepare board for departure: stowing gear securely, and ensuring it is balanced
• How to hold the paddle in correct orientation and grip for effective paddling

Maneuvers: to be performed with appropriate and efficient strokes, while maintaining the trim and balance of the board

• Enter and launch board from shore in a controlled manner, checking for clear departure
• Propel the board forward in a straight line 15-20 boat lengths
• Stop the board within two board lengths
• Move the board backwards 3-4 board lengths
• Turn the board from a stationary position 180° to the right and left
• Move the board sideways 10 feet (3 meters) to each side
• Propel the board in a figure of 8 course around markers 3-4 board lengths apart
• Turn the board while maintaining forward motion 90° to the right and left
• Arrive at destination point, checking for clear approach, and exit the board in a controlled and safe manner

Technical Knowledge

• Review paddling equipment, terminology (kayak and paddle), and care of gear
• Instructor review of additional personal and group gear, including, but not limited to:
  • Environmental supplies (food, water, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, etc.)
  • Navigational and signaling tools (maps, charts, whistle, etc.)
  • Safety and rescue tools
  • Repair kit
  • First aid kit (appropriate to training)
• Review the dangers of paddle sports and how to plan an appropriate course to avoid potential hazardous situations.
• How to avoid and prevent cold water shock, hypothermia and hyperthermia by choosing proper clothing; recognizing and treating early symptoms; 1-10-1 rule.
• Recognize the importance of hydration
• Recognize and appropriately use communication (paddle/oar and whistle) signals
• Review basic navigational rules for inland waterways
• Develop awareness of the group and effective on water management techniques
• Describe best paddling practices: posture, balance, awareness of body-kayak-blade relationship
• Secure the kayak and equipment before leaving unattended, with attention paid to environment and conditions

Safety & Rescue

• Demonstrate awareness of rescue priorities: people, board, paddle, gear
• Use safe progressions T-RETHROG (Talk, Reach, THrow, ROw, Go) - including throwable floating aid or throw bag use
• Describe the responsibilities of: the group, rescuer, swimmers
• Identify and demonstrate the use of appropriate rescue and safety gear for the board and planned activity
• Exit the craft after capsize, using proper body position and contact with the craft and paddle.
• Rescue self and the board using multiple effective self rescue techniques (e.g., recover board and paddle, swim self and board to shore, with and without leash).
• Deep Water Rescue: unassisted remounting of board from side or back of board
• Rescue a person in the water and capsized board using appropriate techniques and equipment
• Techniques for bulldozing or towing a board or swimmer to shore

Conclusion and 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
• Participation cards
• ACA membership benefits and join process

This course content meets the National On Water Standards for human powered craft (https://www.usnows.org/assess-and-update. The National On Water Standards for human powered craft (NOWS) can be used to:

• Evaluate other paddlers and provide effective feedback
• Effectively make documented skill assessments

© American Canoe Association
Date of last revision: 10/28/2025
https://americancanoe.org