Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Helen Trehoret

FRANCE. Travelling from the UK to France and setting up her own paddleboarding business, alongside arranging SUP trips and festivals, Helen values the community, passion and expert syllabus that comes with becoming an ASI instructor.

We asked Helen a few questions to find out more about her SUP journey…

What is your background?

I am from the UK, but moved to Brittany, France 10 years ago, just as SUP paddling was emerging.

I started paddling in 2009. My first SUP board was Starboard 11.2 all round, and we had a drops 12ft with no handle! I started SUP surfing, then moved to racing, the racing circuit started increasing in size around 2012, so I raced the circuit.

I’m passionate about DW paddling, SUP touring, SUP foiling and SUP touring. The latter allows me to go to Scotland each year and explore the region, camping and exploring routes in the wilds!

In 2018 I did my ASI instructor qualification in Scotland, and in 2019 I trained in France to be an instructor. I have my own business Barrachou Paddle, we do SUP tours and lessons in France, and organise SUP festivals and trips in Scotland. 

 

What got you involved in the sport?

My husband heard about the sport in 2008 and bought a SUP board, a 12ft Drops. I then tried it and found it amazing. The rest is history.

Here in France, or Finisterre, there is a big SUP community, with 80% of the French team based or from Finisterre. We have it all… wind, waves, flat water, it’s a hot bed for SUP talent, so my passion just grew with that!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

The syllabus was more interesting, and the fact it is global.
 

What are you doing now?

I have my own business Barrachou Paddle. I do SUP tours and lessons in North Finisterre.

I also arrange SUP trips and festivals aimed at women in Scotland: 'Wild Women SUP Symposium". I also work for TotalSUP online magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?

I enjoy the global spread of the instructors.

 

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

During a lesson I had a seal that swam underneath our boards... it was amazing, here is the footage!

 

Thanks to Helen for shining some light on the global benefits of becoming an ASI certified SUP instructor!

If you fancy making your dream job a reality and becoming an ASI instructor like Helen, then click here to find out how to get started.