Introducing: Damjan Mozina, ASI SUP Instructor & ASI Trainer, Slovenia

From a lifelong passion for adventure sports to overcoming life-changing challenges, Damjan has an incredible story to tell, that lead him to become an ASI instructor.

What is your background?

I’ve always lived an active life, fuelled by adventure and a love for the outdoors. Before discovering stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), I spent years immersed in sports like mountain biking, kiteboarding, diving, paragliding, skiing, and surfing. My curiosity for movement and nature has always shaped who I am.

I currently live in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia—an incredible city for curious travellers. Surrounded by beautiful waters perfect for SUP and close to both mountains and coastlines, this environment has always inspired my sporting life. For me, SUP was a logical (almost inevitable) next step.

In 2011, I founded the first ASI-accredited SUP school in Slovenia. 14 years later and SUP is going from strength to strength.

What got you involved in the sport?

My journey into SUP started after a serious car accident that forever changed my perspective on life, health, and healing. I initially turned to stand-up paddleboarding as a way to rehabilitate my body and reconnect with nature. What began as therapy quickly evolved into a lifestyle.

SUP helped me recover physically, but more than that, it gave me a renewed sense of purpose and passion. That process of healing through movement made me fall deeply in love with the sport. For me, SUP became so much more than just paddling—it became a lifeline.

As a former acrobatic rock ’n’ roll dancer, canoe and kayak instructor, climber, skier, biker, kiteboarder, and diver, I had an extensive background in sports.

Despite my injuries, SUP not only allowed me to fully recover but transformed my life in ways I never imagined.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I became an ASI instructor more by coincidence than by intention! As a SUP pioneer in my city, people often stopped me when they saw me paddling, curious about the activity. I loved sharing my knowledge and passion, helping others experience the strength, balance, and inner peace that SUP brought me.

ASI’s global standards and high-quality training approach felt like the perfect fit for me. As I progressed, I realized I wanted to take things further, which led me to become an instructor in 2014.   I now hold ASI SUP Instructor levels 1 Enclosed waters, 2 exposed waters and 3 Downwind.

Today, I train future ASI SUP instructors in Slovenia and beyond, building a safe, professional, and passionate community around SUP.

What are you doing now ?

Currently, I own and operate SUP Klub (an ASI accredited SUP School), offering recreational paddling for all age groups, classes, and ASI SUP instructor courses here in Slovenia.

But my journey doesn’t stop there—I’m actively working to expand my reach across Europe and beyond. I connect with SUP communities, schools, and water sport centers worldwide, occasionally participating in races and offering specialized training sessions.

My dream is to bring high-quality training to new places and continue developing both professionally and through international collaboration.

What do you like about being an instructor?

Being an instructor is incredibly fulfilling. I love seeing people transform on the water—whether it’s a first-time paddler overcoming fear or a trainee finding their flow and confidence.

The human connection is what I cherish most: the sport’s ability to adapt to each individual and the fresh experiences each session brings.

Being an instructor keeps me active, challenged, and connected to people from all walks of life. It’s a privilege to share this journey with others.

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

Over my 14+ years of paddling, there have been countless memorable moments. One that stands out was a charity session with a woman in her 60s recovering from surgery. She was nervous and doubted herself initially, but after a few sessions, her confidence blossomed, and she said she hadn’t felt that alive in years. Moments like that remind me why I do this.

There have also been plenty of fun memories, especially during group sessions. Once, during a training on the coast, sudden weather changes forced us to adapt mid-session. What could have been a challenge turned into one of the most fun and educational days I’ve experienced. It was a testament to the resilience, trust, and teamwork this sport fosters.

 These moments continually reinforce why I’m passionate about SUP—not just for the physical benefits, but for its ability to transform lives.

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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