August 2022 – sup star of the month
9 August 2022
I’ve been bursting to formally make this announcement.
I’ve just sent out this months newsletter with some rather FABULOUS news.
Perth SUP School is growing!
To facilitate this growth and expansion I needed to find the perfect crew to join the team here in Perth (while I’m galavanting down south!)
I’m very excited and jumping for joy to introduce my first new SUP instructor, and this months SUPER SUP’er
Drum Roll Please…..
Shannon Miraglia
I didn’t think anyone was as passionate about paddling as I was!!! I was wrong 🙂
Shannon’s love of life is only overshadowed by her love of Pink!
Shannon is a wonderful communicator, patient, energetic and bubbly and I am blessed she came into my life when she did.
She will be introducing lots of new people to the wonderful world of paddle boarding in ‘Learn To SUP’ sessions and instructing SUP FITNESS classes.
I have some equally fabulous new team members – but I can’t give away all my surprises at once, so you’ll have to wait until the next newsletter for that!
Read our interview and I look forward to seeing the Shannonigans (see what I did there?) she gets up to with a skipping rope this summer!
Tell us a bit about yourselves. Random facts about YOU!
I am an ex-Navy electronics tech that specialised in weapons (think torpedoes, big guns and missile launchers). I now have a more sedate desk job and have a 19 year old toilet-trained rainbow lorikeet names Norbit. My signature color is pink 🙂
How did you get bitten by the SUP bug?Perth SUP School posts kept popping up on my Insta feed – I went for a SUP Fitness class and I was HOOKED!! Kicking myself that I didn’t do it sooner.Tell me why you enjoy paddling?There’s something magical about paddling before sunrise or after sunset .. paddling with dolphins is a high EVERY time (never gets old) and I love pushing myself to see what I can achieve out of my comfort zone. Where’s the best place you have paddled.I don’t think the place matters – it’s who you are paddling with that makes itWhat kind of board do you ride?I started with a big SUNS board – it resembled a door .. I now paddle a Sunova Placid for surfing (9″4), I also have a Sunova Flatwater Faast Pro race board (14 x 23) and an old Starboard AllStar (14 x 25) that has been nicknamed the Slug (as it looks like a slug and behaves like one) .. I have my eye on more boards .. I want them all!! – EDIT since this has gone to press…….Shannon has purchased two more boards! Does she need an intervention?What do you enjoy most about Nicki’s SUP sessions?Meeting like-minded people and getting challenged on my boards .. this Summer I think the skipping rope will come out.Where is your dream SUP destination or do you have any paddling goals?Next year I hope to head to Norway with my husband and do one of SUP Norway’s Fjord expeditions.Do you have any tips for people starting out?Falling in is NOT failure! It means you are pushing your limits, which will ultimately develop your skills. Try and fall in at the start and you are much more relaxed and likely to be more brave during your session.Book lessons, come to SUP Fit and become part of Perth’s best crew!
in other news
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventures
Taking to the water is an incredible way to explore. Traditionally, kayaks and canoes have been the craft of choice but the increase in popularity of Stand Up Paddling has opened up a whole new option for those nature lovers and weekend warriors to tour the many rivers and water ways. Inflatable board technology has…
Augusta Weekend Adventure
I started hosting weekend adventures a few of years ago after travelling to Norway and touring the fjords with SUP Norway (put it on your bucket list) and fell in love with the idea of SUP adventures. My goal was to create a wonderful community of paddlers, to explore new places and do fun STUFF!…
March 2023 – the first SUP Star of the year!
Meet Shipwreck Suzi. Not only is Sue, the SUP Star of the month, please welcome her as Perth SUP School’s newest instructor. A mermaid in her last life (actually, she’s one in this life too) – Sue is happiest when in, or on the ocean. Read my conversation with Suzi Tell us a bit about…
What our customers say
Had a great time at my lesson with a good bunch of people. Nikki is a very patient teacher and explained things well, so learnt a lot of new tips and skills to help me improve on my stand up paddle board journey. Would highly recommend Nikki and her team to anyone.
My very first time on a paddle board and I was nervous, especially as I am not a particularly sporting person. Our instructor Shannon was great and I felt totally safe. In the end I even managed to stand up on the board which was a great achievement for me. Shannon was really supportive and patient with me and the rest of our class. Would thoroughly recommend this experience.
