Introducing ASI SUP Instructor Kerry Baker, WALES, UK

UK. WALES. Meet Kerry Baker, an ASI Level 3 SUP Instructor and school owner. She has been stand-up paddle boarding since 2010 and started racing during the winter of 2012 at the mighty BaySUP Frostbite Race Series. Kerry has claimed several national titles and now shares her love of SUP by teaching everything she’s learnt through her SUP school, Island SUP. 

We asked her a few questions…
 
What is your background?

I have always lived by the ocean and the beach was my playground growing up, I would spend days with my friends exploring the rock pools, building boats of some description, climbing on the rocks, jumping off the rocks and zooming to the beach via some sort of water craft. We used body boards, surf boards and skim boards to try and catch the waves. 
I really fell in love with surfing when I was about 12, I used to beg my parents to take me to our local breaks. I am now 44 and I still absolutely love being in the sea, trying to catch those incredible waves. 

What got you involved in the sport?

I moved to Wales from Cornwall in 2010 and I purchased a 10' C4 Waterman (my first SUP) which was very much like a longboard surfboard back in those early days of SUP. I had the impression the waves in Wales were going to disappoint so the SUP would be a great way to still get out on the water. Actually the waves in Wales are incredible and the surf community is very friendly and welcoming, it was a great move for my family and me. 
2013 I did a charity paddle along the coast which was approximately 40 miles, we paddled from Mumbles in Swansea to Penarth. This stretch of the coastline has some serious currents (it is the second highest tidal range in the world) we were blessed with beautiful conditions and it is an experience I will never forget. 
After this I began to explore the world of SUP racing, entering events from 2014 - 2018, I claimed several national titles and I was lucky enough to represent Wales at the ISA SUP Worlds in Denmark 2017. 

 

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

During 2018 I felt I wanted to share what I had learned with my local community, I am an additional needs teacher and having such a love of the ocean it was a natural step to create a SUP club. 
Today Island SUP has organically grown in to a great club for both youth and adults and we have a SUP school supporting those with lessons who like to get involved with the club or simply experience the joy of SUP. 

 

What are you doing now?

I am continuing to develop Island SUP, letting it grow organically within the community it sits. Our new adventure this year like many currently is foiling, I have been learning to foil with an Efoil and this season we will share this thrilling experience with our community. Personally I am looking forward to learning to foil in the surf and downwind. 

 

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?

Being a school teacher naturally lends its self to coaching SUP, I love sharing my love of SUP with my local community and beyond. It is great to see individuals learn something new and the sense of achievement that offers them. 
Supporting the youth club through the pandemic was incredibly rewarding, to witness how happy they were during sessions and what joy, skill and friendships were made was really special. It was and still is for some a really difficult time for our young people. 

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

Supporting individuals to learn to SUP surf is incredibly rewarding. When students catch those first few waves the smiles don't get much bigger! I love being an ASI SUP coach.  

 

A big thank you to Kerry for the insights into life as a SUP Instructor. All the best for the many adventures ahead!
If you fancy becoming an ASI SUP Instructor like Kerry then Click Here to find out how to get started and make your dream job a reality!

 

Check out Kerry's SUP school, Island SUP