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SUP SKILLS
Breaking Down Skill Levels For Flat-Water Bodies in Alberta
Beginner
You have never been on a stand up paddle board (SUP) before and/or never stood up while paddling. You display a fear of falling in the water but have a strong desire to overcome & enjoy SUP with friends & family!
SUP for the first time in ideal conditions. This means, little to no wind, water is calm & the temperature is warm enough to get in. The skill level req'd at Alberta Lakes is ultimately weather dependant.
Basic
You have limited SUP experience and/or never had a formal SUP lesson. You are comfortable standing up to paddle with (or without) proper technique. You have ambition to advance your skills to SUP independently.
Choose a time & location when the water is calm & temperatures are manageable. You should never SUP anywhere that you are not prepared to get into the water nor should you SUP alone at this stage.
Novice
You have previously taken a SUP lesson for basic skills through a certified WPA, (myself), or Paddle Canada Instructor. You display the ability to perform basic paddle strokes, rescue & are aware of safety protocols.
Comfortable on flat water & ready to challenge yourself in the Rocky Mountains! Prepared to practice in windy conditions with unexpected gusts & choppy waters, with the support of an advanced paddler or Instructor.
Advanced
You have taken formal SUP Lessons for both Basic & Advanced skills through a certified WPA (myself) or a Paddle Canada Instructor. You have the skills & safety knowledge required to paddle on alpine lakes.
You can safely control your board in windy conditions up to 15km/hr with choppy waters & are prepared for sudden gusts much stronger while on glacier-fed alpine lakes with near freezing water temperatures.
Racer - Beginner
You have taken SUP Lessons for Basic (& preferably Advanced) skills through a certified WPA (myself) or a Paddle Canada Instructor. You have the desire & ambition to start training for your first SUP race!
You wish to build the core & shoulder strength required to progress into SUP racing. Training will include paddling in different types of water & weather conditions & incorporate specialized Yoga for SUP.
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