Introducing Marios Trigonis, ASI SUP Instructor & ASI Trainer, Crete, Greece

As Greece’s first ASI-accredited SUP instructor, Marios has dedicated himself to helping students of all skill levels gain confidence on the water while upholding the highest safety protocols.

My Background

I am based in Kokkini Hani, Crete, Greece, but my professional journey started far from the ocean. Before dedicating my career to watersports, I worked in big hotel chains, owned a restaurant and bar in Heraklion, and was also an owner of a chain of clothing stores.

Despite my success, I always felt a deep pull toward the ocean. I wanted a career where my "office" was the sea.  I also saw the need for high-quality watersports instruction with a focus on safety.

In 2012, I took the leap and started Surf in Crete, offering a range of watersports: SUP, surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. It has been one of the best decisions of my life.

What Got Me Involved in the Sport

I've always been drawn to the wind and waves.

My journey into stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) began in 2008 when the sport was still emerging in popularity. Back then, I spent hours exploring the coastline of Crete, enjoying the sense of freedom that paddleboarding brings—whether in flat water, along the beach, or in the waves.

I took my passion beyond Greece, traveling to the Philippines, Italy, Spain, and Portugal to experience new waters and meet like-minded paddlers.

I was also competed in SUP competition events in Greece.

Through Surf in Crete, I’ve had the opportunity to train local athletes and introduce SUP to many Cretans and Greeks—a legacy I’m incredibly proud of.

Why I Became an ASI Instructor

Since 2013, I’ve been instructing SUP, but in 2017, I became the first-ever ASI-accredited SUP instructor in Greece.

This milestone was huge for me because I’ve always wanted to provide the best quality training and safety standards for my students.

I chose ASI accreditation because it aligns with my vision for professionalism, high training standards, and a commitment to safety.

My qualifications include:

• ASI Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 SUP Surfing Instructor

• ASI SUP Technical Coach certification

• IKO Level 3 Kitesurfing Instructor with over 2,750 hours of teaching

• Lifeguard, first aid, and rescue swimmer qualifications

• Member of the Hellenic Rescue Team, actively involved in search and rescue missions

• Sailing coach and co-founder of NAOM Nautical Athletic Club of Malia, which trains young athletes in SUP and sailing.

What I'm Doing Now

I run Surf in Crete full-time, ensuring that our watersports instruction meets international safety standards.

Over the years, our school has been recognized for its excellence:

• ASI Accredited SUP School since 2019

• IKO Affiliated Centre since 2016

• Travel & Hospitality Award Winner in 2020 for Excellence Branding in Crete, making us the first watersports center to earn this honor

• Officially licensed by the Greek Coast Guard

• Member of Safe Water Sports, one of Greece’s most important safety organizations

• first government-licensed SUP center on Crete.

With over 14 years of experience, Surf in Crete offers training for all ages, including tailored programs for children, ensuring safety, fun, and progress in watersports.

Why I Love Being an Instructor

Switching careers from an office-based job to working outdoors was a dream come true. Every day, I get to do what I love—surf, paddle, and teach others the joy of watersports.

Beyond training students, I love meeting people from all over the world and travelling to new watersports destinations.

As an ASI SUP Instructor Trainer, I now train future SUP instructors from Greece and different countries. Sharing my 14 years of experience and helping others grow their own watersports businesses is incredibly rewarding.

Inspiring Stories from My Students

There are lots of stories to tell. 

One thing I have seen is students arrive fearful of the water and leave as confident paddlers. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is watching people overcome their hesitation and embrace watersports, just after a few lessons !

Many students are tourists visiting Crete—some are trying SUP for the first time, discovering a new passion they might never have explored back home.

Beyond the sports themselves, I love introducing them to Cretan culture and history, creating a deeper connection to this beautiful island.

Some students return year after year, and I’ve built lifelong friendships through our shared love of the sport and the ocean.

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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