Paddle UK SUP Inland Open Water Training Course

This course is ideal for intermediate to advanced paddlers who want to develop their leadership skills and become certified to lead groups on inland open waters. It’s also suitable for paddlers who have experience in varied water conditions and want to expand their safety, rescue, and group management skills for open water environments.

You should have a solid foundation in SUP paddling, including experience in moderate open water conditions. This means you should be comfortable paddling in environments with wind, currents, and potential waves. Confidence in managing a SUP in these situations is essential for progressing to leadership skills.

During the two-day course, you’ll develop essential skills, including:

• Personal Paddling Skills: Refine your paddling techniques for navigating open water and handling challenging conditions such as wind and chop.
• Rescue Skills: Learn self-rescue and group rescue techniques specific to SUP.
• Leadership and Group Management: Develop the ability to lead a group of mixed-ability paddlers safely and effectively in various conditions, including trip planning, risk management, and on-water decision-making.
• Theory: Understand how weather, water conditions, and environmental factors affect inland open water paddling and leadership.

Yes, you’ll need to bring your own SUP, paddle, leash, and buoyancy aid (PFD). Make sure your equipment is in good condition and suitable for use in inland open water conditions, including wind-affected and exposed environments.

If you don’t have some of the necessary equipment, please let us know in advance. We may be able to assist in renting or recommending suitable gear for the duration of the course.

The course runs from 9am to 5pm each day. Mornings usually focus on practical paddling skills, while afternoons involve group leadership exercises, rescue drills, and theory sessions. Each day ends with a debrief to discuss progress and key learning points. The schedule may adjust depending on weather and water conditions.

The course is based in South Devon, with training sessions held on various inland open waters such as lakes, slow-moving rivers, and sheltered coastal areas. We select locations that provide a variety of conditions, offering you a comprehensive learning environment.

Formal training is not mandatory for the Paddle UK SUP Inland Open Water Leader Assessment, but this training course is highly recommended. It provides you with the essential skills, confidence, and support to prepare you for the assessment. Many paddlers find that the training helps them better understand what is expected during the assessment.

No, this is a training course aimed at developing your skills, not an assessment. However, we will provide continuous feedback to help you gauge your progress and readiness for future assessments. If you wish to take the Paddle UK SUP Inland Open Water Leader Assessment afterward, we can guide you through the process.

No, accommodation and meals are not included in the course fee. You will need to arrange your own accommodation (we can recommend local options). Additionally, you should bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water each day.

You should bring the following:

• Your SUP and paddle.
• A buoyancy aid (PFD).
• Suitable clothing for paddling in varied weather (consider wetsuits, thermal layers, and windproof jackets).
• Packed lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.
• Any personal safety gear (such as a leash, spare paddle, etc.).
• Sun protection, a hat, and a towel for after the sessions.

We monitor weather and water conditions closely to ensure safety. If conditions are not suitable for open water paddling, we will adapt the training or move to a more sheltered location. We ensure that, even in challenging weather, the training is still productive and valuable.

You should have a moderate level of fitness, as the course involves extended paddling sessions in potentially wind-affected waters. The physical demands are similar to those of a full day of paddling in moderate conditions, so ensure you’re comfortable with this level of exertion.