Flat Water Level 1 Certification
I completed the Flat Water Level I Certification in Seattle, WA with Instructor Trainer Rob Casey. The certification course was packed with valuable information that will help me run a new Stand Up Paddle business. The classroom time gave me the tools that I need for running safe classes, understanding different types of customers, and much more.
The PSUPA Flatwater Level 1 Certification covers the skills you need to teach both a 1- and 2-hour basic SUP class confidently and safely. The curriculum emphasizes water safety, leadership, and teaching risk management and rescue procedures. You also have the option to learn the basics of SUP business.
Certification is awarded upon completing the course, passing all tests, and achieving a satisfactory evaluation of your teaching and leadership skills, as well as your attention to safety. You will receive a PSUPA Certified Instructors Manual that covers everything covered in the course and more. This certification is a prerequisite for all other PSUPA Certifications.
Course Duration: Typically 2-3 days. Minimum of 2 days.
Minimum Age of Participants: 18 years old.
Teacher-to-Student Ratio: 1 to 6 or 2 to 10 or 3 to 15.
Goals
Learn how to teach a 1- and 2-hour basic SUP class, learn water safety, and leadership. Optional basic SUP business skills also offered. See Curriculum below for more details.
Certification Requirements
Certification Valid for 4 Years: PSUPA certified instructors are required to take a one-day refresher course in their certification every four years to keep their certification valid.
Keeping Certifications Active: Active Annual PSUPA Membership and Current hands-on First Aid / CPR certification is required to keep certification active.
Pre-Requisites
- Have current hands-on (i.e., not Internet-based) First Aid/CPR certification or Wilderness First Aid or Lifeguard Training certification or the equivalent for your location.
- Be in good overall physical shape and able to swim 200 yards, and able to lift and carry all equipment
- Sign liability form, provided by Instructor Trainer.This is not a course for beginners.
Note: Instructor Trainers have the right not to pass students who do not adequately demonstrate teaching skills and have a poor overall evaluation. If a student who does not pass wants to continue to work toward certification, further training outlined by an Instructor Trainer, at an additional expense to the student, will be required prior to issuing certification.
If you are not an experienced paddler or don’t yet meet the requirements for this certification, please consider taking some basic and advanced SUP classes from our Instructor Trainers or Certified Instructors before pursuing this certification.
Curriculum
- Have current hands-on (i.e., not Internet-based) First Aid/CPR certification or Wilderness First Aid or Lifeguard Training certification or the equivalent for your location.
- Be in good overall physical shape and able to swim 200 yards, and able to lift and carry all equipment
- Sign liability form, provided by Instructor Trainer.This is not a course for beginners.
Requirements for Course Completion and Certification
Tests are Pass/Fail with Passing grade at 80% or better.
- Have current hands-on (i.e., not Internet-based) First Aid/CPR certification or Wilderness First Aid or Lifeguard Training certification or the equivalent for your location.
- Be in good overall physical shape and able to swim 200 yards, and able to lift and carry all equipment
- Sign liability form, provided by Instructor Trainer.This is not a course for beginners.
Cost for Certification
| PSUPA Membership (annual membership) | $ 85.00 |
| On-Water Session (Price is set by local Instructor Trainer. Typically a 1 day session) | Set by Instructor Trainer |
| On-Line Test | $14.25 |
| Miscellaneous- Any associated travel or equipment rental costs for completing On-Water Session | Varies |
Certification is valid for 4 years (with active membership)
The entire course must be completed within 6 months from starting, (unless a preapproved extension is granted), so it is strongly advised for candidates to solidify their plans for the on-water portion prior to beginning.