Introducing ASI SUP Technical Coach, Sarah Samadizadeh, London UK

Introducing Sarah Samadizadeh, an ASI SUP Technical Coach who turned her passion for adventure, movement and personal growth into a thriving career.

What is your background?

I spent 20 years in the corporate world including working for Travel Channel negotiating worldwide holiday deals for on screen airing.  I then spent 10 further years in higher education where I qualified as a life coach, coaching students, then creating a private practice coaching people from all walks of life.  As a qualified personal trainer I specialise in movement outdoors and incorporate outdoors and nature with personal growth and life coaching.

What got you involved in the sport?

15 years ago, while walking along the towpath of the Thames in London on a rainy day in October I saw my now fellow colleague on a paddleboard. A week later I took a lesson in the wind and never looked back.

Fortunately I have had fantastic mentors within the SUP community that enabled me to develop my skills and love of the sport.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

My local club needed another instructor. The ASI course was enjoyable and challenging and as a result I became a better paddler. My love of learning means that I am always looking for ways of improving my craft. In 2023 I qualified as an ASI Technical Coach that added to my Level 1 and 2 Coaching.

What are you doing now ?

I have just moved to Brussels and will be living between Brussels and London. It is one big adventure and I will continue to teach paddling, life coach and develop outdoor courses that incorporate personal development with nature, water and fitness.

What do you like about being an instructor?

I get to meet people from all over the world and hear their stories in an amazing environment. Instructing what I am passionate about is incredibly rewarding, when you see people’s confidence grow and their paddling improve, what better job is there?

Tell us about funny or interesting or nice situation that has happened to you with instructing?

My oldest client was 81, he had been cajoled into taking a lesson by his daughter who loved SUP and wanted her father to experience her passion. In 2 hours I had to make it count. Make sure my client was safe on the busy Thames, teach him to stand up and paddle.  After falling in 6 times and getting tired the 2 hour window narrowed to 1 hr. I knew he could do it. 45 minutes in he was up and paddling with this daughter! 

"I am not sure he’ll be on the race circuit, but his picture was pretty impressive for the ladies", quoted his daughter.

For that session he saw the beauty of the river and experienced what his daughter so loved. Sharing passion through the generations is magic.  It was his daughter's turn to pass something up!  

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.