Introducing ASI Surf Instructor, Vera Sprothen
Posted: 17 August 2022
AUSTRALIA. Born in Germany, you can now find Vera at the sunny shores on Bondi Beach volunteering with a surf therapy charity. Read more below…
1. What is your background?
I’m a writer, news editor and storyteller – but above all, I’m an ocean lover. Born in Germany, I was always drawn to the sea. Then I moved to Australia 16 years ago, and that’s what I call home now.
2. What got you involved in the sport?
I come from a family of water people. I can’t recall a single holiday that we did not spend on or in the sea, sailing, swimming, floating. My Dad and my brother are windsurfers. Both are sailors. My brother is also a keen surfer. When I came to Australia, it was a no-brainer to give surfing a go. I guess a part of me always wants to keep up with the boys. I remember the blonde dude with tousled beach hair who gave me my first lesson. I must have done something right and gotten up to my feet immediately because I still hear him shout after me, as I kept gliding and gliding and gliding: “Gooooo, chickibabe, you are a natural surfer!”
3. Why did you become an ASI instructor?
ASI is the gold standard of surf education to me, why would you not go with an international organisation that can draw on global best practice? It’s awesome to be part of a worldwide community of instructors who uphold the same values and standards. If I wanted to, I could work in Morocco or Portugal – who knows where I will end up. I was fortunate to learn from some really experienced ASI instructors, Dean Dunstone from Waves Surf School and Vaya Phrachanh from Pines Surfing Academy. Both taught me a lot, also about having the right attitude. A job well done is when your students are stoked and safe.
4. What are you doing now?
When I’m not typing words into my laptop, you can find me at Bondi Beach, where I’m a volunteer surf instructor with Waves of Wellness - a surf therapy charity that connects people with the ocean and reconnects them with themselves: burned-out managers, refugees, anxious teenagers… anyone who is feeling low, lonely or confused but up for a challenge. We combine surfing with a mental health program. It’s about learning to surf and – most importantly – getting yourself back into balance.
5. What do you like about being an ASI instructor?
I love being an instructor, but the real teacher is the ocean. That’s what I like to pass on during our sessions. I tremendously enjoy seeing people change their beliefs about themselves, from a ‘I can’t do this, I’m no good’ to ‘Oh my God, I am surfing’. I sometimes wonder who gets more excited, me or my students. It might be me.
6. Tell us about funny or interesting or nice situation that has happened to you with instructing?
There was a girl in one of our programs who was overthinking everything. Yet, as soon as she was on the board, her mind stopped racing and her moves became instinctive. She pulled me aside: “Vera, I think I am doing it wrong. I’m not thinking enough when I surf.” I laughed. “No” I said. “That’s surfing. That’s exactly why we’re all hooked.”
Thanks again to Vera for sharing her ASI surf journey and insights! Connect with the ocean and yourself like Vera by learning to surf at one of our ASI accredited schools here
Surf Shots: Simon Hodge @ginger.fins
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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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