July 2022 – SUP Star of the month
11 July 2022
It’s kind of ironic that the super SUPer for the month of July is someone who has an aversion to the cold!
Meet Liz, a legendary matriarch of the Perth SUP Community.
We met many moons ago and it’s a pleasure every time she joins me on the water.
She’s enthusiastic (when it’s warm) generous and determined.
Liz is currently back home in the UK so she’s stoked to be missing a Perth winter.
Fingers crossed the English Summer turns on the sunshine for her!
Check out the interview I did with Liz and hopefully you can meet her on the water soon
- Tell us a bit about yourselves. Random facts about YOU!
One thing I used to keep secret from my kids, was that I had walked on hot coals. I didn’t want them to think their mother was a nut. Now, it’s too late – they know!!
- How did you get bitten by the SUP bug?
Saw the first SUPs being tried in Bali, when I was living there – back in 2007. Tried it when I got back to Perth in 2008 and that was it! I even tried a few low key events – but now I am a Social Paddler only, I guess.
- Tell me why you enjoy paddling?
I am an ADHD person, so find it difficult to relax and be calm. SUPing actually seems to take me to another space where I can almost get ‘lost’ and into a real state of relaxation. At the same time as doing my body some good.
4. Where’s the best place you have paddled.
It was a while ago, but SUPing amongst the fishing boats in Jimbaran Bay, Bali, takes a bit of beating. Although I do love Freshwater Bay!
5. What kind of board do you ride?
Mine’s a green Jimmy Lewis all rounder. Had it for several years now and although it’s not a performance board it mostly does what I need. It’s been a great buy for me – I love it
6. What do you enjoy most about Nicki’s SUP sessions?
Nicki pushes me to do things I don’t think I can do. Like getting out in winter for example! And the sense of community and camaraderie is wonderful. Oh and she is a great coach.
7. Where is your dream SUP destination or do you have any paddling goals?
Somewhere in mainland Europe perhaps? An Italian canal surrounded by gorgeous gondoliers singing opera…..
8. Do you have any tips for people starting out?
Just do it. I know many people disagree with me on this… I always say just buy a second hand all rounder board (need to be more careful with inflatables though – no point getting a cheap one) and get out on the water. Hardly anyone continues to SUP on their first board, but it gets you on the water and you don’t feel so nervous about damaging it. Then you’ll discover what style of board you really want, when you’re ready to spend real money. The next thing is to get at least one lesson under your belt – so that you can learn how to play safely and have lots more fun.
in other news
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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 :)