Introducing Stephen O’Hara, ASI SUP Technical Coach, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

To Stephen, paddleboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a tool for developing confidence, teamwork, resilience, and risk-taking skills.

What is your background?

I am the Director of Co-Curricular Activities at Collège Beau Soleil located in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, nestled high in the Swiss Alps.  It is a very scenic location, surrounded by mountains, and waterways that are perfect for a range of watersports.

Our school is an international full-boarding institution with students from around 54 nationalities, and we strive to offer an immersive learning experience that goes beyond the classroom.

One of our key strengths is outdoor education—we use the mountains, lakes, and surrounding landscapes as an extension of our learning environment.

With this in mind, incorporating paddleboarding into our curriculum felt like a natural step forward.

What got you involved in the sport?

I have always believed in the power of holistic education. 

Paddleboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a tool for developing confidence, teamwork, resilience, and risk-taking skills.

Introducing SUP to our students was a deliberate effort to provide them with a skill set that would help them grow both mentally and physically.

Learning water safety and responsible paddling means they can enjoy the sport with friends and family in a fun yet safe manner.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

To offer high quality instruction.  I also went on and achieved the higher level ASI SUP Technical Coach certification.  

The structure and standards set by ASI provide strong operating procedures, training, and further development, ensuring we deliver SUP lessons at a world-class level.

The support ASI offers in education and certification allows us to equip students with the best possible foundation in the sport, reinforcing our mission to provide a well-rounded education.

Our school is also an ASI Accredited SUP school, for the same reasons as above.

What are you doing now?

In addition to regular training and instruction, we have incorporated SUP expeditions, where students plan, pack, and embark on multi-day paddling adventures. These journeys teach essential life skills such as navigation, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency.

We also integrate the ASI SUP Level 1 certification into our program so students can graduate with a recognized qualification that could be useful for future employment—similar to what we do with ski instruction.

What do you like about being an instructor?

For me, the greatest joy comes from watching students embrace SUP—not just as a sport, but as a transformative learning experience.

Whether they are competing in water-based games or analyzing their paddling techniques, I love seeing them engage with the activity in creative ways.

Every lesson is filled with teamwork, excitement, and personal growth, making the experience deeply rewarding.

Tell us about an inspiring story about your student(s) or memorable experiences you've had while instructing.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was the overnight SUP expedition on Lake Gruyère. Students explored castles, jumped off bridges, cooked meals over campfires, and slept under the stars—all while paddling through breathtaking scenery.

These types of experiences go beyond just learning how to paddle; they foster independence, teamwork, and resilience. Seeing students embrace these challenges and thrive is what makes instructing so special.

About ASI
ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.
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