Let your dreams become your reality
the story
I remember writing ‘let your dreams become your reality” in the sand on a beach on the Isle of Mull (an island in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland) when I was 19 years old.
I didn’t understand the power of positive thinking or the fact that I was capable of reaching the big dreams back then...I just thought it was a cool saying.
The road to where I’m at right now has been very long and winding, and I try to incorporate what I’ve learnt along the way into my SUP Lessons.
I try to relate to people, understand where they are coming from.
Everyone has a story.
Here’s mine.
When I grew up, I wanted to be a ballerina (like a thousand other girls my age).
After an injury, I travelled and came back to Perth to continue my studies in Education.
I literally fell into stand up paddling (yep, there was lots of falling in the beginning) way back in 2010 when I first jumped on a board.
Like dancing, it’s all about rhythm and balance.
I was immediately hooked.
I started training and I found a fabulous community of people in the SUP world.
I was teaching a brilliant dance program, EDU-Dance in Primary schools in Perth WA at the time and I found paddling was a great form of low-impact cross-training.
Discovering SUP was a competitive sport sparked my fierce nature and I wanted to learn more about paddling faster and more efficiently.
I excel at teaching and one thing led to another and in 2016 I was asked to join the team at Stand Up Surf Shop to take over the lessons for their SUP School.
It was the quickest decision of my life….and here I am!
Want to join me on the water?
What our customers say
David Curr
1 year ago
Nicki is an excellent teacher - she is the real deal - she quickly went through the steps from standing on the beach to standing on the water. I was a complete beginner. It was good fun too😊. Highly recommended.
David Curr
1 year ago
Nicki is an excellent teacher - she is the real deal - she quickly went through the steps from standing on the beach to standing on the water. I was a complete beginner. It was good fun too😊. Highly recommended.
tracey shepherd
2 years ago
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.
tracey shepherd
2 years ago
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
3 years ago
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.
Yvonne Smith
3 years ago
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
3 years ago
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 🤗
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 🤗
Penelope Lind
3 years ago
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 🤗
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
3 years ago
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!
Chris Hill
3 years ago
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
3 years ago
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.
Great to learn how to paddle properly and I was paddling around quite well after just an hour and a half.
Emma Wynne
3 years ago
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.
Great to learn how to paddle properly and I was paddling around quite well after just an hour and a half.
Alison Reddyhough
4 years ago
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!!
Thanks Nicki, I’m inspired!!
Alison Reddyhough
4 years ago
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!!
Thanks Nicki, I’m inspired!!
Liz Hayes
4 years ago
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.
Liz Hayes
4 years ago
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
4 years ago
Nicki is an absolute pleasure to deal with, so knowledgeable and brings the fun to a great learning environment. Highly recommend.
Sarah Stanley
4 years ago
Nicki is an absolute pleasure to deal with, so knowledgeable and brings the fun to a great learning environment. Highly recommend.
Clair Lawson
4 years ago
Nicki ran a great team building day for us today. We had so much fun and learnt a lot. Highly recommend.
Clair Lawson
4 years ago
Nicki ran a great team building day for us today. We had so much fun and learnt a lot. Highly recommend.
Sue Abbott
4 years ago
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!!
Sue Abbott
4 years ago
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
4 years ago
Fun, fun and more fun with every class. Nicky does a sensational job! What a joy to have met so many fellow Suppers too.
Dale Emery
4 years ago
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
5 years ago
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)
(Julie Neves)
Julie Johnson
5 years ago
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)
(Julie Neves)
Philip McDonald
5 years ago
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
Philip McDonald
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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!
Kerensa Patterson
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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.
Amy Carmichael
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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 🙂
Gillian A
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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.
Dan Smith
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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!
Le-anne Hoek
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
Shannon Miraglia
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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!
Jennifer Quartermaine
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
Fantastic beginners lesson! Can't recommend highly enough. Nicki was a brilliant instructor giving clear guidance & the session was great fun too
Matthew Davies
5 years ago
Fantastic beginners lesson! Can't recommend highly enough. Nicki was a brilliant instructor giving clear guidance & the session was great fun too
mrtatered
5 years ago
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 again
Chris and Laura
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 again
Chris and Laura
mrtatered
5 years ago
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 again
Chris and Laura
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 again
Chris and Laura
Cas M
5 years ago
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 🙂
Cas M
5 years ago
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 🙂
David Curr
1 year ago
Nicki is an excellent teacher - she is the real deal - she quickly went through the steps from standing on the beach to standing on the water. I was a complete beginner. It was good fun too😊. Highly recommended.
tracey shepherd
2 years ago
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
3 years ago
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
3 years ago
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 🤗
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
3 years ago
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
3 years ago
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.
Great to learn how to paddle properly and I was paddling around quite well after just an hour and a half.
Alison Reddyhough
4 years ago
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!!
Thanks Nicki, I’m inspired!!
Liz Hayes
4 years ago
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
4 years ago
Nicki is an absolute pleasure to deal with, so knowledgeable and brings the fun to a great learning environment. Highly recommend.
Clair Lawson
4 years ago
Nicki ran a great team building day for us today. We had so much fun and learnt a lot. Highly recommend.
Sue Abbott
4 years ago
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
4 years ago
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
5 years ago
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)
(Julie Neves)
Philip McDonald
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
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
5 years ago
Fantastic beginners lesson! Can't recommend highly enough. Nicki was a brilliant instructor giving clear guidance & the session was great fun too
mrtatered
5 years ago
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 again
Chris and Laura
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 again
Chris and Laura
Cas M
5 years ago
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 🙂