Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Delphine Etienne, Dubai

DUBAI. Meet Delphine Etienne, ASI SUP Instructor in Dubai.

Having always enjoyed watersports Delphine discovered her passion for SUP after moving to Dubai, while looking for a watersport she could do when there was no wind. After spending lots of time paddling out on the water, Delphine wanted to share this passion with others and created her school Ocean Academy.

We asked her some questions to find out more…

 

What is your background?

I am a PE teacher, I was working in a primary school and a gymnastics club. 

Sailor on dinghies and catamaran during the weekend and the holidays.

 

What got you involved in the sport?

We moved to Dubaï in 2018. I was enjoying my time on the water when we were sailing but the wind is quite light in Dubaï and I was looking for a watersport to do when there's no wind.

 

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I'm passionate to share knowledge and to teach sport, ASI was offering the instructions that I was looking for, a program to learn, improve and teach with a follow up on our activities.

 

What are you doing now?

Paddling a lot, I have created my own school "Ocean Academy", and I am teaching SUP for adults and kids on several beaches and at Dubaï Offshore sailing club.

I'm trying to offer different activities, such as a beautiful sunrise facing Burj Khalifa (picture), paddle in the Palm, around the Burj Al Arab (picture), discovering secret beaches and paddling in the mangroves, a paddle for the planet (ocean clean up) where parents, friends, kids were invited to help keep our oceans clean...we have also organized 2 SUP races, it was a nice way to welcome beginners and advanced people to come back into SUP after this covid time.

I'm so lucky to have my office outside 😊 enjoying every day this beautiful skyline of Dubaï.

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?

I like to see the improvement of people, showing them the different techniques and to find the best way for them to understand how to correct their move, position and coordination. 

The first class is always the best, an introduction to SUP and then people realize how it works...Every time I have the same kind of comments" I didn't realize it was such a good workout, a full body exercise, it's quite challenging to have a good balance..., I can feel my core and legs...."

 

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

During covid, we were allowed to paddle, I spent a lot of time on the water with my husband, friends and students. Motor boats and jetskis were not used during the lockdown, the sea was so calm. No more noise, a quiet and peaceful ocean where we had this amazing chance to see 10 dolphins playing and swimming under our boards....it was just.

It happens a lot with turtles when I am teaching my SUP lessons.....they are so cute....

 

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

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

Check out Delphine on facebook and Instagram