Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has rapidly gained popularity worldwide for its accessibility, fun, and diverse ways of engaging with nature. Whether on calm lakes, rivers, or coastal areas, SUP offers something for everyone—from fitness enthusiasts to adventure seekers. As the sport continues to grow, so does the need for skilled, knowledgeable, and passionate SUP Leaders who can guide others safely and effectively. If you’re passionate about paddleboarding and want to take your skills to the next level, becoming a SUP Leader could be the ideal path for you.
Why become a SUP Leader?
Becoming a SUP Leader is not just about guiding people on the water, it’s about sharing your passion, developing paddlers’ skills, and ensuring safety. Leaders also play a vital role in conserving the environment, advocating for responsible paddle practices, and creating inclusive, positive experiences for all skill levels. If you enjoy helping others and have a love for nature and watersports, this could be an enriching and rewarding path.
Benefits of becoming a SUP Leader
- Improving your personal skills: As a Leader, you’ll hone your SUP skills, becoming more confident and proficient in your ability to support others.
- Connecting with people: You’ll have the opportunity to build strong connections with the community of paddlers and share your passion for the sport.
- Career opportunities: SUP Leaders can work as Guides or Tour Leaders in the adventure tourism and outdoor recreation industries, across the globe.
- Contributing to the environment: SUP Leaders often educate groups about conserving our waterways, supporting paddle clean ups, respecting wildlife, and preserving waterways.
Pathway to become a SUP Leader
First of all, you need to pick your pathway, depending on the environment you usually paddleboard in:
- Stand Up Paddleboard Sheltered Water Leader (from 2025)
- Stand Up Paddleboard Inland Open Water Leader
- Stand Up Paddleboard Tidal Leader (from 2025)
- Stand Up Paddleboard Coastal Leader
- Stand Up Paddleboard White Water Leader
- Develop your skills
Before leading others, you need to be confident in your paddleboarding abilities. Practice in a variety of water conditions and fine tune your technical skills, work with a Coach or do a Personal Performance Award. Safety is an essential part of becoming a Leader, you’ll need to know how to assist paddlers, including board rescues and self-rescues. Understanding weather patterns, tides, and potential hazards in the water are key to ensuring group safety. Attending some safety training is a great way to develop your skills.
- Gain experience and consider your development options
The journey to become a SUP Leader is personalised to suit your own development. You can choose optional BCAB Leadership Training which will guide you through the skills needed and prepare you for the assessment. Or you may wish to opt for more bespoke training opportunities. For example, private tuition, in-house training through your workplace, working alongside/shadowing other Leaders, or conference/symposium workshops.
Check the prerequisites that you will need ahead of your assessment or use the Skills Checklist to ensure you are developing in the right areas. Prerequisites include membership, first aid and safeguarding for all SUP Leadership pathways, as well as safety training for some pathways.
- Gain your certification
Once you are ready, find an assessment near you by visiting your Delivery Centre website. The assessment will ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely lead others.
4. Keep learning
Once qualified, the fun begins! You can lead groups of paddleboards on fun, safe, enjoyable journeys. Even after becoming certified, continue improving your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, participate in paddling events, and stay up-to-date on new techniques and safety.
Why choose British Canoeing Awarding Body?
British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) offers comprehensive opportunities for paddleboarders to develop their skills and is one of the most established paddlesport organisations in the world. BCAB is the only regulated and recognised Awarding Organisation that provides Stand Up Paddleboard Qualifications and Awards and is the National Governing Body for SUP. BCAB has over 45 years’ experience of providing paddlesport qualifications and awards.
Travel the world with BCAB.
Becoming a SUP Leader is a fulfilling way to merge your love for the sport with a commitment to helping others enjoy it safely. It requires a combination of technical skills, leadership, along with the drive to continue learning and growing. If you have a passion for stand up paddleboarding and want to share that passion with others, the path to becoming a SUP Leader could be the perfect fit for you.
By leading with skill, safety, and heart, you’ll inspire others to explore the beauty of paddleboarding and develop a deep respect for the water and environment. So what are you waiting for, start your journey to becoming a SUP Leader today!
