Introducing: Sophy Aykroyd, ASI SUP Instructor & SUP Pilates Instructor, London, UK

With a remarkable journey from performing on West End stages to becoming a highly qualified Pilates expert and SUP instructor, Sophy has crafted a career that seamlessly combines movement, mindfulness, and well-being.

What is your background?

I trained as an actor and dancer for three years at the Guildford School of Acting and Dance, and afterward, I worked steadily for ten years, performing in the West End, UK national theatres, and European tours.

In 2001, I qualified at the Pilates Institute and have since earned numerous qualifications in Pilates Studio Equipment, Pilates Matwork, Group Reformer Pilates, Dynamic Reformer Pilates, and Fitness Pilates. I am also trained in Clinical Pilates, with an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, which I utilize when providing rehabilitation sessions using Pilates equipment.

In 2014, I qualified as an ASI SUP Instructor (Enclosed Flat Water).  I have since completed the ASI SUP Technical Coach and helped create the ASI Pilates SUP instructor qualifications.

What got you involved in the sport?

Back in 2013, a client introduced me to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and encouraged me to participate in a SUP marathon for charity. From the very first moment, I was absolutely hooked!

As a fitness professional, I immediately recognized the incredible fitness benefits that SUP offers.  Pairing that with the joy of being out on the water and surrounded by the outdoors made it an irresistible combination for me.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I wanted to share the joy of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with others, and I saw the unique opportunity to combine Pilates with SUP—a concept that wasn’t widely explored at the time but had incredible potential.

My journey began with earning my ASI SUP Instructor qualifications and becoming skilled in SUP.

From there, I developed Pilates exercises tailored to SUP and introduced them to my clients. At the time, no one was offering this in London, making it an exciting way to step out of the studio and onto the water, embracing all its wonderful benefits.

I chose to train with ASI because they are the leading SUP instructor training organization in the UK.  Their programs were incredibly thorough and came highly recommended by everyone I consulted. Additionally, their international reach allowed me to use my certification globally, unlocking exciting opportunities in different countries.

What are you doing now ?

I work as a senior SUP instructor for a SUP School based at Brentford in the heart of London. I deliver stand-up paddleboarding lessons and lead trips along the tidal and non-tidal Thames, as well as its canals.

I also deliver Reformer Pilates, and Fitness Pilates in a studio.

I’m deeply passionate about coaching community SUP sessions for the Brentford Sports Trust, where I support children with learning difficulties, inner-city families, and individuals under social care services.

Additionally, I’m the founder of RiverFit SUPilates UK, where I teach SUP-Pilates sessions in South West London.

I’m also a trainer for ASI and teach others to be ASI SUP Instructors and ASI SUP Pilates Instructors.

What do you like about being an instructor?

I love introducing others to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)  and SUP Pilates and showcasing its incredible fitness benefits—it’s such a positive, rewarding industry that revolves around helping people.

Watching the transformation in their confidence and fitness levels is truly fulfilling.

Being outdoors and having the opportunity to apply my fitness qualifications in a natural, open environment is an amazing bonus.

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

I was leading a SUP paddle session, guiding a mother and son on the upper Thames around Richmond, when we realised, we were being watched. A seal was circling the boards but then disappeared before climbing onto the back of the mother's paddleboard.

The seal remained there looking at us for some minutes then plopped off the board, swam under water and reappeared at the back of the son's board. It climbed onto his board and again remained peacefully lying there for some time.

Thankfully both mother and son remained very calm and moved up the board to counterbalance the weight of the seal. We were a little apprehensive at first but the seal was in no way threatening, he just seemed intrigued by us and the boards.

It was such a magical moment, a rare and wonderful experience.

Another memorable moment in connection with SUP Pilates was my appearance on the UK’s popular TV show, Loose Women, where I taught the well-known presenter Lisa Snowdon. It was a freezing January day, but thankfully, everyone managed to stay on their boards during my brief moment of fame.

Lisa Snowdon may be famous, but she’s not quite the superstar that Freddie Mercury is—our local celebrity seal  !

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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