April 7, 2025, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu: Excitement fills the air as Sabah welcomes its inaugural International Surfing Association (ISA) Flat Water Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Instructor and Aquatic Rescue Course. Launching today at the scenic Kinabalu Yacht Club, this seven-day program is set to elevate the region’s watersport standards. With 17 eager participants onboard, they will dive into a blend of classroom learning, hands-on training, and a robust 20 hours of practical teaching experience. At the end of this transformative journey, successful candidates will receive prestigious ISA certifications in both SUP instruction and aquatic rescue.
Organized by Waterfly Borneo in partnership with the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the Asian Surf Cooperative, this groundbreaking course marks a pivotal moment for Sabah’s burgeoning watersports tourism sector. The initiative aims to enhance local talent, elevate safety standards, and champion sustainable, community-focused tourism throughout the region.
“Over the last decade, Stand-Up Paddleboarding has transformed from a niche activity to a must-do experience for countless international visitors in Sabah,” shared Mitch Cini, founder of Waterfly Borneo. “By investing in the skills of local guides and operators, we’re ensuring that this growth is sustainable, responsible, and community-driven—a pathway to long-term opportunities for the residents of Sabah.”
This course enjoys full support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Sabah (KePKAS), with each participant representing a local watersports operator. The new certifications are expected to significantly boost the professionalism of SUP tours and classes, further positioning Sabah as a premier watersports destination in Southeast Asia.
Located at Tanjung Aru Beach, the course will utilize coastal, island, and river settings, harnessing Kota Kinabalu’s breathtaking natural beauty, tranquil waters, and rich local culture.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with KePKAS, ISA, and ASC to bring world-class training to Sabah,” Cini added. “This course is more than just about certification—it’s about empowering our watersports community and establishing new benchmarks for quality and safety in the region. Sabah has the potential to be recognized as a truly world-class watersports hub.”
Leading the course is Jonathan Morrison-Deaker, owner of the Rip Curl School of Surf in Bali, Indonesia. With over 30 years of rich experience in surfing, sailing, kiting, SUP, and foiling, Morrison-Deaker brings a treasure trove of knowledge to this initiative.
“This is my first visit to Kota Kinabalu, and I am absolutely captivated by the pristine beaches and the vibrant water activities,” Morrison-Deaker remarked, marveling at the hundreds of paddleboards dotting the shoreline at sunset. “On behalf of ISA, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with the watersport community here and to contribute to their efforts in creating a top-notch, sustainable program that benefits everyone involved.”
The opening session today included participant introductions, a detailed course overview, venue analysis, lesson planning, safety procedures training, and advice on delivering an exceptional customer experience. The upcoming days promise practical sessions on the beach, river, ocean, and an island, culminating in a supervised teaching practicum with real students.
This pioneering effort places community, sustainability, and safety at the forefront of Sabah’s watersports future.
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For further details, check out this link.