Introducing ASI SUP Instructor Ho Kah Soon

Ho Kah Soon, is an ASI instructor based in Singapore.  We chat to him about his passion for SUP and how he came to set up Constant Wind, one of Singapore’s most successful watersports and SUP school. 
 
My passion and fixation for the sea and sea sports began from my school days when I started Kayaking as a school extra-curricular activity.  From there I got hooked on to sailing which I subsequently took on as a competitive sport in the Asian and World Cadet dinghy championship representing schools in Singapore and the Asian Fireball Dinghy Championship in the 1980’s which I achieved overall 3rd position.  

During that time, Windsurfing started gaining popularity and traction as a sea sport activity and so I immersed myself in the sport.  Since then, I have travelled to many countries competing and promoting the sport and participated in ASEAN, Asian and World Championships.

In 2012, Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) was introduced in Singapore and it became an overnight hit among sea sport enthusiasts.  

Constant Wind being a sea sport centre took the opportunity to introduce the sport to visitors and members. By then, I had already been managing the sea sport centre for some time and continue to do so to this day. 

I continued to promote SUP to interested/fitness groups, planning trips and events for SUP. 

As I have always taken a very serious stand, that when underway at sea, the observance of good seamanship at all times must be practiced, I got involved with the sport of SUP to promote to enthusiasts and the public a proper path for the sport not only in the areas of skill foundation but more importantly, the safety aspects in general.  

To be able to facilitate this, I became an accredited instructor from the Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI), a recognised world leading professional membership body in SUP instruction, training and certification. 

I wanted to garner, through first-hand experience, the right skills especially the safety aspects of the sport. 

I like being an ASI accredited instructor as we are trained to impart SUP skill and knowledge in a proper structured manner to enthusiasts and beginners most importantly, in an effective manner so they thoroughly understand all aspects of the sport and enjoy the activity in a safe and secure manner. 

A good instructor, in my view, is one that inspires his student and not let them give up when they face challenges.  

Such an inspiring and interesting situation for me while instructing was when I had a chance to spur on and guide a SUP Paddler to finish a 6 KM race when the paddler was almost giving up in the first KM.  This gave the SUP Paddler and myself, as an instructor, a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with finishing something challenging successfully. 

Thanks Kah Soon, for sharing your adventures in SUP and watersports. 

About ASI
ASI is a professional membership and training organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
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