What You're Learn:

• Risk management, group management, making smart decisions, legal issues, waivers, communication, marine weather, basic navigation

• Refine and improve your paddling skills

• How to teach a 1.5 to 3-hr basic class or tour

• Teaching concepts, learning personalities and how to work with each, student phobias, modeling,

• Learn about paddling equipment, equipment manufacturing, board and paddle design, hydrodynamics

• On-water teaching techniques such as standing methods, falling, getting back on, turns, forward stroke, balance techniques, paddling straight,

• Rough water paddling in wind and boat wakes.

• Teaching kids, games, skill building drills, team building

• Rescues - flip, dip-pull, towing, board push, rough water rescues, flip rescue for CPR, prone paddling, sitting/kneeling, stirrup rescue

Certified Instructor Benefits:

• Students receive our 107 page PSUPA Instructor's Flat Water 1 manual (digital version)

• Access to PSUPA Facebook member page to network and discuss industry questions with other instructors

• Access to extensive online teaching resources and guides

• Pro-Deals from Astral, MTI, ProMotion, SurfCo, NUUN, Mile22, OR, Mountaineers Books, McNett, Seattle Sports, and many more.

• Online business listing with your contact info

• Promotion of your business and/or paddling endeavors via PSUPA

Requirements to Attend

• Current PSUPA membership. Sign up here.

• Pass online PSUPA Pre-test ($14.95 testing fees through PSUPA)

• At least 18-years of age.

• Have a strong grasp of SUP paddling techniques and directional control. This is not a course for beginners. Not sure of your skill level? Call us to set up a skills assessment clinic prior to the course. We can provide training before the course.

• Have current hands-on (i.e., not Internet-based) First Aid/CPR certification – or – Wilderness First Aid (with CPR) or Lifeguard Training certification.

• Be in good physical shape and able to swim 100 yards and to lift and carry all equipment.

• Gear Requirements – all equipment will be provided by SurfSUP Adventures. You're welcome to bring your own gear as well.

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.

Course Schedule:

Day 1:  Saturday, April 26th, 2025 (Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm)**

Day 2:  Sunday, April 27th, 2025 (Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm)**

*Times and location are subject to change due to weather or conditions

**Times are estimates and will vary based on class speed, weather, etc.

Location: McDanel’s Boat Launch - Moraine State Park (North Shore)

 McDanels Boat Launch will come up in Google Maps for easiest navigation but be sure to look for signs to McDanel’s and/or the Owlet Gift Shop once you are off the highway.

Course Fees

Early Bird Sale Price: $545 Regular Price: $650

+ PSUPA Annual Membership Fee (required) — $85 per person. Join here.

• PSUPA Pre-test ($14.95) must also be completed and passed for certification approval

Cancellation Policy

·       Certification courses are non-refundable

·       There are no refunds for late cancellations, no-shows, or late arrivals

·       We reserve the right to reschedule or relocate any trip if conditions warrant

·       There are no refunds due to inclement weather

Your Instructor:

Ian Smith is a standup paddleboard athlete, guide, and instructor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  In 2011, he founded SurfSUP Adventures, a full-service paddleboarding outfitter and guiding service based in Pittsburgh.  SurfSUP Adventures was the first whitewater paddleboarding outfitter in the Eastern United States.  While the company’s origins are in whitewater and river surfing, SurfSUP is best known for its fusion of eco tours and SUP lessons at destinations including Moraine State Park and Allegheny Islands State Park.

Furthermore, Ian utilizes his years of experience with SurfSUP to provide instructor training through the Professional Standup Paddle Association (PSUPA).  In 2020, he was awarded the title of Master Trainer, becoming one of only four Master Trainers with PSUPA worldwide.  He teaches instructor certifications in the disciplines of Flat Water and Whitewater SUP / River Surfing.

Ian is also the founder of The Watersmith Guild, an award-winning organization that uses standup paddling and the art of filmmaking as a catalyst to inspire conservation and mentorship for at-risk youth.  Since its inception in 2014, the organization has introduced hundreds of youth to river surfing and SUP.  The program also empowers youth to embrace watershed conservation projects such as tree plantings river cleanups, and stream samplings.  Lastly, through their exposure to filmmaking instruction, youth participants learn to create their own films and digital media that inspires others and supports them with vital skills for continued education and careers.