Tara Crist is an experienced Yoga teacher of nearly 25 years, and teaches a very gentle relaxing yoga on land in Maidenhead Tuesdays & Wednesdays and in summer –Thursday evening and monthly yoga retreats on paddleboards on the Thames- provides the boards too! Message her below.

Become a SUP Yoga/ Pilates Instructor

Tara – SUP & yoga instructor and paddleboard school owner and enjoys the process of guiding Yoga and Pilates teachers to transfer their passion and skills to the boards. The training is designed to be individualized, ensuring it perfectly suits the specific type of waterway where you plan to teach.

For experienced paddleboarders: If you have significant paddleboarding experience, we recommend completing a SUP Instructor course, and coming us for the SUP Yoga/Pilates training. This will enable you to lead groups independently without the need for another instructor or lifeguard, it’s not essential however it does tick the box. We suggest the 2 day course offered by PaddleUK (formerly British Canoe).

For those with limited or no formal SUP training: Tara suggests you complete the comprehensive one-day training (which can be split into two half-days) with us first. This course will beautifully prepare you to teach yoga on the boards and ensure you pass the SUP Instructor course at a later date. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll be able to be able to get insurance to deliver your own paddleboard classes.

Developing an effective paddle stroke is important to be able to manoeuvre the boards quickly and precisely for rescues and confidently leading yoga on the water. Excellent paddling technique is paramount for any SUP Yoga/Pilates teacher. Teaching on the water it is vital to be fully aware of the unique risks associated. Our training emphasizes creating thorough site-specific risk assessments, conducting dynamic risk assessments, and safely connecting boards appropriate to the water and weather conditions.

This training is packed with practical tips on equipment, yoga practice, and paddle technique. While we provide the foundational tools, you will develop your own unique sequences, celebrating your individual teaching style and practice. Experimenting on the board is an integral part of your journey to becoming the best SUP Yoga/Pilates teacher for your students.

The 8-hour training costs £250 and includes all backup support and any further paddles you may need to become an instructor. You can refresh your SUP Safety and Rescues Skills at any time over the years at a 50% discount. If you have someone else to join you on your training, the cost is reduced by 20%; for three people on the course, it’s reduced by 30%.

To help Tara tailor your training and find a date that works, email or WhatsApp her detailing the waterways you intend to teach on (sea, river, canal, lake, or pool), your current paddleboarding experience, and your location.