Introducing ASI Instructor, Jennifer Kilp

AUSTRALIA. NSW CENTRAL COAST. Jennifer Kilp is an ASI SUP instructor located on the Central Coast, NSW Australia.  Operating a successful watersports business, they added SUP when it became popular, and never looked back.

1.   What is your background?
My husband and I bought our current business, Aquafun Avoca Lake 20 years ago when our 3 children were all under 10 years old.  At first we just hired kayaks and pedal boats on Avoca Lake but when stand-up paddleboarding began to get popular we bought a trailer full of boards to add a little variety to our offering.  Little did we expect the sport to become so popular! 
 
2.   What got you involved in the sport? 
Most people try the sport, enjoy it and then get involved.  With me it was the other way around, my business got involved, and it wasn’t too long before I was hooked.  I guess I was in a better position than most to get into the sport. I love the water and have been a surfer for many years

 
3.   Why did you become an ASI instructor?
Well, it was kind of a no-brainer.  I was in a perfect position - with an existing business, and a desire to give others a chance to experience the fun while connecting to nature.
 
 4.   What are you doing now?
We still own the business,  our children are all grown up, though one of them never left.   Our middle child, now 26, works in our business and is also an ASI SUP instructor.  Even though I’m no spring chicken anymore at 58, I still get a buzz from getting out on the water - whether surfing or SUPing.
 
 
5.   What do you like about being an ASI instructor?
Unlike surfing, I love that stand-up paddle boarding is easy and accessible to so many people.  I love that in a one-hour lesson I can teach people of varying ages all the necessary fundamentals of the sport for them to safely and confidently get out on the water to enjoy the beauty of our waterways with the bonus of getting a great work out at the same time.
 
 
6.   Tell us about funny or interesting or nice situation that has happened to you with instructing?
Every year our business hosts about 40 excited over 60s for  “Seniors Week”.  One group go kayaking with my husband while myself and son take out the more adventurous who want to learn to SUP.    One year I had a man in his 80s who, unsurprisingly, was having reservations as we took to the water.  He pretty much decided to stay seated and not give it a go, but with extra special attention and support I got him up and paddling.  I will never forget his joy and excitement. Being an instructor is rewarding in so many ways.

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About ASI
ASI is a professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.
International Instructor and Coach Accreditation. You can travel the world with ASI.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
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