July 2022 – SUP Star of the month
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
SUP Star of the Month – November 2024
Meet Bronwyn Mee Full of courage, empathy, and cheekiness. Bronnie gives the best hugs and I am grateful she paddled into my life. The Perth SUP Community is fuller for having Bronnie in it. If you haven’t met Bronnie yet – it’s probably as she’s out galavanting around the world. But I’m sure you’ll get…
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!…
What our customers say


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 to learn how to paddle properly and I was paddling around quite well after just an hour and a half.
Thanks Nicki, I’m inspired!!
(Julie Neves)
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