Stand Up Paddle

Water Safety and Rescue Award

Disclaimer - Copyright Issues

Apart from any purposes of private study or research as permitted under the copyright act, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, for the purpose of financial gain or resale. Ensure bibliographic reference when extracts are used in associated publications. The management of Water Skills Academy along with the authors and editors of this book, shall not accept responsibility for any injury, loss or damage caused to any person acting or failing to act upon information arising from material in this book, whether or not such injury, loss or damage is caused by any negligent act, or omission, default or breach of duty by Water Skills Academy or the authors and or editors, except as provided by law.

Content produced by Steve West, Chris Rea, Oli Myles, Ben Longhurst, Mandy West

Publishing Information

© Steve West, Batini Books 2014

First published 2014

ISBN 978-0-9574664-5-6 www.waterskillsacademy.com

Aloha mai no, aloha aku; o ka huhu ka mea e ola `ole ai.

When love is given, love should be returned; anger is the thing that gives no life.

The sea turtle; for the Polynesian people, a symbol of strength on account of the hard carapace and often referred to as, 'the navigator' because of their ability to always find their way home to lay their eggs.

Any water-based training carries with it a degree of risk both to people and property, even if under proper supervision by qualified instructors. This training course is a strenuous activity that requires those taking part to have a good standard of swimming and fitness. All course members must therefore make instructors aware of any medical conditions, illnesses or allergies they may have and any prescribed medication they are taking. No-one should participate in any course if they are suffering from a heart condition or if they are pregnant. All course members must in no circumstances be under the influence of any alcohol, drugs or medication at the time of the course which may adversely affect their physical abilities. All course members must agree to abide to all instructions and decisions that Water Skills Academy and its instructors make in order to secure the safety and comfort of all participants. Course members will have the use of Water Skills Academy equipment during the course. Whereas Water Skills Academy takes all reasonable measures to ensure the safety and good condition of that equipment, course members are responsible for immediately reporting any damage caused to the equipment or which becomes apparent whilst the equipment is in their possession. Course members are responsible for their own safety whilst undertaking non-compulsory training sessions. Water Skills Academy does not seek to limit or exclude any liability for personal injury or loss of life which may occur as a result of its own negligence or that of its employees, officers or agents however, Water Skills Academy assumes no liability in respect of any personal injury, loss, damage, consequential loss or third party claims which occur through no fault of its own, its employees, officers or agents. All other liability or conditions implied by law are excluded to the fullest extent possible.

Aim

The WSA SUP Water Safety and Rescue Award has been designed to create a level of competence in lifesaving for stand up paddleboard (SUP) instructors operating in enclosed flat waters and exposed coastal environments.

This award is not surf endorsed. The WSA requires anyone delivering lessons or training in the surf environment to hold a recognised surf lifesaving qualification.

SUP Sport Good Practice

Originally authored by Steve West for and on behalf of the AALS UK. SUP offers a unique paddle sport experience. Not surprisingly therefore, it presents unique risk management issues for instructors and participants. The rapid, global spread of the sport, promoted at times with over zealous emphasis of its apparent simplistic, safe nature, combined with conflict as to whether considered a surf sport as against that of a paddle sport, has led to confusing, random teaching practices.