Hear from Mat, Oz, who’s completed the SUP Sheltered Water Award

I’ve been paddling for over 40 years in kayak and canoe, and coaching for 30, but my experience on a SUP was virtually non-existent when I went for my Paddlesport Instructor Tutor Orientation. Understandably, this was an area that I had to become proficient in to become a Provider. So I got on the water with a SUP as often as I could around my day job as a teacher, culminating in doing both the SUP Sheltered Water Award and then the SUP DSM the following day.

I enjoyed both days and could see my own development, as well as the others on the courses. The instructors were friendly and approachable and made everyone feel at ease. On the sheltered water day, there were people from a mixture of backgrounds, some had bought a SUP on a whim and wanted to learn more skills, some had tried a few times with their friends and wanted to become proficient enough to go on small journeys, and others were already instructors and wanted to widen their skill sets.

Whilst I’m currently still coaching in kayak/canoe, there is the chance to do some SUP coaching at the local sea cadet unit that I’m attached to, and I’m looking forward to that. In the meantime, I’ve managed to get my family out on a SUP and they thoroughly enjoyed it; even managing to stay dry!

Once my balance is up to it, I might even try some white water SUPing, but for now I’m sticking to the lake and the sheltered coast.

Start your SUP Sheltered Water Award

The SUP Sheltered Water Award is open to anyone interested in developing their SUP skills on shetlered water. The award will give you an understanding of how to plan and paddle an enjoyable and safe trip on a Stand Up Paddleboard. You will be able to journey in water that is no more than 200 metres from the shore and up to force 3 winds.

Find out more here and start your development journey today!