Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Esther Wyatt, Dorset, England UK

We chat to Esther about her journey from London corporate life to a life on the water as a SUP instructor.

What is your background?

I live in Charmouth, a small village on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, South West England.

I used to work full time as a Logistics Director, in London, delivering high end global events for over 20 years. Hitting burnout in in my late thirties, I quit the rat race and moved to the coast and set up a SUP school.

What got you involved in the sport?

About 10 yrs ago I visited a friend in the Caribbean and she had a paddleboard. I had never come across one and fell in love instantly.

I love anything that involves water and have always been drawn to it. I was never much of a boating or sailing fan as I like to be in control and I don’t like anything noisy or man made that disturbs the natural environment.

Paddle boarding offered an affordable way to get on the water, especially living in London. It is not an overly complex sport (unless you surf or race) so is accessible for all ages, and abilities, keeps you active, whilst being able to enjoy spectacular scenery and mentally decompress.

After returning to England, I spent a long time trying to find anyone that sold paddle boards. I finally found an inflatable board (there was no choice at this time as to type and size of board) and then tried to find places to use it. I had no understanding of wind, weather, swell and tide so started on the river Thames. Nobody was doing it so it took a long time till I felt confident in my technique and to progress onto the sea safely. 

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

After quitting London and my career in the corporate market, I wanted to do something I loved and share that passion by teaching others.

I got my ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters) qualification in 2016, allowing me to operate in inland and coastal locations.  I started teaching small groups and slowly grew the business. 

What are you doing now ?

This year marks the 8th anniversary of my SUP school, where we offer everything from beginner paddleboarding lessons to advanced long-distance paddling sessions. Our teaching extends to families, children, and even paddleboarding experiences for dogs and their owners.

While England's unpredictable weather often limits teaching opportunities due to the cold, wind, and swell, paddleboarding remains a year-round adventure for me.

It’s not just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s commuting on my board, practicing SUP yoga at sunrise or sunset on calmer days, or embracing the thrill of SUP surfing during winter, I’m always on the water.

In the colder months, I shift gears to manage short-term holiday rentals and take on freelance contract work, keeping busy no matter the season.

What do you like about being an instructor?

Being outside on the water, doing something I love with my dog in tow (Daisy the SUP dog joins all lessons and adventures).

We get to play with children and dogs, make people laugh and smile, work with those less able or with mental health issues, fears and phobias and witness their progress and achievements.

It is incredibly rewarding work!

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

Early in my teaching journey, I began working one-on-one with an incredible boy on the autism spectrum who faced a challenging upbringing. He required specialized schooling, support for anger management and one-on-one social care.

Engaging with new activities was often difficult for him, but something about our SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) sessions on the water seemed to resonate with him. Despite being briefed on potential emotional or behavioural challenges, from our very first session, he opened up, engaged, and appeared calm—speaking freely in a way that was rare for him.

Teaching him required thoughtful adjustments, prioritising both safety and pacing to suit his needs. However, those sessions turned out to be transformative, boosting not only his confidence but mine as well.

Over the span of seven years, he returned each year for lessons during his annual holidays. Today, he works alongside me during school breaks, helping with equipment setup and pack-down while also joining us on the water as an invaluable extra pair of hands. His ability to connect with and support children dealing with social anxiety or those requiring additional care is remarkable.

Watching him grow into the person he is today, seeing his progress, and knowing I played a part in his journey fills me with immense pride and joy.

About ASI
ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.
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