Introducing ASI SUP Instructor, Merilin Priimae from Estonia
Posted: 5 September 2025
What is your background?
I live in Tartu, Estonia. Tartu is an excellent location for paddleboarding because one of the largest rivers in Estonia, the Emajõgi River, flows through the city.
Nature and sports have been a part of my life from an early age. When I was younger, I was involved in track and field and swimming. I've always had a strong interest in nature, which is why I chose to study to become a biology and geography teacher.
I've also always had a desire to help people connect with nature or sports. I have worked as a teacher for over 10 years, and in addition, I support NEET youth.
What got you involved in the sport?
In 2017, I saw an advertisement for a SUP training session for the first time. I had only once seen someone paddling on the river with a SUP board, and I thought it sounded exciting. So I signed up for my first session—and I was instantly captivated by stand-up paddleboarding.
From then on, I spent every free moment out on the water. I also developed my skills in SUP Polo and I even won the Estonian championship in SUP Polo.
I also believe that my entire lifestyle is closely connected to stand-up paddleboarding. For several years now, I’ve been restoring my vintage 1972 Ford F100 pickup—my dream SUP truck. I’ve always imagined a life where I can simply throw my paddleboard into the back of the truck, head out for a paddle, and enjoy life with my family. It’s always worth chasing your dreams.
Why did you become an ASI instructor?
I knew I wanted to become a SUP instructor just a couple of years after I started paddleboarding. Still, it took several more years to reach that goal. I made a conscious decision that I would only pursue ASI certification once I was fully committed to SUP and had given 100% of myself in preparation. Looking back, it was absolutely the right choice.
The main reason I wanted to become an ASI SUP instructor was to prove to myself that I had the knowledge and skills required. And of course, just as importantly, I wanted to teach others and help them fall in love with stand-up paddleboarding the way I did.
I am the first and currently the only ASI-certified SUP instructor in Estonia. In Estonia, stand-up paddleboarding is still a relatively new sport, and as a result, awareness of safe practices, rescue techniques, and proper paddling skills is not yet widespread. Skill levels also vary greatly.
My goal is to share knowledge and experience with people both in Estonia and internationally, in order to help develop a stronger and safer SUP culture
What are you doing now ?
After earning my ASI SUP instructor certification (in 2023), I considered whether to work for someone else’s company or to start my own. I decided to be bold and founded my own business.
The main goal of my company is to follow ASI standards and to set an example for the entire SUP community in Estonia, showing that these international best practices should be the benchmark for everyone.
Currently, I work as both the lead instructor and the founde. I also work as a youth wellbeing specialist, supporting NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people, and as a project manager for a qualitative research study at the University of Tartu.
I believe all of my roles are connected by a common goal: contributing to the local community and creating better opportunities for people to thrive—whether in their careers, through nature, sports, or other fields.
One of the core principles that guides my life is this: we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, but rather to who we were yesterday. The aim is to become better for ourselves, not for anyone else. Challenge yourself for your own growth—not for the sake of competing with others.
What do you like about being an instructor?
The main reason I love being a SUP instructor is that I get to share my passion for stand-up paddleboarding.
When you can make both beginners and advanced paddlers’ eyes light up with excitement, it’s an incredible feeling. Through this, people also come to understand that safety is just as important as having fun.
With my teaching, I aim to set an example for other SUP companies in Estonia and help strengthen the stand-up paddleboarding culture across the country.
Tell us about an inspiring story about your student/s or a nice situation that has happened to you with instructing.
I have many inspiring stories to share. What touches me the most is when people come back to me even years later. These can be former students, colleagues, friends, acquaintances—or even complete strangers from another part of Estonia.
I believe people have come to realize that there’s always something new to learn and ways to grow when it comes to stand-up paddleboarding. I also believe that positive people naturally attract others around them.
I also see that through my work, I’ve been able to inspire people both in Estonia and abroad. I’ve often been told that it took remarkable courage to apply for the ASI SUP Instructor certification—especially since no one else in Estonia had done it before. I believe my story encourages others to be bold and to pursue their dreams.
Even though I live in Estonia, a small country, I truly believe that big dreams can start here, too.
What matters is taking action toward those dreams—and inspiring others along the way.
And if you, reading this, ever find yourself in Estonia and spot a blue-and-white SUP pickup truck driving by, know that it’s me. I’ll be more than happy to stop for a chat or take you out for a paddle.
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.
