moderate
4–8 hours per day
Participants should have basic fitness with the ability to paddle for several hours over varied ocean conditions.
Master stand-up paddleboarding with expert-led SUP Touring courses in Victoria, BC. Learn essential paddling and navigation skills while exploring stunning coastal waters.
Safety, Skills and FUN
Embark on an unforgettable ocean adventure with the SUP Touring courses! Level 1 introduces essential paddling and navigation skills in a coastal setting, while Level 2 challenges you with dynamic conditions and advanced techniques. Gain confidence, enhance your safety knowledge, and explore the beauty of the ocean over immersive days on the water.
Touring 1 6-8 hours Touring 2 12-14 hours
SUP Touring Level 1
This course introduces participants to paddling and navigating in a coastal environment. The emphasis is on knowledge, navigation and safety skills. The course expands on concepts introduced in the Advanced Flatwater SUP Skills course and applies them to a more dynamic coastal environment.
Knowledge and skill topics include:
The course is 6-8 hours long on the water and adjacent shoreline with some pre-course reading and assignments.
PREREQUISITE: Advanced Flatwater SUP Skills course, or equivalent skills and knowledge. Paddlers need time and practice to sufficiently develop the skills learned in the prerequisite course before registering in this course.
SUP Touring Level 2
This course builds on the skills in Touring Level 1. More dynamic ocean conditions (moderate conditions, along a moderately exposed shore with frequent easy-landing opportunities) and greater depth on topics covered in Touring Level 1 (trip planning, weather forecasting, decision making, navigation, tides and currents, safety and more).
This course is two 6-8 hour days on the water and adjacent shoreline with some pre-course reading and assignments.
PREREQUISITE: 1) SUP Touring Level 1 course, or equivalent skills and knowledge; 2) Experience - at least 3, one-day SUP touring trips in different locations; 3) Remote (Wilderness) first aid (20 hours) with CPR strongly recommended
Check out www.PaddleCanada.com for more info on both courses.
Wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and water activity (layers are a good idea; avoid cotton, as it absorbs and retains water like a sponge keeping you wet and cold)
Wearing insulated footwear, like neoprene boots, is recommended during the cold season
Bring a towel, change of clothes (just in case)
Use a strap for your prescription glasses or sunglasses (we have straps available for rent or purchase)
Leave your electronic keys, phone, etc. on shore or place in a dry bag (rental dry bags are available for an additional fee)
Drysuits, boots & gloves can be added to your course booking (additional fee applies)
Always review local marine weather and tides before heading out to ensure safe and enjoyable paddling conditions.
A properly fitted PFD is crucial for safety during SUP touring on ocean waters.
Use quick-drying wetsuits or layered clothing to stay warm and comfortable on the water.
Keep valuables and essentials dry using waterproof dry bags or compartments.
The waters around Victoria have long been important to the Coast Salish peoples, who used traditional watercraft for transportation and fishing.
South Island SUP emphasizes eco-friendly practices and educates paddlers on minimizing their impact on marine ecosystems.
Critical for safety on ocean tours and required during all paddle sessions.
Keeps you warm and comfortable during chilly water conditions, especially in spring and fall.
spring specific
Protects personal items from water exposure and keeps your gear dry.
Provides traction on the board and protection when launching from rocky shores.
summer specific