Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Nicolas Vincent

Introducing ASI qualified SUP Instructor, Nicolas Vincent, or more familiarly known as ‘Vinny’. Following 28 years with Cheshire Police, Vinny’s successfully turned his paddleboarding passion into a rewarding lifestyle by achieving his ASI SUP instructor status, now working with Mid Cheshire SUP and other ASI SUP schools globally to deliver safe and productive lessons while doing what he loves best!

Read more on how Nicolas enjoys his retirement with SUP below…

What is your background?
Everyone knows me as Vinny and a lot of people don't actually realise my name in Nicolas. I used to kayak as a teenager, but I had not really done any watersports until I started Paddle Boarding nearly 10 years ago, when I got the SUP addiction.

I soon got involved in setting up Mid Cheshire SUP as a Paddle Board Club, along with Brian Cadwallader and others.The Club soon took off with Club nights, training and days/weekends away. Then 2 years ago we moved into a container at Winsford Flash Sailing Club so we have the use of some great facilities and waters. I then trained up for my Level 1, with Chris Kenyon at Tamworth, and Level 2, with Glen at Weymouth, gaining my SUP qualifications about 3 years ago. 

I have just retired after 28 years in the Cheshire Police on the Road Crime Unit which involved a lot of high-speed driving.

What got me involved in the sport?
I first tried Paddle Boarding when my work colleague talked me into having a go as he had been out with his neighbour, who ran Paddline Boarding with the students at the local College where he worked. This is where I first met Brian Cadwallader and I was hooked straight away.

Even though in those days, there were not as many choices of sizes of boards as there are now- so I learnt on a 12ft x 30" board and that was interesting. I soon realised this was a way to relax and get away from everything, especially after a challenging day at work.

Why did you become as ASI Instructor?
I wanted to improve my Paddle Techniques and knowledge, both on enclosed waters and exposed waters. Then I could pass this onto others within Mid Cheshire Sup and anyone who wanted to take a Taster/improver Session. This includes the Water Safety that is really important.

Plus, it’s a global organisation that offers opportunities around the world. I went to Mexico on Holiday in July and I was able to liaise with Aloha Paddle Club-Paddleboard and Surf Centre and take one of their tours. We were able to give each other advice and help them as they are looking at becoming ASI Instructors/ School.



What are you doing now?
Firstly, I’m enjoying retirement and more paddling time. I'm continuing to help run Mid Cheshire SUP, that has been an ASI accredited SUP School for a few years now so I’m being kept busy with lessons, both 1:1 and groups sessions, but we are limited to the days that we can offer these.

The Club has moved on from 3 people paddling to a membership of about 130 with a good-sized waiting list. We have also run corporate sessions for groups like the Fire Service.

I’m also working with a local business The Farm Club, at weekends who have wild water swimming on Pickmere lak, and I carry out the Water Safety Supervision which is something different but it also allows me to give Paddling advice to members of the Public who are Paddling on the lake at the same time.

I have now enrolled on the ASI SUP Technical Course so it’s off for another day with Chris Kenyon at Tamworth!



What do you like about being an ASI instructor?
I feel honoured to be an instructor with ASI and pass on the knowledge I've learnt to others. It never gets boring; for me it's a continual learning process. I love to teach people to Paddle Board and get the SUP addiction that I have. It’s so rewarding having students who have no confidence say they have no balance and you can see how nervous they are when going through the land based work. Then on the water ,the smiles come out and they have a great experience and are ready to go again.

It’s also rewarding to have students with certain phobias and fears, then with gentle coaxing, patience and encouragement, get them over these. This is all backed up by reviews and comments given on our Facebook page along with the recommendations passed on to others booking sessions.

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

I had a lady book a taster session as her partner passed away recently.   and he had a Paddle Board, which she had only been on her knees on the sea once. She promised herself that she would learn to Paddle on a local lake, with his board and complete 1 lap in his memory. So I was able to get her onto the water, even with a good breeze, and through the lesson she completed the full lap of the lake. Then within a week she had booked a second lesson and this time we completed 4 circuits and she is now confident enough to paddle on her own. It was a great feeling to help someone in this situation and complete her ambition. 


Thanks again to Nicolas Vincent for sharing his ASI Instructor story and insight! Are you an ASI Instructor? Email now social@academyofsurfing.com to ask about sharing your journey!

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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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