Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Robert Wood, Norfolk, England UK

Ever wondered how stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) can transform lives?  We chat to Robert about his research into SUP and how it is a powerful tool for fitness, health and rehabilitation.

What is your background?

I’m a Chartered Physiotherapist and Lecturer working in sports medicine, education and athlete development, based in Norfolk, England UK.

I specialise in functional and movement-based approaches to rehabilitation and performance. And have extensive experience, including running a private practice and operating a functional training studio. I  regularly contribute to health and fitness knowledge through articles, book contributions, and his own publications, The Functional Training Resource and Functional Integrated Training.

I have also developed courses and worked with professional athletes across sports such as golf, cycling, triathlon, and motor racing. His expertise in Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) has led to consultancy roles with organizations like Golf England, Badminton England, and Loughborough University.

What got you involved in the sport?

I was an early adopter of stand-up paddleboarding, picking up a large, sturdy board nearly 20 years ago. About a decade ago, I began to see SUP as a powerful tool for fitness, health, and rehabilitation, which deepened my passion for it.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

As I grow older and step back from the education circuit, I’ve remained a strong advocate for the role stand-up paddleboarding plays in promoting public health.

Becoming a SUP instructor felt like a natural progression for me.  In 2024, I officially became an ASI-qualified SUP instructor.

What are you doing now ?

I currently work part-time as an associate at a SUP School in Norfolk, where I lead tours, group lessons and individual sessions along the stunning Norfolk coast.

As I transition into retirement, my focus is on creating tailored SUP experiences for disabled and special population children through our watersports club in Hunstanton, Norfolk.

Additionally, I integrate SUP into long-term rehabilitation for selected patients in my clinical practice, particularly those living with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic osteoarthritis, and similar conditions.

What do you like about being an instructor?

Making an activity that is accessible, fun, inclusive, and as easy as you want it to be, available to folks who thought it would be unattainable.

Tell us about an inspiring story about your student(s) or memorable experiences,  you've had while instructing.  

My story is a bit different. As an evidence based practitioner I was convinced that SUP had a role to play in health, fitness and well being... but I struggled to find the evidence or articles.

This led me to undertake my own research, reviews, analysis and positioning of SUP related articles. If you want to read some of these then here are some links:-

Stand Up for Yourself

https://www.physical-solutions.co.uk/stand-up-for-yourself/

Stand Up for Yourself comes from my public health background and  is an article really aimed at 40 to 60 year old ladies and demonstrating the role SUP can play within strength development and maintenance. It has a wider message but that was the focus.

Simple Strength Training

https://www.physical-solutions.co.uk/sup-strength-training/

This is a video. Some simple SUP strength training to support paddlers... all with minimal equipment. There's a PDF download with it of the exercises.

SUP Research

https://www.physical-solutions.co.uk/paddleboard-research-project/

This web blog is a way of directing folks to a couple of the research articles I have had published. Just click on the links within the blog post and it will take you to PDF's of the research write ups... they are not written in science speak!! You may find them useful in "justifying" the role of SUP within your own health initiatives with your client groups.

If any instructor out there wants a published magazine article that justifies SUP as an easily accessible and effective fitness choice, then I have also attached a PDF they can use in their work.

https://physical-solutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SUP-Health-Article.pdf

Inspiration

As regards "inspiration" I would urge all ASI instructors never to under-estimate the role of physical skills and activity within public health and well being... within all ages, abilities, disabilities, and social groups.

Current choices can be narrow, inaccessible, fundamentally un-challenging and, to be frank, not much fun. SUP offers an opportunity for these folks to achieve, connect, play, laugh, fatigue, struggle, overcome, gain confidence, strengthen, become more resilient.... and get wet.

About ASI
ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.
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