Water Skills Academy (WSA) is an international organisation providing watersport instructor courses and consultancy across the disciplines of Stand Up Paddleboarding, Beach Lifeguarding, & Surf Instructing.
All of our WSA trainers are highly experienced individuals with vast experience in their chosen field and offer the highest standard of professional watersport training. We provide technical advice to the Princes Trust, councils, schools and government organisations and offer centre and school accreditation.

become a member
Join today and get immediate insurance cover, and waterway access through your Canal & Rivers Trust Licence.
Are you looking to take your SUP career further?
See what our Water Skills Academy Trainers, Accredited Providers and Ambassadors have to say about why they chose the WSA professional pathway to becoming recognised providers of SUP activities to an extremely high and globally recognised standard, both in terms of technical knowledge and safety.

About
Find out about our organisation,
mission, our methods, and the results of our decades of advocacy.
WORLDWIDE GUIDED SUP ADVENTURE weekends & holidays

LATEST STORIES
We’ve put the spotlight on the 10 most influential women in the SUP world right now. From breaking world records to advocating for environmental causes, these women have not only excelled in their athletic pursuits but also paved the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport. Their stories of resilience, determination, and leadership inspire others to push their limits and make positive changes in the world. Join us as we honour these incredible women and their achievements in SUP.
Becoming B Corp certified is hugely exciting. That huge sigh of relief you breathe when you first get wind of the news. Namely due to the sheer work involved in getting your business over the line. Truthfully, change is always uncomfortable. But it’s a hugely important element of bettering ourselves and our businesses. And in the case of B Corp certification, there is a huge warm, fuzzy feeling waiting for you, knowing you have carried your business over that all-important first line.
Here’s some of the advice we wish we’d received before we set out on our B Corp journeys.
Hiring SUP equipment offers a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for individuals who want to enjoy the sport. But what should you be looking for when it comes to hiring the right SUP equipment to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience? We’ve pulled together the key things to look for when hiring stand up paddleboarding kit.
From adrenaline-pumping races and competitions to fun-filled festivals and kit demos, there's something for every level of paddler to enjoy at the host of paddleboarding events happening all over the UK in 2023. Whether you're a seasoned pro, just starting out or simply want to observe all of the action - these events offer the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn more about all aspects of the sports, be inspired, enhance your skills, challenge yourself, and have some memorable fun on the water.
On January 3rd, 2023, the Water Skills Academy came under new ownership. Since 2014, the WSA has evolved into the organisation you know today. With a founding ethos of bringing something new to watersports education, the WSA has become one of the most forward-thinking and leading providers in the sector. Environmental and safety awareness is at the heart of everything the WSA does while continuing to deliver the most popular watersport courses and qualifications under one umbrella.
The UK is a great place to explore by stand-up paddleboard (SUP). With its unique combination of coastline, rivers and canals, you can find an adventure that suits your skill level. Guided SUP adventures are the perfect way to experience this stunning country while learning new skills in a safe environment.
The tragic paddleboarding incident in October 2021 on the Western Cleddau river in Haverfordwest reminds us all of the risks this highly popular sport can present. This article collates much of the advice already included in other WSA guidance that relates specifically to the lessons we can extract from the MAIB report into this incident.
As a BCorp with a business model centred around the ocean, we are already acutely aware of the importance of sustainable business and ethics in our work, as well as in our everyday decision-making. Earlier this month we headed to The Blue Earth Summit in Bristol, to share in and learn from the thoughts and ideas from those putting people and the planet first.
WSA Ambassador and owner of WSA Accredited School Barefoot SUP, Samantha Rutt, completed her crossing of the North Channel on a paddleboard, earlier this year. Here Sam discusses how she found success in failure, when initial challenges didn’t quite go to plan.
Today is World Mental Day. Paddlesports can have wonderful benefits on our wellbeing. From busting bad moods to helping improve more serious issues such as depression and anxiety, paddling is great for your mental health.