We were given two SUP gift vouchers, as I had watched peeps on the river at Freshwater, thinking what fun!We had a private family lesson with Nicki …. Wow! It was indeed soo much fun.Nicki is a wonderful effervescent and engaging coach, especially for first “old timers” like ourselves. She is such a natural at explaining, supporting and encouraging that it all seemed a dream come true!Yes, I/we fell off but it added to the fun . We had such a lovely family time that we will definitely be back on the water soon.Thank you Nicki for your total support and encouragement allowing us something new to look forward to with our children & grandchildren in our retirement!P 🤗
Great intro class on Saturday morning led by Shannon. Covered everything we needed to know to make a start at SUP. 90mins duration was just long enough. Managed to crack standing up and only fell in a couple of times!
Really enjoyed it and felt confident afterwards that I would be able to use a stand up paddle board and actually enjoy it as well.Great to learn how to paddle properly and I was paddling around quite well after just an hour and a half.
Nicki is a wonderfully encouraging and skilled SUP teacher. She is supportive but also great at challenging students, whatever their ability. I was so happy with my skill progression during the lesson, and also with my confidence on the water.Thanks Nicki, I’m inspired!!
I have been Stand Up Paddling for several years, but with several long breaks. Unsure about how to get started again and how to get motivated, I decided to join the Beginner's Class! There was so much that I had forgotten - and the opportunity to get my mojo back in such a fun class of men and women of all ages, was just what I needed. Since then I have been SUPing regularly, both on the ocean and on the river. Nicki's classes are fun and motivating. Whether you have never been on a board before, or if you just need a refresher, there will be a class or a lesson for you. The more confident you become, the more relaxing the whole thing is! You won't regret giving this a go, I am sure.
Nicki is an absolute pleasure to deal with, so knowledgeable and brings the fun to a great learning environment. Highly recommend.
Nicki ran a great team building day for us today. We had so much fun and learnt a lot. Highly recommend.
This is it - best year of my life! I bought an iSUP over 18mths ago and had a sporadically been paddling for a few months, then I joined the school & social SUP facebook groups and I haven't looked back, only forward (not down). I've been to the Freo, Lake Leschenaultia & Rotto adventure trips as well as a couple of 6am social paddles plus currently in the middle of 2nd round of SUP Fitness sessions at Bicton Baths. Nicki is amazing, a born leader and friend to all - she is my soul sister - her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and I especially love that she has launched the social SUP community. I've gained new friends, improved my skills and above all else had lots of fun. I encourage you to join a lesson, the next adventure or social outing - you won't regret it!!
Fun, fun and more fun with every class. Nicky does a sensational job! What a joy to have met so many fellow Suppers too.
I had a 1 on 1 lesson with Nicki yesterday. Nicki is amazing. She is a great teacher and was so encouraging. I felt so much more confident on the water and was really surprised how I was up and paddling away in no time at all. I would without hesitation recommend Nicki to anyone wanting to learn how to SUP. Thank you Nicki. I had so much fun!(Julie Neves)
Really excellent training session. Having never been on a SUP, I was amazed at how quickly Nicki got me (and the attendees) up and paddling. Lots of fun and great teaching. I had an absolute ball and feel confident to buy a board and get practicing
Can't rave about the weekend away enough! Fantastically organised, perfect balance of activities and free time and loads of laughter. A bunch of strangers brought together like we knew each other forever. Nicky is just lovely. Highly recommend!
We had a fantastic time with Nicki learning how to paddleboard for the first time. She was very professional and attentive and we learnt even more than we bargained for 😄! Will definitely come back for another one of her classes.
Can't recommend Perth StandUp Paddle School highly enough. Nicki is an amazing instructor and her enthusiasm for paddle-boarding is contagious! The sessions are always fun and friendly. If you've ever considered lessons, or own a board and want to improve your technique, do yourself a favour and give her a call :-)
Nicki at Perth SUP School is an absolute fantastic teacher. She took someone who had absolutely no balance, and I was up and paddling in the first lesson. What a legend. 10/10 would recommend highly.
Nikki was absolutely awesome, friendly and made it lots of fun. Haven't had so much fun in ages definitely recommend. Nikki your a legend!
I wish I’d done this sooner .. just so so good .. if you are even thinking about it a little, just jump in & book .. I’m now onto my second round of fitness classes .. so convenient as the SUPs are bought there for you & everyone is super friendly & welcoming .. highly recommended
I highly recommend Nicky and her SUP school! I had my first professional lesson last week, and her training progressed seamlessly from basic to more advanced skills. Nicky had me managing my board like never before. Give it a go, you wont regret it!
Fantastic beginners lesson! Can't recommend highly enough. Nicki was a brilliant instructor giving clear guidance & the session was great fun too
My wife and I had a 90 minute private lesson with Nicki which was fantastic. We were both complete beginners but Nicki had us up and having fun in the water within 10 minutes. She gradually introduced new challenges and skills throughout the 90 minutes which has given us loads to work on when we next hit the water.Nicki was very clear in her instruction and tailored the session to suit both of us. Fantastic friendly service and I feel well worth the extra money to do a private lesson to get the most out of the time.Thanks againChris and Laura
The most fun I've had on the water! Nicki is a brilliant instructor and creates a very positive and supportive environment to learn in. I think I have found my new weekend hobby :)
Had a great time at my lesson with a good bunch of people. Nikki is a very patient teacher and explained things well, so learnt a lot of new tips and skills to help me improve on my stand up paddle board journey. Would highly recommend Nikki and her team to anyone.
My very first time on a paddle board and I was nervous, especially as I am not a particularly sporting person. Our instructor Shannon was great and I felt totally safe. In the end I even managed to stand up on the board which was a great achievement for me. Shannon was really supportive and patient with me and the rest of our class. Would thoroughly recommend this experience.
We were given two SUP gift vouchers, as I had watched peeps on the river at Freshwater, thinking what fun!We had a private family lesson with Nicki …. Wow! It was indeed soo much fun.Nicki is a wonderful effervescent and engaging coach, especially for first “old timers” like ourselves. She is such a natural at explaining, supporting and encouraging that it all seemed a dream come true!Yes, I/we fell off but it added to the fun . We had such a lovely family time that we will definitely be back on the water soon.Thank you Nicki for your total support and encouragement allowing us something new to look forward to with our children & grandchildren in our retirement!P 🤗
Great intro class on Saturday morning led by Shannon. Covered everything we needed to know to make a start at SUP. 90mins duration was just long enough. Managed to crack standing up and only fell in a couple of times!
Really enjoyed it and felt confident afterwards that I would be able to use a stand up paddle board and actually enjoy it as well.Great to learn how to paddle properly and I was paddling around quite well after just an hour and a half.
Nicki is a wonderfully encouraging and skilled SUP teacher. She is supportive but also great at challenging students, whatever their ability. I was so happy with my skill progression during the lesson, and also with my confidence on the water.Thanks Nicki, I’m inspired!!
I have been Stand Up Paddling for several years, but with several long breaks. Unsure about how to get started again and how to get motivated, I decided to join the Beginner's Class! There was so much that I had forgotten - and the opportunity to get my mojo back in such a fun class of men and women of all ages, was just what I needed. Since then I have been SUPing regularly, both on the ocean and on the river. Nicki's classes are fun and motivating. Whether you have never been on a board before, or if you just need a refresher, there will be a class or a lesson for you. The more confident you become, the more relaxing the whole thing is! You won't regret giving this a go, I am sure.
Nicki is an absolute pleasure to deal with, so knowledgeable and brings the fun to a great learning environment. Highly recommend.
Nicki ran a great team building day for us today. We had so much fun and learnt a lot. Highly recommend.
This is it - best year of my life! I bought an iSUP over 18mths ago and had a sporadically been paddling for a few months, then I joined the school & social SUP facebook groups and I haven't looked back, only forward (not down). I've been to the Freo, Lake Leschenaultia & Rotto adventure trips as well as a couple of 6am social paddles plus currently in the middle of 2nd round of SUP Fitness sessions at Bicton Baths. Nicki is amazing, a born leader and friend to all - she is my soul sister - her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and I especially love that she has launched the social SUP community. I've gained new friends, improved my skills and above all else had lots of fun. I encourage you to join a lesson, the next adventure or social outing - you won't regret it!!
Fun, fun and more fun with every class. Nicky does a sensational job! What a joy to have met so many fellow Suppers too.
I had a 1 on 1 lesson with Nicki yesterday. Nicki is amazing. She is a great teacher and was so encouraging. I felt so much more confident on the water and was really surprised how I was up and paddling away in no time at all. I would without hesitation recommend Nicki to anyone wanting to learn how to SUP. Thank you Nicki. I had so much fun!(Julie Neves)
Really excellent training session. Having never been on a SUP, I was amazed at how quickly Nicki got me (and the attendees) up and paddling. Lots of fun and great teaching. I had an absolute ball and feel confident to buy a board and get practicing
Can't rave about the weekend away enough! Fantastically organised, perfect balance of activities and free time and loads of laughter. A bunch of strangers brought together like we knew each other forever. Nicky is just lovely. Highly recommend!
