The Whitewater Stand Up Paddleboarding course emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in class I-II whitewater. This course builds upon the ACA Level 2: Essentials of SUP skills course in that it teaches skills on how to paddle stand up paddleboards in whitewater and perform self-rescues.
Properly fitted inherently buoyant PFD (inflatable lifejackets are not allowed in this course), helmet, elbow and knee pads recommended, SUP paddle, Stand Up Paddleboard designed for moving water and whitewater, appropriate clothing for the weather. If leash is being used, must be releasable.
Previous experience on a stand up paddleboard in flatwater or moving water is strongly recommended.
One day (8 hours) minimum
Sections of rivers rated up to and including class I-II, where limited maneuvering in current is required to avoid obstacles.
A rapid class includes rapids at the lower and upper ends of the difficulty range, designated “-“ and “+” respectively.
4 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 8 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 8.
ACA Level 4: Whitewater Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor (SUP) or higher
The following is a general summary of course content for the Whitewater Stand Up Paddleboarding course. The content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance.