The WPA provides four levels of certified water/safety instruction. Each level requires the appropriate experience listed and can be tailored to the instructor’s credentials, typical instructional environment, and needs within the stand up paddling community.
Class I
Certified to give lessons to instruct paddlers.
Fee: $395.00 ($75.00 yearly fee included )
5 hours of class instruction, 80% on class examination.
Yearly Instructor fee: $75.00
Instructor requirements: First Aid and CPR certification, water sports liability insurance, 18 years of age and 3-5 years of instruction experience.
Fee to take a class and achieve the next level of certification on all levels: $95.00
Requirements for higher level of certification
Class II
Qualify to certify Class I instructors.
5 hours of class instruction, 80% on class examination.
3 hours of instruction- certification from Class I to Class II instructor.
Yearly Instructor fee: $75.00
Instructor requirements: First Aid and CPR certification, water sports liability insurance, 18 years of age, 5 years of SUP instruction experience and five qualified references.
Class III
Certified Class II with specialized water safety training in one or more of the following areas: swift water, white water, surf, etc…
Qualified to certify Class I & II instructors.
5 hours of class instruction, 80% on class examination.
3 hours of instruction- certification from Class II to Class III instructor.
Yearly Instructor fee: $75.00
Instructor requirements: First Aid and CPR certification, water sports liability insurance, 10 years of instruction experience and ten qualified references.
Master Class I
Certified Class III with multiple specialized water safety training designations. Qualified to instruct/certify all levels of instructors.
Qualified to certify Class I, II & III instructors.
5 hours of class instruction, 80% on class examination.
8 hours of instruction- certification from Class III to Master Class I instructor.
Yearly Instructor fee: $75.00
Instructor requirements: First Aid and CPR certification, water sports liability insurance, 15 years of instruction experience and ten qualified references.
Complete the instructor application located on the “Instruction” tab for the proper level of instruction given your experience and or to apply for a higher level if you are currently a WPA certified instructor in good standing.