The Paddlesports Education Standards were developed by the NASBLA Paddlesports Committee in 2007, in consultation with the American Canoe Association. The standards were refined and completed by the NASBLA Education & Awareness Committee in 2008. The Paddlesports Education Standards were approved by the NASBLA Membership at the NASBLA Annual Conference Business Meeting on September 8, 2008.
Although the National Boating Education Standards were used as a model for the creation of the Paddlesports Education Standards, there are many differences between the two sets of standards. Due to these differences, the Paddlesports Education Standards have been labeled with the letter “P” next to each standard number to denote a difference when compared to the National Boating Education Standards. For more information regarding the National Boating Education Standards, please click here.
A Paddlesports Education Course will be considered “sanctioned by NASBLA” when it has been shown to meet Standards P:1 through P:9. The use of the phrase “NASBLA-Approved Course” will only be used for courses that meet the
National Boating Education Standards. The newly designed logo will be used on certification cards, course completion diplomas and any other document that signifies that a student has successfully completed a NASBLA-sanctioned course in paddlesports education. Courses that are sanctioned by NASBLA will be listed on the NASBLA website and their status will expire on December 31 of the third year following the date of sanction.
Documents for Review and Sanction of a Paddlesports Education Course:
(Please note that Appendix B is not listed above because it specifically deals with Paddlesports content for a basic boating safety course and is unnecessary in a Paddlesports Education Course.)
Application materials and questions regarding the Paddlesports Education Standards should be sent to the NASBLA Education Director at the following address:
1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330
Lexington, KY 40511
