Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Maree Martin.

AUSTRALIA. PERTH. Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Maree Martin. Maree is based in Perth and currently runs her ASI accredited school SUP Tonic Australia. From starting SUP 5 years ago, it has now become a way of life for her. 

 

I’ve been working from the age of 15 from retail to backpacking/ working around the world, mining, property management and everything else in between! And now SUP! This is the last stop!! Life has taught me to be resilient and grateful.

 

2. What got you involved in the sport? 

I bought my first SUP on gum tree 5 years ago and was hooked immediately. Long story short, at that time there was barely anyone paddling SUPS’s on a recreational level that I could see. I seemed to be the only one on the water back then, especially in the upper reaches of the Swan River. 

It has now become a way of life. After long stint of being in the corporate world it feels amazing to be back with nature – this is where I feel most at home. 

I love exploring the South West and a SUP is the perfect companion for me. It wasn’t long before I started a community group for recreational paddlers and realised that this activity had potential to change people’s lives – physically and mentally.

 

I wanted to start my own business. I live so close to the Swan River that it made complete sense to take the next step and introduce SUP to as many people as possible, to be as inclusive as possible and to remove as many barriers as possible. 

I have a great supportive team and together we ensure that our customers and members feel welcome and safe while they are learning and having fun in our sessions.  We have two mantras “keep life simple” and “stand up paddle is for everyone”. These statements are very important to us especially in a world where people are becoming increasingly stressed and need to get back to basics and simplify life where possible.

 

I’m in my 4th year of running SUP Tonic Australia and Pups on Sups as well as my part time job with MercyCare. It feels like we’ve turned a corner this year and our name is getting out there now! We run beginner lessons on the weekends, regular members training session, as well as SUP Tours, River Clean up Events, Pups on Sups and fun social sessions for our members. 

We’re only just scratching the surface of the infinite possibilities of SUP and working very hard to bring ideas to life. It’s just the beginning and very exiting!

 

ASI expects a high standard of professionalism and integrity of their instructors and schools. 

We deliver our sessions with confidence knowing that we have the support of world recognised ASI training and at the same time I can be unique and creative within my business that makes us a little different.  

We’re always kept up to date with the latest information and the ASI team are always approachable if we need advice!

 

OK I can laugh about it now. A group of us were paddling one Friday Autumn morning when a flock of more than 100 birds flew over us and pooped on me – only me! It was like an air raid! I just can’t see how that can be “lucky” It was gross but I have recovered and now it’s just a funny story.

The nicest thing about instructing is seeing someone achieve something they didn’t think they could do. Seeing a new paddler celebrate their achievements makes me very happy.

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About ASI

ASI is a professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.

We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.

International Instructor and Coach Accreditation. You can travel the world with ASI.

ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.

 

 

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