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 122 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. (Pro Deal Updates for 2026 Coming Soon!)

• 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, May 2nd, 2026 (Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm)**

Day 2:  Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 (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: $750

+ 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 educator based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a Master Instructor Trainer with the Professional Standup Paddleboarding Association (PSUPA), an ambassador for Northwest River Supply’s (NRS) LEAD Initiative, and the 2025 Boating Educator of the Year, awarded by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

In 2011, Ian founded SurfSUP Adventures, the first whitewater paddleboarding outfitter in the Eastern United States. Today, SurfSUP is best known for its unique blend of SUP instruction, eco tours, and adventures at destinations including Moraine State Park and Allegheny Islands State Park.

One of only four PSUPA Master Trainers worldwide, Ian leads instructor certification courses in Flatwater SUP and Whitewater SUP / River Surfing, bringing a friendly, supportive teaching style shaped by years of guiding, teaching, and sharing his love of paddleboarding and waterways.

Ian is also the founder of The Watersmith Guild, an award-winning nonprofit that uses standup paddling, environmental education, and filmmaking to inspire conservation, mentorship, and creative expression among youth from underserved communities. Since 2014, the organization has introduced thousands of underserved and special needs youth to river surfing, SUP, and hands-on watershed stewardship.