OUR INSTRUCTORS

Claudia Carney

- (ASI Level 1 and 2 Qualified Instructor)

I started Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) through my windsurfing background, having competed internationally for Team GBR at Youth and Senior levels.

I was first introduced to SUP as part of my training program because it was recognised as a great form of exercise that allowed me to stay on the water and mix up my training sessions. Since then, I became more involved in the SUP scene, taking part in SUP racing which led me to join the UK Naish racing team for a season of events.

Even though I had stopped competing after that season, my passion for being on the water was still strong so in 2015 I qualified as a SUP Instructor and founded THE SUP HUB a year later. I wanted to enable others to experience the benefits of being out on the water, and to create a local SUP community that would encourage more people to use the local coastline and enjoy what it has to offer.

Alexandra Roshu

- (ASI SUP Level 1 & 2 Qualified Instructor)

I went SUPing for the first time in Folkestone Harbour in 2016 hoping I could find a fun alternative to kitesurfing during windless days.

With a strong core from practicing and teaching Yoga, and from bouldering when I still lived in London, I found it really exciting to be able to cruise along the coastline and explore the surrounding areas from the waterside, nurturing a rewarding connection with the Ocean that always delivered great sessions, no matter the weather or the nature of the environment. Moreover, the knowledge absorbed from attending sessions with THE SUP HUB has empowered me to feel safe and confident when traveling abroad by myself and SUPing in a new location.

Besides the joy of the outdoor adventure, the physical aspect of the sport contributes to my body's health, strength, and fitness, always finishing sessions off with wide smiles, good vibes, and high levels of serotonin.

Last but not least, I got to meet some great people along the way whom I could share my passion and respect for the water. More so, as the opportunity to become an instructor arrived in 2019, after three seasons of SUPing and also working on the hire side in the Folkestone SUP HUB HQ, I was honoured to be able to pay it forward and start teaching in the same place where I first stood up!

Liz Hickes

- (ASI Level 1 and 2 Qualified Instructor)

Living in Folkestone overlooking the Harbour, I was able to see some people out paddleboarding which made me decide I should give it a go!

In 2019, after plenty of practice, determination and encouragement from Claudia, I became involved in running paddle sessions for THE SUP HUB all year round as I was offered the opportunity to train as a SUP instructor at the age of 51!

Having absolutely no water sports background, I can honestly say that it is a great and fun form of exercise with the added bonus of being able to take in the beautiful coastline, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, as my experience proves it!

India Pearson

- (SUP Yoga Instructor)

India is an experienced Yoga and SUP Yoga teacher from Hythe.

She brought SUP Yoga to Hythe and Folkestone in 2016 and has gone to teach internationally at festivals and water sports events too.

India is also an ambassador for #ShePaddles, an initiative run by British Canoeing that inspires women to engage in paddle sports.