Introducing ASI SUP Instructor: Rebecca Murphy in Ireland

IRELAND. Rebecca Murphy is an ASI level 1 SUP instructor for Sea Synergy, an ASI Accredited SUP School, based in Waterville Ireland. Sea Synergy is a Marine Awareness and Activity Center that offers a unique and interactive marine wildlife and heritage exhibition, as well as a variety of meaningful activities, workshops, and adventures.

Their guided tours and adventures are provided by marine biologists and local specialists to facilitate a greater connection to nature and the local area. They have a variety of fun and educational workshops and activities such as Seashore Safaris, guided snorkeling, guided stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, boat tours, village heritage walks, island visits, mindfulness in nature meditations, which are open to all ages and aim to give participants a closer connection to nature.

We caught up with Rebecca to find out more about how she got there:

Hi Rebecca; tell us a bit about your background

“I grew up in beautiful South Kerry and have lived there most of my life, excluding my time away at college for 4 years in Cork City studying Ecology and now I’m located in Aberdeen.

“Living by any body of water is awe inspiring and I’m so lucky to have always lived by the wonderful lakes, rivers and, of course, the Atlantic ocean. These bodies of water are what have guided me through my studies and I have just started a masters in Marine Ecology which will only improve my knowledge as a guide when Instructing.”

How did you get started in surfing?

“I have always been interested in water based activities, for many years I rowed with my local club in Sneem right up until my team won Gold in the All Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships.

“I have always enjoyed swimming, kayaking and snorkelling, but paddleboarding was not something I was overly proficient at until I joined the Sea Synergy team in the Summer of 2019. Here I learned the magic of the sport. To be literally standing on water is something else.”

Why did you become an ASI qualified surf instructor?

“I became a SUP instructor because it was the next step for me. At Sea Synergy we do Guided Eco SUP tours of the local lake, Lough Currane, these were run by other Instructors who had already done their SUP training. I wanted to be the guide on these tours too. So when Paul Byrne was coming to Waterville to run a SUP Level 1 course I jumped on the opportunity and never looked back.

The fact that this qualification is recognised globally was also a big selling point. I hope to travel in the future and this gives me some piece of mind knowing work will be available almost anywhere sunny.”

What are you doing right now?

“Last November when I realised Ireland Lockdown restrictions (Currently Level 5 - No SUP classes allowed ) would be in place for much longer, I decided to go back to college. I packed my bags and my board and moved over to Aberdeen, Scotland. The city has ample places to go for a SUP, between the sea and rivers I’m spoilt for choice. I’m hoping I'll get back to South Kerry in the Summertime for some SUPing there.”

What do you love about being an ASI SUP instructor?

“I love sharing my love for it with my family and friends and getting them to enjoy the sport too. Some of the most memorable days in my life have been on the water SUPing with them.”

How has COVID and related restrictions changed how you operate?

“When restrictions were a little lighter last summer (2020) we had the best summer yet, with so many families excited to get out on the water. We adhered to social distancing, instructors wore masks and we continued to clean our equipment to the highest of standards. Current restrictions do not allow for classes to be run. We hope summer 2021 will be good though.”

Can you tell us about any memorable stories or situations that have happened whilst instructing?

“At Sea Synergy, we do our team meetings a little differently - We like to go for a SUP and do our meeting on the water in the fresh air. Last autumn I took it on myself to try to teach myself and my boyfriend some SUP Surf skills; this has been the biggest challenge yet. For some reason standing on the board with the waves has been quite tough.”

Thanks so much for taking the time to give us some insight into your surfing life and recent experiences, Rebecca. We wish you all the positive waves as you ride into 2021!

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

 

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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.

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