Introducing ASI SUP Instructor Ho Kah Soon

When Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) was introduced to Singapore in 2012, it opened a new chapter in the nation’s water sports scene. Among the early advocates of the sport was Ho Kah Soon—a lifelong waterman, with more than 50 years experience across kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and now, SUP.

What is your background?

I live in Singapore, where I’ve cultivated a lifelong connection to the ocean. I’m the proud owner of Constant Wind Seasports Centre, which has been operating since 2001.

My passion for sea sports started in school through kayaking as an extracurricular activity. That spark led to a deeper love for sailing, and I went on to represent Singapore in the Asian and World Cadet Dinghy Championships as well as the Asian Fireball Dinghy Championship in the 1980s—where I placed third overall.

Windsurfing caught my attention around the same time, and I quickly became immersed in the sport. Since then, I’ve competed and promoted sea sports throughout ASEAN and internationally, participating in numerous Asian and World Championship events.

What got you involved in the sport?

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) arrived in Singapore in 2012 and quickly captured the imagination of sea sports enthusiasts.

As someone who strongly values seamanship and safety, I saw an opportunity to contribute by promoting proper techniques and safe practices within the growing SUP community.

It became a personal mission to guide newcomers in building solid foundations—not just in skill, but in understanding the responsibilities of being on the water.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I became an accredited instructor through the Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI) in 2014. ASI is internationally recognized as a leading professional body for SUP training and certification.

For me, becoming an ASI instructor was about more than qualifications—it was a way to gain hands-on expertise and share structured, effective knowledge, especially around safety.

I’ve found ASI’s training programs to be incredibly thorough, particularly the “SUP Wise - Learn to SUP” program, which ensures that students gain a well-rounded understanding of the sport in a safe and supportive environment. That’s why it was a natural fit to align our school with ASI’s values.

What are you doing now?

I continue to manage and run Constant Wind Seasports Centre, now a cornerstone in Singapore’s water sports scene.

My team and I promote SUP to a wide audience, from recreational paddlers to fitness enthusiasts, and we organise trips and community events year-round.

We’re proud to host the Annual Singapore SUP Race, now in its 11th year.

In addition, we operate as an ASI instructor training centre, helping to develop the next generation of skilled instructors through regular workshops.

We've been an ASI-accredited SUP School since 2014, and the passion for the sport remains as strong as ever.

What do you like about being an instructor?

What I value most as an instructor is the opportunity to inspire others—not just to start the sport, but to persevere through challenges.

It's incredibly fulfilling to teach proper techniques that help students grow in confidence and skill, whether they’re paddling for fun or aiming to compete at higher levels.

I especially enjoy educating others on water safety—it’s something I care deeply about, and it makes all the difference in ensuring people enjoy the sport responsibly.

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

One experience that stays with me is guiding a SUP paddler who was struggling during a 6-kilometre race. Within the first kilometre, they were ready to give up. But with encouragement and guidance, they pushed on and completed the race.

That moment captured everything I love about instructing—helping someone break through their limits and witnessing the pride and satisfaction that come from finishing something that once felt impossible.

 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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