We had a fantastic time with Nicki learning how to paddleboard for the first time. She was very professional and attentive and we learnt even more than we bargained for 😄! Will definitely come back for another one of her classes.
Can't recommend Perth StandUp Paddle School highly enough. Nicki is an amazing instructor and her enthusiasm for paddle-boarding is contagious! The sessions are always fun and friendly. If you've ever considered lessons, or own a board and want to improve your technique, do yourself a favour and give her a call :-)
Nicki at Perth SUP School is an absolute fantastic teacher. She took someone who had absolutely no balance, and I was up and paddling in the first lesson. What a legend. 10/10 would recommend highly.
Nikki was absolutely awesome, friendly and made it lots of fun. Haven't had so much fun in ages definitely recommend. Nikki your a legend!
I wish I’d done this sooner .. just so so good .. if you are even thinking about it a little, just jump in & book .. I’m now onto my second round of fitness classes .. so convenient as the SUPs are bought there for you & everyone is super friendly & welcoming .. highly recommended
I highly recommend Nicky and her SUP school! I had my first professional lesson last week, and her training progressed seamlessly from basic to more advanced skills. Nicky had me managing my board like never before. Give it a go, you wont regret it!
Fantastic beginners lesson! Can't recommend highly enough. Nicki was a brilliant instructor giving clear guidance & the session was great fun too
My wife and I had a 90 minute private lesson with Nicki which was fantastic. We were both complete beginners but Nicki had us up and having fun in the water within 10 minutes. She gradually introduced new challenges and skills throughout the 90 minutes which has given us loads to work on when we next hit the water.Nicki was very clear in her instruction and tailored the session to suit both of us. Fantastic friendly service and I feel well worth the extra money to do a private lesson to get the most out of the time.Thanks againChris and Laura
The most fun I've had on the water! Nicki is a brilliant instructor and creates a very positive and supportive environment to learn in. I think I have found my new weekend hobby :)
tracey shepherd
07:21 19 Jan 24
Had a great time at my lesson with a good bunch of people. Nikki is a very patient teacher and explained things well, so learnt a lot of new tips and skills to help me improve on my stand up paddle board journey. Would highly recommend Nikki and her team to anyone.
Yvonne Smith
01:55 19 Mar 23
My very first time on a paddle board and I was nervous, especially as I am not a particularly sporting person. Our instructor Shannon was great and I felt totally safe. In the end I even managed to stand up on the board which was a great achievement for me. Shannon was really supportive and patient with me and the rest of our class. Would thoroughly recommend this experience.
Penelope Lind
08:40 10 Mar 23
We were given two SUP gift vouchers, as I had watched peeps on the river at Freshwater, thinking what fun!We had a private family lesson with Nicki …. Wow! It was indeed soo much fun.Nicki is a wonderful effervescent and engaging coach, especially for first “old timers” like ourselves. She is such a natural at explaining, supporting and encouraging that it all seemed a dream come true!Yes, I/we fell off but it added to the fun . We had such a lovely family time that we will definitely be back on the water soon.Thank you Nicki for your total support and encouragement allowing us something new to look forward to with our children & grandchildren in our retirement!P 🤗
Chris Hill
05:25 30 Jan 23
Great intro class on Saturday morning led by Shannon. Covered everything we needed to know to make a start at SUP. 90mins duration was just long enough. Managed to crack standing up and only fell in a couple of times!
Emma Wynne
01:25 29 Jan 23
Really enjoyed it and felt confident afterwards that I would be able to use a stand up paddle board and actually enjoy it as well.Great to learn how to paddle properly and I was paddling around quite well after just an hour and a half.
Alison Reddyhough
06:00 09 Dec 22
Nicki is a wonderfully encouraging and skilled SUP teacher. She is supportive but also great at challenging students, whatever their ability. I was so happy with my skill progression during the lesson, and also with my confidence on the water.Thanks Nicki, I’m inspired!!
Liz Hayes
08:40 05 May 22
I have been Stand Up Paddling for several years, but with several long breaks. Unsure about how to get started again and how to get motivated, I decided to join the Beginner's Class! There was so much that I had forgotten - and the opportunity to get my mojo back in such a fun class of men and women of all ages, was just what I needed. Since then I have been SUPing regularly, both on the ocean and on the river. Nicki's classes are fun and motivating. Whether you have never been on a board before, or if you just need a refresher, there will be a class or a lesson for you. The more confident you become, the more relaxing the whole thing is! You won't regret giving this a go, I am sure.
