The "Leash use" thread created an important conversation about paddling safety and the responsibility of SUP businesses and individuals.
I started this, as a reply to that thread.... and decided it might sidetrack it... so here is a glance at my method of teaching flat-water SUP paddling.

It's how I teach friends and family.... how I teach anyone that is interested in paddling.

I start with... why I love SUP.... ways I enjoy it and what it means to me.

followed immediately by a safety conversation
Leash
PFD
Paddle plan
Understanding wind, tide & potential for abrupt weather changes
Knowing hazards
Skin & eye protection
hydration

How to fall
How to get back on the board

How to use the wind
How to avoid the wind

yada yada... safety can be covered in a few minutes...... just enough to drive home the point that SUP has a serious side.... and mishaps can be easily mitigated with proper planning

A good plan can make for a great trip.... instead of a potential disaster

The first stoke I teach them is..... how to stop.... and turn quickly, using the back stroke. (They will need this within 5 minutes)

I show them a basic rowing stroke and let them deal with the "balance" part of standup till they seem steady.
then how to use an athletic stance, knees slightly bent, ready to absorb the wobbles.
They have enough to deal with at first, without worrying about a perfect stoke

We never hover around a landing working on technique..... I always take them somewhere.
I want them to see the real potential..... not obsess about "how to"

As we paddle, I explain the channel buoy system, rights of way and the fact that boaters may never see them
I teach how rivers flow
How to use the lee shore and the tide as well as the wind
How to spot underwater obstacles
How to safely get on and off the board as you approach land

And.... most importantly.... I show them the real beauty of SUP.... how to really enjoy being on the water on a standup paddle board.

We discuss board & paddle sizes, uses & weights....
I tell them about different types of leashes.... and the danger of a leash in moving water, like a river.... and how to wear a leash for quick release.
We talk about buying gear according to your personal vision of how you will enjoy SUP the most.

at some point in the tour.... I have them stop paddling..... and listen. It's amazing what you hear when you get into a natural setting.
Then... I teach them silent paddling...

After a while, I teach a proper paddle stroke to each person... as we paddle.
The more proficient, are taught how to engage the core, arms and legs to maximize their stroke.

For most folks, SUP is not about a perfect stroke and the latest gear.... it's about the shear wonder of gliding on water, immersed in nature.... and getting fit while doing it.

When we are done, I want them to leave with a real stoke for paddling.... and, an overall understanding, that prepares them to make good decisions as they embark into their SUP future.

As always...... I take pictures along the way....
I edit them, pick the most interesting and email each person a personalized group of photos.... showing their starting stroke and their finishing stroke.... and the beauty of SUP... It's quite amazing.

Here's a few :

Hey, I read this a couple of days ago and didn't get a chance to reply. What a great example of stoke! All the time, thought, and energy you put into teaching people, and just into writing this thread and U/L'ing the photos is a great inspiration. All to pass it on, to your students, or to us. Thanks for the great pick-me-up. Glad there are people like yourself out there.
Feral

Thanks guys.... it is really fun. They all talk about starting a paddle group, buying gear.... exchanging numbers.... the stoke is there!

coldy.... no..... I just check the CO2 level.