Introducing ASI SUP Instructor Jessica Bullock

UK. From an instant love of exploring the British waterways on a paddleboard to becoming a qualified ASI SUP instructor with her own business, we’re thrilled to have Jessica onboard. Jessica enjoys sharing her passion while continually enhancing her SUP knowledge as an ASI instructor, and you can now find her offering all-ability 1:1 and group sessions with her very own paddleboarding company.

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

What is your background?

Hi, I’m Jess, a paddle boarding and indoor rock-climbing instructor based on the Northants/Cambridgeshire boarder, UK. Alongside my teaching, I’m an admin for my local SUP community page, ‘Nene SUP Social’, where I organise events and share advice with other enthusiasts.

What got you involved in the sport?

I first tried paddle boarding on my aunt’s hardboard several years ago and instantly enjoyed the freedom of gliding along the river amongst the wildlife. I soon took lessons, which progressed into joining various SUP clubs across the country and exploring our beautiful British waterways as well as overseas (Giethoorn in the Netherlands was a big highlight).

I love the comradery of paddling in a group and have enjoyed lots of river adventures with friends, including night paddles with our lit boards and camping trips. The beauty of SUP is that you can take it at any pace and it benefits your whole wellbeing. 

Why did you become an ASI SUP instructor?

I became an ASI SUP instructor because I enjoy building people’s confidence and helping them to overcome their personal obstacles. I wanted a qualification that would back up my existing experience and allow me to teach larger groups, ensuring best practices are promoted to newer paddlers.

The sport has become so popular so it is essential that new paddlers are given the best information to keep them safe out on the water.        

What are you doing now?

I now run my SUP School,  where I offer group lessons and 1-1’s to all ability levels.  I’ve met so many wonderful people through this and love helping students to build their confidence on the water or wall.  I have collaborated with Pure Turtle, a local wellness centre, to combine their services with mine and also Lake District Paddleboarding to offer lessons amongst the lakes and mountains of Cumbria. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you like about being an ASI SUP instructor?

I like continually enhancing my SUP knowledge and joining others within the SUP community, as I am a firm believer that learning never stops. It’s exciting to share the knowledge I’ve gained and I put a lot of effort into making lessons inclusive, comfortable and fun for everyone.

It’s a great feeling when a student smiles and tells me how glad they are that they came for a lesson, and even better when they buy their first board!    

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

You never know what you may encounter on the river, whether it’s a raft of ducks hopping on my students’ boards for a ride or a flurry of parachutists descending in the sky nearby. No trip is ever the same and that’s one of the many things I love about teaching outdoors.

I remember when I was in a group of 40+ paddleboarders who all met for a charity fundraising paddle in Liverpool docks and looking across to see a dinosaur, Super Mario and a stormtrooper amongst other characters on their boards, thinking how extraordinary this was. At that point I was so glad of the day I stepped from the canoe to my aunt’s paddle board for the first time and got to share this experience with such a vibrant community.
 

A big thank you to Jessica for taking the time to share her insightful journey and experiences into becoming a SUP Instructor! 

 

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