PSUPA Instructor Certification
PSUPA Flat Water 1 SUP Instructor Certification
Get Certified to Teach Paddle Boarding
Earn your Professional Stand Up Paddle Association (PSUPA) Flat Water 1 Instructor Certification in Seattle, Washington. This internationally recognized program is ideal for SUP instructors, guides, and paddle sports business owners who want to elevate their skills and teach with confidence.
Course Overview
2-Day Course | 9am–5pm | Classroom + On-Water Instruction
You’ll learn and practice:
- SUP safety, rescues, and risk management
- Group management, weather, and navigation
- Teaching 1.5–3 hour beginner paddle board classes
- Effective instruction, learning styles, and communication
- Paddling techniques, balance, and stroke refinement
- Rough water and cold water paddling
- Optional SUP business and marketing guidance
Included:
- 80 plage PSUPA Flat Water 1 Teaching Manual authored by Rob Casey
- Certification awarded upon completion, testing, and evaluation
📍 Next 2026 Course: Seattle – April 18-19
About the Instructor – Rob Casey
Rob Casey is a Seattle-based SUP instructor, author, and surf ski coach with over 25 years of paddling experience, 18 on Sup. He founded Salmon Bay Paddle in 2010 and co-founded PSUPA, helping establish international standards for SUP instruction and safety.
When not in class Rob loves to surf freighter and coastal waves and explore Puget Sound.
He has a passion for Salish Sea conservation and clean beaches on every beach walk. He is also a member of Clallam MRC and on the advisory committee for helping build the Marine Discovery Center in Port Angeles.
Books by Rob:
- Stand Up Paddling: Flat Water to Surf and Rivers
- Paddling the Salish Sea: 80 Trips (both for Mountaineers Books)
Rates
- $600 per person – Includes all gear (Plus $75 to join the PSUPA)
- $300 deposit required to reserve your spot; balance due 30 days before class
- Re-certification (every 4 years): $297
- Non-certification training: $500
Gear Included
- Stable board, leash, paddle, vest PFD
- Wetsuit (4/3mm or 5/4mm), booties, gloves, hood
- You may bring your own equipment if preferred
Requirements to Attend
- Current PSUPA membership ($75/year)
- Current CPR/First Aid certification
- Intermediate to advanced paddling ability (This is not a beginner class)
- Ability to swim and lift/carry gear
- In good physical condition
👉 Not sure you’re ready? Take Rob’s Level 1 or Level 2 SUP courses to prepare.
Benefits for PSUPA-Certified Instructors
- Access to PSUPA instructor resources and Facebook group
- Pro deals from top outdoor brands (Astral, MTI, NorthWater, GearAid, etc.)
- Listing on PSUPA’s instructor directory
- Business promotion and networking opportunities
- Use of PSUPA logos for marketing
- Helps qualify for instructor insurance coverage
How to Register
- Review course requirements and join PSUPA
- Contact Rob to register and pay your deposit
- Receive your pre-course checklist and preparation details
“I appreciated the feasibility of a 2-day course, and believe we thoroughly covered all the basics while getting to enjoy a fantastic location. It was a rich and packed course. I look forward to gaining experience and diving into the PSUPA community resources as need arises.”
What an awesome class my husband and I had with Rob for our SUP certification. His course curriculum covered all that we need to feel confident to teach a class to our clients at Union Paddle and Row. Our time in the water was invaluable as we perfected our strokes in both calm and choppy water. The rescue portion of our class was presented in such a way we all left prepared and ready if need be. I would recommend this class to all. The entire day was incredible!
Love all the the tips from Salmon Bay for paddling, performance, pain/injury prevention and relief. Not only do I personally use these, I keep them in my arsenal of advise for our customers to help improve their performance.
“The PSUPA Level 1 certification course provides fantastic on and off- water training and instruction. Rob Casey sets an excellent example of professionalism in the stand up paddle board business. His emphasis on high-quality instruction, customer service and high safety standards was very much appreciated during our course. Rob’s insight and experience in the paddleboard business has provided us with great ideas, tools and inspiration to get our own business started in Alaska. We would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to instruct paddleboarding or start a SUP business!”
Rob Casey is the best. I learned so much from my PSUPA Flat Water Level 1 class. If you’re looking to improve your skills in SUP Rob and his instructors are the best in the business. They are safety conscience and truly care about the sport. So glad I choose Salmon Bay Paddle
“Rob and Harry are outstanding SUP instructors. They know the paddle board industry and are willing to share their knowledge to make you better. Rob excels in the technical areas and his teaching provides insight in helping you increase your skills. I have taken the instructor training and the Deception Pass’s tidal rapids class and both experiences were outstanding. The classes were held in epic places in the PNW. Salmon Bay Paddle will make you a better paddler and you will have a good time doing it!”