Introducing ASI SUP Instructor Sally Simpson, Australia

AUSTRALIA. Meet Sally Simpson, an ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor and ASI accredited School owner in Perth, Australia. 

Introduced to SUP in 2007, Sally was so enthusiastic about the sport that she, with her husband Lach, created their own brand of SUP’s – “YOB Australia” Yu On Blue Australia in 2009. Together they built the brand, offering quality SUP boards and accessories used by SUP Schools and SUP enthusiasts all over Australia.   
They found themselves doing lots of demonstrations when customers purchased a SUP board, so they decided to also offer lessons and teach people how to have fun on the boards and do it safely.

They signed up to be an ASI accredited SUP school, delivering sessions on the scenic Swan River. 

We asked Sally a few questions to find out more. 

What is your background? 
I come from a hospitality and retail background. I Grew up north of Perth in a little place called Northampton and Horrocks Beach, while my parents farmed and crayfished.

What got you involved in the sport?
My husband Lach was my introduction to SUP back in 2007. He saw it online and said to me "Sal this will be the Windsurfing of the 80's in terms of its popularity!" He was right.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?
We created our own brand of SUP's (YOB AUSTRALIA) Yu On Blue Australia in 2009. We wanted to be able to teach everyone that bought a board how to use it the correct, safest and fun way.

What are you doing now?
We are still manufacturing, importing and retailing our own Brand of Sup's and all the accessories that go with the sport.

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?
I love meeting and chatting to new people. There are so many wonderful conversations and things to learn by chatting with others. So often it involves much laughter too! Perth has so much amazing water for SUP. The river goes all the way from the city centre and travels through the suburbs to the ocean at Fremantle, about 19 nautical miles. The wildlife along our Swan River is also amazing, different every day.

Tell us about funny or interesting or nice situation that has happened to you with instructing?
One day on the Swan, I was paddling with My Ladies Wednesday paddle group and there was a man rock climbing along the magnificent " Blackwall Reach," there was a pod of dolphins playing underneath him as he climbed. They were lifting their heads out of the water checking him out. They seemed so intrigued with what and why he was doing what he was doing! We just sat and watched the interaction, an amazing morning.

A big thank you to Sally for taking the time to give us some insight into life as a SUP Instructor and SUP brand owner. 
If you fancy becoming an ASI SUP instructor like Sally then click here to find out how to get started and make your dream job a reality!