Sarah Stanley
07:51 05 May 22
Nicki is an absolute pleasure to deal with, so knowledgeable and brings the fun to a great learning environment. Highly recommend.
Clair Lawson
06:55 20 Mar 22
Nicki ran a great team building day for us today. We had so much fun and learnt a lot. Highly recommend.
Sue Abbott
09:41 26 Feb 22
This is it - best year of my life! I bought an iSUP over 18mths ago and had a sporadically been paddling for a few months, then I joined the school & social SUP facebook groups and I haven't looked back, only forward (not down). I've been to the Freo, Lake Leschenaultia & Rotto adventure trips as well as a couple of 6am social paddles plus currently in the middle of 2nd round of SUP Fitness sessions at Bicton Baths. Nicki is amazing, a born leader and friend to all - she is my soul sister - her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and I especially love that she has launched the social SUP community. I've gained new friends, improved my skills and above all else had lots of fun. I encourage you to join a lesson, the next adventure or social outing - you won't regret it!!
Dale Emery
07:13 16 Jan 22
Fun, fun and more fun with every class. Nicky does a sensational job! What a joy to have met so many fellow Suppers too.
Julie Johnson
04:17 09 Jan 22
I had a 1 on 1 lesson with Nicki yesterday. Nicki is amazing. She is a great teacher and was so encouraging. I felt so much more confident on the water and was really surprised how I was up and paddling away in no time at all. I would without hesitation recommend Nicki to anyone wanting to learn how to SUP. Thank you Nicki. I had so much fun!(Julie Neves)
Philip McDonald
02:36 03 Jan 22
Really excellent training session. Having never been on a SUP, I was amazed at how quickly Nicki got me (and the attendees) up and paddling. Lots of fun and great teaching. I had an absolute ball and feel confident to buy a board and get practicing
Kerensa Patterson
22:41 05 Dec 21
Can't rave about the weekend away enough! Fantastically organised, perfect balance of activities and free time and loads of laughter. A bunch of strangers brought together like we knew each other forever. Nicky is just lovely. Highly recommend!
Amy Carmichael
11:30 29 Nov 21
We had a fantastic time with Nicki learning how to paddleboard for the first time. She was very professional and attentive and we learnt even more than we bargained for 😄! Will definitely come back for another one of her classes.
Gillian A
00:52 22 Nov 21
Can't recommend Perth StandUp Paddle School highly enough. Nicki is an amazing instructor and her enthusiasm for paddle-boarding is contagious! The sessions are always fun and friendly. If you've ever considered lessons, or own a board and want to improve your technique, do yourself a favour and give her a call :-)
Dan Smith
12:03 06 Oct 21
Nicki at Perth SUP School is an absolute fantastic teacher. She took someone who had absolutely no balance, and I was up and paddling in the first lesson. What a legend. 10/10 would recommend highly.
Le-anne Hoek
23:55 24 Sep 21
Nikki was absolutely awesome, friendly and made it lots of fun. Haven't had so much fun in ages definitely recommend. Nikki your a legend!
Shannon Miraglia
01:25 27 May 21
I wish I’d done this sooner .. just so so good .. if you are even thinking about it a little, just jump in & book .. I’m now onto my second round of fitness classes .. so convenient as the SUPs are bought there for you & everyone is super friendly & welcoming .. highly recommended
Jennifer Quartermaine
09:14 27 Apr 21
I highly recommend Nicky and her SUP school! I had my first professional lesson last week, and her training progressed seamlessly from basic to more advanced skills. Nicky had me managing my board like never before. Give it a go, you wont regret it!
Matthew Davies
06:03 23 Apr 21
Fantastic beginners lesson! Can't recommend highly enough. Nicki was a brilliant instructor giving clear guidance & the session was great fun too
mrtatered
07:27 31 Mar 21
My wife and I had a 90 minute private lesson with Nicki which was fantastic. We were both complete beginners but Nicki had us up and having fun in the water within 10 minutes. She gradually introduced new challenges and skills throughout the 90 minutes which has given us loads to work on when we next hit the water.Nicki was very clear in her instruction and tailored the session to suit both of us. Fantastic friendly service and I feel well worth the extra money to do a private lesson to get the most out of the time.Thanks againChris and Laura
Cas M
01:57 22 Mar 21
The most fun I've had on the water! Nicki is a brilliant instructor and creates a very positive and supportive environment to learn in. I think I have found my new weekend hobby :)