Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Catherine Beresford Anglesey Wales UK

Catherine’s mission to share the joys of paddleboarding have created an incredible community for locals and visitors alike.  And her passion for promoting safe paddling and fostering confidence make her an inspiring instructor who continues to enrich her students and the paddleboarding world.

What is your background?

My background is very varied in that I started out from school as a Ski Instructor, fulfilling my dreams of teaching abroad, and near 30 years later I continue to teach each weekend in the winter on the dry ski slope at Runcorn, Cheshire.

In 2002, I stepped onto the Health and Safety ladder through pure chance really, grabbing the opportunity to develop skills, and have enjoyed 20 years as a health and safety specialist on the Railway.

Add to this my passion for being on the water with the paddleboard, and SupSkiFit was launched in winter 2020. We also hold ASI Accredited SUP School status.

For me personally, this is a hobby that I have turned into a business that is run alongside my main work as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist.

Though I reside in Cheshire, England, my heart truly belongs to Anglesey in Wales, where I run the SUP School.

What got you involved in the sport?

I’ve always been passionate about water-skiing, and it was through a fellow member of the ski club that I first discovered paddleboarding. I’ll admit, my early attempts were quite wobbly, but I kept giving it a try in between ski sets.

Eventually, I decided to get my own board. I brought it to Anglesey, where my family had spent a lot of time. As I quickly improved, my enthusiasm caught the attention of friends and other family members, sparking their interest too.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

Since I was 17, teaching sports like skiing and water-skiing has been a significant part of my life.

When I discovered SUP, I immediately saw its potential to thrive in Anglesey—a place close to my heart. This realization led me to embark on my training journey to become a SUP Instructor.

I’ve always loved working with people, helping them grow, and seeing their confidence build. I saw a fantastic opportunity to introduce this fast-growing sport to the area I cherish, ensuring it's taught in a safe and enjoyable way.

I originally qualified as a SUP Instructor through a different training organisation, however, then I went onto paddle with Mid Cheshire SUP (an ASI Accredited SUP School) and in order to teach with them I had to become an ASI Instructor. I was really impressed by their rigorous safety and globally recognised standards. ASI is world recognised and therefore to be qualified to their standards means you work hard for the recognition.

Being an ASI accredited SUP School not only puts my school and reputation significantly on the SUP Map, it means I can offer SUPwise Activ programmes which enables clients to go away with certificates competencies they can be proud of.    

What are you doing now ?

SupSkiFit is now entering its 5th Summer Season here on Anglesey, North Wales. 

I’ve obtained several paddle qualifications and now proudly run an ASI-accredited SUP school.

2024 saw us team up with Camp Bongo and Holyhead Sailing Club introducing paddle boarding to both locals and holiday makers. 

As an ASI accredited school we actively promote and run ASI competency courses enabling paddlers to become accomplished in different paddle conditions with improved technique and knowledge.

2024 also saw SupSkiFit run hen parties and group sessions in collaboration with Newry Kayaking bringing together the paddle boards and for even more versatility.

New for 2025, we are running half hour Sup Safety Seminars, free to join with the objective of education people on the risks of coastal paddling and reducing RNLI rescues.

What do you like about being an instructor?

Being an instructor allows me to share my passion for the sport while watching clients embrace and enjoy it for themselves.

There’s nothing quite like being outdoors, whether it’s on the sea or a canal, especially when the sun is shining—it’s doing what I love while connecting with like-minded individuals.

Each day is different and I can be as busy as I want to be. In the height of summer, a day would start by getting all the necessary gear together, travelling to the chosen location, unpacking/unloading the gear, meeting the clients, pre-lesson paperwork and the lesson kicks off from there. There is a lot of planning such as wind direction, weather, suitable locations, tide times etc. 

At the end of the lesson/day you are then gaining feedback, loading the gear back up, then cleaning, washing the wetsuits/gear ready for the next day’s lessons. The job is far more than just being an instructor and holds far more responsibility especially in terms of safety, planning and people management.

The recognition and positive feedback I receive from clients make all the hard work and occasional exhaustion incredibly rewarding.  It reflects the appreciation of my students and connections and friendships I’ve formed through SUP.

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

When I take people on paddle tours along the coast, I make it a priority to educate them about the local area, showcasing beaches and hidden gems. I’m fortunate to have a good friend who joins me and delivers fascinating “Paddle History Lessons”,  while we’re out at sea, adding an extra layer of enrichment to the experience.

I also share my teaching background and extensive health and safety expertise with clients. I’ve found that this not only reassures them of my credibility but also instils confidence in their own paddling boarding abilities.

Seeing clients benefit from safety education and enjoy the sport with confidence truly fulfills my mission as an instructor.

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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