Introducing Jayne Rigby, ASI SUP Instructor, Liverpool UK

We chat to Jayne about how SUP can inspire personal growth, environmental stewardship, and a love for adventure.

What is your background?

I live in Liverpool - born and raised !  A city blessed with incredible waterways, including the iconic Royal Albert Dock, where I focus most of my coaching activities.

Growing up near the coast, my bond with the sea and water has always been strong. Summers spent with family in Jersey deepened my love for watersports—I was always in the ocean, whether swimming, surfing, or simply soaking in its wonders.

This connection also inspired my passion for marine conservation, leading me to pursue a degree in Ocean Sciences at the University of Wales, Bangor, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Conservation Management at Edge Hill University. Discovering stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) was a turning point, as it allowed me to merge my enthusiasm for marine conservation with my love of water sports.

Now, as the regional representative for Surfers Against Sewage in the Liverpool City Region and an Ocean Ambassador for Starboard SUP, I've created an award-winning initiative that unites local communities in caring for and protecting our environment.

What got you involved in the sport?

My journey into SUP began in Jersey, where my cousin introduced me to the sport. I fell in love with it straight away—even though I wasn’t very good at it at first, I knew I’d found my calling. The experience was so enjoyable that, as soon as I returned to Liverpool, I purchased my own board and haven’t looked back since.

Nearly a decade has passed, and what excites me most is how the sport continues to evolve and expand. There are countless niches and paths to explore, making each person’s SUP experience truly unique. Whether you keep it simple or go on to develop advanced skills, the sport caters to every level of ambition.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I became an ASI instructor because, when I first started SUP, the region only had a few instructors, all accredited by ASI. It was clear to me that ASI was the ideal choice.

Initially, my goal was purely personal development, so I enrolled in the Level 1 Enclosed Flat Water qualification without intending to become an instructor. However, things took a turn when a friend asked me to teach her colleagues—an experience that marked the beginning of my journey as a coach.

I gained by ASI Level 1 SUP Instructor certification in 2018. Since then, I’ve earned qualifications as a Level 2 Exposed Waters SUP Instructor and a SUP Yoga teacher.

Becoming an ASI instructor has truly been a transformative experience and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What are you doing now ?

I am currently the owner and head coach of Liverpool SUP Co in the North West. I lead a variety of sessions, catering to all levels—from beginners to advanced paddlers—including SUP and Pup, SUP Yoga, and more.

Additionally, I collaborate with community groups to clean our waterways and provide free sessions for children during school holidays.

The waters in this region have so much to offer, and I feel privileged to help others experience them from a different perspective.

What do you like about being an instructor?

What I love most about being an instructor is guiding people on their journeys in the sport. Watching individuals progress from beginners to becoming coaches themselves, or seeing them use SUP to improve their mental and physical well-being, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to witness and support the growth of a seed you’ve helped plant and nurture.

I also value the unique opportunities that come with being an instructor, such as heading to the coast to refine my own skills and grow as a SUP surfer. Adopting the mindset of a perpetual student allows me to continually discover the vast possibilities this sport has to offer.

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

One of my most inspiring experiences as an instructor involves a client who has since become one of my closest friends. She initially reached out to me, expressing her fear of water—specifically, the ‘dark water’ of the docks where I teach, as she was terrified of not being able to see beneath the surface. I explained that, unfortunately, the old dock waters aren’t clear, but I assured her that we could work together to overcome her fears.

She bravely joined a session, and from that moment on, she never looked back. Today, she owns her own board and has paddled in numerous incredible locations across the UK, including the seas of Shetland. Not only that, but she’s also become an avid open water swimmer who regularly takes dips in the darkest waters and even competes in relay races.

She often shares how SUP helped her rediscover her love for the water and its countless benefits.

Every time we meet, we laugh about how far she’s come since that very first SUP lesson —it’s a transformation that I’m so proud to have been part of!

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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