1    Apprentice - Level 1 (New Instructors)

1    Completion of online Instructor Manual-based training course and/or passing a NSSIA approved training course presented by a NSSIA Master or Senior Level Instructor.
1 SUP references.
Sign a waiver certificate that also states they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf School code of ethics.
Minimum of 4 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you paddling
Head photo

2    Instructor Level 2

2    2 years minimum experience as a SUP instructor.
2 school or certified instructor references or 1 NSSIA Master/Senior Instructor reference.
Sign a waiver certificate that also states that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved SUP/surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf School code of ethics.
CPR certificate
Minimum of 5 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you paddling
Head photo

2    SUP Coach Level 2

2    Any of below may be acceptable.
4 years experience as a SUP instructor or a SUP coach for a high school or college
1 years experience as a SUP competitor.
1 letter of recommendation from an athletic director or letter of recommendation from a current or former top 25 professional SUP.
Sign a waiver certificate that also states certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf/SUP School code of ethics.
CPR certificate.
Police background investigation.*
Minimum of 4 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you paddling.
Head photo

3    Senior Instructor - Level 3

3    4 years experience as a SUP instructor.
3 references.*
Sign a waiver certificate that also states that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf/SUP etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf/SUP School code of ethics.
CPR certificate.
Minimum of 8 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you surfing
Head photo

4    Master - Level 4

4    7 years working as a SUP instructor.
1 certified master instructor endorsement (Normally provided by NSSIA).*
Sign a waiver certificate that also states certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf/SUP etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf/SUP School code of ethics.
CPR certificate.
Police background investigation (at our expense).
Minimum of 10 years verifiable SUP experience. Certify one new instructor (or teach a class).

Photo (or color copy) of you surfing
Head photo

4    Exceptions

4    * Police background investigations exclude marijuana offenses older than 4 years, alcohol offenses older than two years, and misdemeanor offenses.

4   

4    Additional Experience: Formal training in a NSSIA sponsored and endorsed instructors' training course may be acceptable for one additional year of instructor experience.

4    If an applicant cannot meet the 2 accredited SUP school or 2 certified SUP instructor references requirements, but are otherwise qualified, they may submit an application to the Director of Certifications without references. Certifications will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

4    If the person applying owns the surf school and has been established for a number of years, the number of reference letters and what the necessary reference letter states can be negotiated on a case by case basis. Submit your application and the NSSIA will get back to you.

4    Note: The certificates are annually renewable.