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The SUP Inland Open Water Leader syllabus is built around safe and effective group leadership in open inland water environments. It emphasises practical decision-making, environmental awareness, and interpersonal skills as much as technical paddling ability. The award is environment-specific, meaning your leadership is assessed in the type of water you’ll actually operate in.
The assessment is run over a typical journey on a suitable inland open water venue. Candidates will be asked to lead a group in real-time, dealing with changing conditions and group needs. You’ll also be observed on personal paddling competency, safety management, and navigation decisions. A written or verbal discussion may cover planning, weather, and leadership theory.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—your style of leadership should reflect your personality and the needs of your group. Prior experience, a solid understanding of the environment, and confident execution of safety and rescue techniques are key to success.
Optional training courses are available but not mandatory. Many paddlers prepare through mentoring, peer paddling, or bespoke coaching sessions.
Achieving the SUP Inland Open Water Leader award qualifies you to lead stand-up paddleboard journeys on inland open waters such as large lakes, lochs, and wide slow-moving rivers in winds up to Force 4 (approx. 13–18 mph / 20–28 km/h). You’ll be able to support a range of participants, including beginners and those developing their skills, in a safe and enjoyable way.
This qualification is ideal for those leading groups in recreational, club, or commercial settings. It’s recognised across the UK and can form part of a professional outdoor career pathway. It also enables you to access professional liability insurance (where applicable) and is often required for employment in outdoor education centres, adventure tourism, or SUP schools.
With this award, you can run day trips and journeys, plan and manage group safety, and respond effectively to incidents. It’s a practical, respected leadership award that reflects real-world paddling leadership in open inland settings.
There is no formal training requirement; candidates may choose to undertake optional training or go straight to assessment when ready. The assessment typically takes 1 day and includes on-water and off-water tasks.
The SUP Inland Open Water Leader award from Paddle UK is assessed through a practical on-the-water assessment led by a qualified assessor. The assessment typically takes one full day and includes planning, leading and managing a group of stand-up paddleboarders on an inland journey. You’ll need to demonstrate safe decision-making, environmental awareness, group control, and rescue skills in varied open water conditions such as large lakes, canals or slow-moving rivers. Expect to be evaluated on your ability to manage dynamic situations, communicate effectively with a group, and apply leadership strategies to keep your paddlers safe and engaged. Prior to assessment, candidates must complete a Leader Registration with Paddle UK and hold valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications. Adventuro's booking pages offer access to centres across the UK that can help you prepare and guide you through assessment.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesInland Open Water refers to larger bodies of freshwater such as lakes, reservoirs, canals, and slow-moving rivers where wind and weather can significantly affect paddling conditions. It's different from sheltered water environments and requires more advanced group management and route planning skills.
Training is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Paddle UK offers an optional training course to help you develop the necessary skills and confidence. Many paddlers find this invaluable for refining leadership techniques in real-world conditions. Adventuro lists centres that offer both training and assessment options.
You must be at least 16 years old, have registered with Paddle UK as a Leader candidate, and hold current First Aid and Safeguarding certificates. Previous leadership experience and strong paddling ability in open water conditions are essential.
You’ll need to demonstrate a range of rescue techniques appropriate to inland open water, including self-rescue, assisting a fallen paddler, and towing. The assessor will look for calm, effective responses and good judgment in managing real-time incidents.
The assessment typically takes one full day, though this can vary slightly depending on the provider and local conditions. Expect a full day on the water with a mixture of group leadership, navigation, and safety scenarios.
Yes, candidates are expected to bring equipment suitable for a day of leading on inland open water. This includes a paddleboard, leash, paddle, buoyancy aid (PFD), first aid kit, towline, and suitable clothing for the conditions. Some centres may have gear available—check with them when booking through adventuro.
Yes, route planning is a core part of the assessment. You'll be asked to plan and lead a journey that reflects real-world scenarios, considering weather, water conditions, group ability, and environmental impact. Navigation and contingency planning are also assessed.
There’s no formal written exam, but you will be expected to discuss your decisions and show a good theoretical understanding of leadership, safety, and environmental considerations. Your assessor may ask questions throughout the day to gauge this knowledge.
If you don’t meet the standard on the day, your assessor will provide detailed feedback and outline what needs improvement. You can rebook your assessment once you’ve addressed those areas—many centres found on adventuro offer tailored coaching to help you get ready.
Yes, it’s designed to qualify you to lead mixed-ability groups, including beginners, on inland open water. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to adapt your leadership style to keep everyone safe and engaged, regardless of experience level.
