SUPfit has teamed up with Active IQ to develop a nationally-recognised bespoke qualification for those wanting to use stand up paddle boarding (SUP) for fitness.

The new instructor package combines SUP, yoga and fitness to give participants the skills they need to teach three of SUPfit’s classes: SUP and Run, SUP Circuits and SUP Stretch and Strengthen.

SUPfit offers classes, workshops and retreats in SUP Fitness and SUP Yoga, as well as training courses. Its founder, Lucy McCormick, says there is a growing demand for SUP fitness instructors.

SUP Yoga and SUP Fitness courses have been available as additional CPD courses for three years and are very popular, with next year’s SUP Yoga already sold out. Due to their popularity McCormick decided to formalise her training and work with an awarding body to develop a recognised qualification specifically for water sports and activity centres to ensure professionalism and safety in the emerging sector.

Active IQ was chosen by McCormick to help develop assessment criteria and ensure modules meet the needs of SUP instructors and fitness professionals.

“I’m delighted to be working with Active IQ as our approved awarding body,” said McCormick. “As an organisation, Active IQ really gives our brand the strength and recognition for quality assured training.”

As part of the course, participants will have a face-to-face training course and complete four modules via Active IQ’s e-learning platform.

James Clack, Active IQ business development manager, said: “The popularity and demand for SUP fitness and yoga has increased dramatically over the past couple of years and we are delighted to be supporting SUPfit with the development of this new qualification. I thoroughly enjoyed developing the qualification and can see it has great potential for instructors and centres.”

The course, which will cost £495, launches in January 2017 at Lagoon Watersports in Brighton.