Introducing ASI SUP Instructor Debbie Ashley, UK

UK. Meet ASI SUP Instructor Debbie Ashley.

 

Debbie discovered her passion for SUP after trying it for the first time when she was nearing 50. She was surprised to find it was not only lots of fun but that it improved her core fitness as well as her mental health and well-being. Instantly hooked, she knew she needed to share this passion with others in a safe environment. Debbie is now doing exactly that and is an inspiration to people of all ages.

 

We asked her a few questions to find out more…

 

What is your background?

“I was always a sporty kid with a particular passion for the water. Would swim and splash at any opportunity and even won the swimming colours (a school award) when I was 11. As an adult I continued to swim for exercise yet this waned as I juggled raising children with a stressful job. Over the years I put weight on and became less active and also suffered from depression.”

 

What got me involved in the sport?

“I went to visit my sister in Perth, Australia in 2018 and was watching my brother-in-law and his kids with envy paddling on their board up the coast. It just looked so idyllic yet unattainable to this overweight and nearing 50 years of age lady. Then he came back, got off the board and threw the paddle towards me, saying “your turn”. So I rose to the challenge and got on and paddled! And was instantly hooked.”

 

Why did you become an ASI Instructor?

“I found sup later in life and I can honestly say it changed my life. I had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my mid-40s and here was a water sport, that would not only improve my core fitness, but provided me with the essential lift I needed for my mental health and well-being. I wanted to become an instructor to prove to other people my age that there is hope and I’m a believer in lifelong fitness. I’m also a champion for family activity, having spent years working with children and families, so love it with they come to me to experience family time on the water.”

 

What are you doing now?

“In 2021, I set up my own small sup tuition school. I wanted to bring sup to an urban area and also to provide a water sport on a canal environment. It was important to me to offer 1:1 lessons as well as small group opportunities. I’ve had people come to me who say they’ve come to me because I offer this and they don’t want to learn with, or “get lost” in a large group.”

 

What do you like about being an ASI Instructor?

“I just feel so fortunate to be able to pass on my passion for a sport that I love in a safe environment. I’ve had some wonderful reviews and my fitness, my confidence and my wellbeing are very much improved. I meet so many amazing people in the process and I love the chance to give children the opportunity to grow in water confidence.”

 

Tell us about a funny or interesting or nice situation that has happened to you while instructing?

“I was on a lesson just saying to a lady on her first lesson about how sup is great for balance and then I lost my balance and fell in! Just goes to show no matter how good you get you can still take a tumble! We both laughed.”

 

A huge thank you to Debbie for taking the time to give us some insight into life as a SUP Instructor.

If you fancy becoming an ASI SUP Instructor like Debbie then click here to find out how to get started and make your dream job a reality!

 

Check out Debbie’s website here 121sup.com