Due to the popular demand for SUP lesson and activities, SUP schools are sprouting up around the country.  Councils, Australia-wide, are now issuing permits for SUP Schools.   
 
Pittwater Council, in Sydneys northern beaches, was the first council to issue an SUP School licence, under a tender arrangement, in December 2009.
 
Pittwater Council granted a seasonal (quarterly) commercial permit to one operator to conduct stand up paddleboarding lessons at Winnererremy Bay Mona Vale In August 2009 and to expire in November 2009.

Given that Council had received interest from other parties to conduct the same type of operation, Council looked for proposals from companies, organisations or individuals with the resources, qualifications and experience to operate a commercial operation of this type. 
 
Tender permit details were:
?        Location:  Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale
?        Exclusive licence i.e. one SUP School only
?        One (1) year with one year option
?        Must have at a minimum ASI stand up paddle (enclosed flat water) instructors certificate issued from an appropriate body such as the Academy of Surfing Instructors.
 
Stuart Murray, owner of Suplove won the tender.  Stuart is an ASI accredited SUP Instructor and an ASI accredited SUP school. 
 
With the increasing popularity of SUP, council issuing of permits will become more regulated, much the same way as surf school licences are limited.  For example, Byron Bay Council issued only 4 surf school licences for a period of 5 years.  This is to ensure that beaches and waterways do not become congested with too many SUP operators.
 
Being fully accredited will now become a major requirement for councils as they decide who should "win" these limited SUP School licences.
 
ASI provides accreditation and insurance for SUP instructors and SUP schools.  
 
There are 4 levels of Stand up Paddle Instructor from Level 1 - Stand Up Paddle Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water) to Level 4 Master Stand Up Paddle Coach.
 
ASI Education Committee and Trainers are:
Jamie Mitchell from the Gold Coast.
Will Anido & Darren Borg from the Central Coast
 
For more information on accreditation: see ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors)  www.academyofsurfing.com