Background of the SUP Pilot Training
During the months leading up to the International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) World Championship in Abu Dhabi, the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) launched a significant project: the creation and first‑hand application of a fully‑developed international coaching textbook for Standing‑Up Paddle (SUP). The initiative was carried out in partnership with the ICF’s SUP Committee, Dubai’s leading water‑sports centre, and the UAE Ministry of Sports. Between 25 and 28 October, a four‑day pilot course was held in the UAE capital, attracting delegates from 16 different nations, including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Iran and the UAE itself.
Structure of the International Coaching Textbook
At the core of the pilot program is a textbook that blends scientific theory with practical coaching exercises. Authored by András Szabó, a senior educational and research officer at HUSS, the manual covers technical fundamentals, periodisation, injury prevention, nutrition, and sport‑specific conditioning for SUP athletes. What sets the book apart is its holistic approach: it aligns the physical demands of stand‑up paddling with cognitive training and psychological resilience, ensuring that coaches can design programmes that maximise performance while mitigating risks.
Key Sections of the Textbook
- Foundations of SUP biomechanics – Detailed explanations of force application and body mechanics, illustrated with clear diagrams and video links.
- Training Cycle Design – Modular training plans that can be adapted for recreational, competitive and elite athletes.
- Injury Prevention and Management – Evidence‑based guidelines for common upper‑body and core injuries, coupled with rehabilitation protocols.
- Nutrition and Recovery – Practical advice on macronutrient timing, hydration, and active recovery tools.
- Coaching Psychology – Techniques for goal setting, motivation, and performance pressure handling.
Outcomes and Global Reach
The pilot training yielded impressive results. Out of 40 participants, 36 received official diplomas, a success rate of 90 %. The curriculum proved adaptable across different coaching contexts, and participants reported a significant increase in their confidence to design and lead SUP programmes independently. The book’s translation into multiple languages and the inclusion of culturally tailored examples have enabled it to resonate with coaches worldwide.
Case Study: The UAE Delegation
Delegates from the UAE, specifically the UAE National Olympic Committee and the Marine Sports Federation, recognised the textbook as a strategic resource for the upcoming regional competitions. The training also fostered partnerships with local clubs, providing a pipeline for athletes to integrate advanced coaching techniques into club‑level programming.
Recognition from the International Canoe Federation
During the event, high‑profile figures such as H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, praised the material: “It was truly a great joy and honour for me to participate in the SUP Level 1 Instructor Programme certified by the International Canoe Federation.” The ICF’s endorsement signals that the textbook meets the rigorous standards of international coaching, positioning HUSS as a global leader in sport‑science education.
Support from UAE Leadership
The presence of senior UAE officials – including H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, and H.E. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Secretary for Sports Development – underscored the governmental support for advancing water‑sports education. Their participation also highlighted the project’s importance for regional youth development and sports tourism.
Implications for Coaches and National Federations
Coaches attending the pilot programme, and those who studied the textbook afterward, can apply several actionable strategies:
- Structured Periodisation – Use the modular phase‑based designs to customise training loads for seasonal peaks.
- Biomechanical Correctness – Incorporate the textbook’s technique checks to reduce strain on shoulders and lower back.
- Preventive Care – Implement the injury‑prevention protocols during warm‑ups and cool‑downs to extend athlete longevity.
- Team Building – Leverage the coaching psychology section to foster a supportive team culture.
For national federations, the material offers a ready‑to‑implement curriculum that can be institutionalised across clubs, ensuring a unified coaching standard.
Potential Extensions
The success of this pilot has opened doors for further collaboration. Discussions are ongoing to expand the textbook into a series covering other paddle sports and to develop e‑learning modules that can deliver the same content online. András Szabó has expressed interest in creating supplementary video resources and a mobile app to facilitate real‑time feedback for athletes.
Future Developments and Continuing Excellence
HUSS has already begun drafting a roadmap for the next phase of the project:
- Release of a second edition incorporating the latest research on performance analytics.
- Partnership with the ICF to run annual instructor courses in key regions.
- Establishment of a mentorship network connecting experienced coaches with newcomers.
- Integration of wearable technology data into the training plans to personalise athlete profiles.
These initiatives will keep HUSS at the forefront of sports coaching education and will provide coaches worldwide with the tools they need to elevate their athletes.
Take the Next Step as a Coach
Coaches interested in adopting the international SUP training material should contact HUSS’s Coaching Department to register for upcoming workshops. The department offers personalised consultations, tailored coaching plans, and access to the latest research from the university’s research centre.
Final Thoughts
The recognition of András Szabó’s textbook by the ICF and its successful pilot in Abu Dhabi demonstrate that high‑quality science‑based coaching can be disseminated effectively across borders. By embracing this resource, coaches can enhance athlete performance, reduce injury risks, and contribute to the growing global community of stand‑up paddling.
