Introducing Laird Wharton, ASI SUP Instructor, Sweden

Introducing Laird Wharton, ASI SUP Instructor based in Jämtland, Sweden — but his love for the water started long before Scandinavia.

Growing up in Australia, Laird realised at a young age that he loved everything about the ocean. His first encounter with SUP came back in 2009, but it wasn’t until he moved to Sweden — far from surf breaks — that SUP became his way to stay connected to the water.

What began as a way to keep fit soon turned into a full‑blown passion. He loved the versatility, the fitness benefits, and the freedom SUP offered. That passion inspired him to take the next step: becoming an ASI SUP Instructor and sharing the experience through lessons and tours.

Today, Laird feels privileged to have a career that lets him share his love of the water with others.

Discover Laird’s journey — from Aussie ocean kid to Swedish SUP guide — and how he turned passion into purpose.

1. What is your background? / Where do you live?

I am an Aussie guy living in Sweden, I moved here in 2015. I grew up moving around Australia as a young kid, born in Western Australia, I moved to Queensland aged 10, then moved down to Victoria aged 12.

I moved to Barwon Heads in Victoria and this is where I discovered surfing and grew a passion for all things around the ocean. Growing up on the west coast of Victoria I was heavily influenced by the surfing culture and industry around Torquay and travelled up and down the coast, surfing the classic Victorian waves.

When I was 26 I moved to Margaret River, Western Australia and enjoyed surfing the powerful waves of the south west. This eventually led to overseas travel, and many seasons in Indonesia surfing.

2. What got you involved in the sport?

I first had contact with SUP when I saw a few early adopters doing it down south in the Margaret River region around 2009 but did not really take much interest in it until I moved to Sweden.

I bought a SUP when I moved to Sweden to keep me on the water, and keep my fitness up, but I soon became obsessed with it! I loved the versatility SUP provided, from training to surfing and even fishing from a SUP! I then got really into SUP touring and doing multi day camping trips, as well as racing and eventually ultra distance SUP racing. 

3. Why did you become an ASI instructor?

In 2020, my passion for SUP led me to start my own business around it. I started giving introductory lessons in the summer on Storsjön ( Big Lake) in Östersund, Jämtland, Sweden.

 This led on to providing tours on the beautiful lakes and rivers around Jämtland, Sweden as well as hiring boards, this is how Jämtlandsup was born.

In 2023 I decided to become an ASI instructor. I felt ASI was the highest standard for SUP instructors in the world, and wanted to offer that standard to my clients. I had friends who were ASI SUP and Surf instructors in Australia, so I was familiar with their reputation as a high standard association.

4. What are you doing now – instructing, operating a school, working in another country, etc?

These days I work as a professional SUP guide. I work in Norway in the summer as a freelance Lead Expedition guide, taking guests on multi day expeditions on Sognefjord.

I also organise and conduct my own tours and expeditions in Jämtland Sweden, combining SUP and Trail running.

When I am not guiding I like to compete in Ultra paddling events and Ultra running events. My favorite race is The Last Paddler Standing in Florida, USA. I have done it two years in a row now and will be going back in December this year to do it again! The community around the race is awesome! 

5. What do you like about being an instructor?

What I like most about being an instructor and guide, is the connection I get with guests on the water and in beautiful environments around the world. I feel it is a privilege to teach and guide people in SUP and, I am grateful for the lifestyle it has brought me.

Becoming an ASI instructor gave me the confidence to deliver well organised instruction and a clear teaching method. I recommend anyone wanting to become an instructor or guide to take an ASI instructor training course!

6. Tell us about an inspiring story about your students or a nice situation that has happened while instructing.

The most inspiring thing I get to see as an instructor is watching people's confidence grow on the water. Many people don't necessarily come from a water sports background, and it is those people I get the most inspiration from when I get to see their confidence grow. 

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.