Monday, 7 April 2025, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu: The first-ever International Surfing Association (ISA) Flat Water Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Instructor and Aquatic Rescue Course in Sabah officially began today at the Kinabalu Yacht Club. A total of 17 participants from the region have joined the 7-day program, which combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and 20 hours of practical teaching experience. Successful participants will be awarded official ISA certification in both SUP instruction and aquatic rescue.

Organized by Waterfly Borneo in collaboration with the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the Asian Surf Cooperative, this milestone event marks a significant advancement for Sabah’s growing watersports tourism industry. The initiative aims to develop local talent, raise safety standards, and promote sustainable, community-based tourism across the region.

“Over the past decade, Stand-Up Paddleboarding has evolved from a niche sport into a daily highlight for hundreds of international visitors in Sabah,” said Mitch Cini, founder of Waterfly Borneo. “By investing in the skills of our local guides and operators, we’re ensuring that this growth is sustainable, responsible, and community-driven — creating long-term opportunities for the people of Sabah.”

The course is fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Sabah (KePKAS), with each of the 17 participants representing a local watersports operator. Upon completion, the new certifications are expected to elevate the professionalism of SUP tours and classes, further enhancing Sabah’s reputation as a premier watersports destination in Southeast Asia.

 

Based at Tanjung Aru Beach, the course will utilize coastal, island, and river locations, taking full advantage of Kota Kinabalu’s stunning natural surroundings, calm waters, and vibrant local culture.

“We’re proud to partner with KePKAS, the ISA and the ASC to bring world-class training to Sabah,” added Cini. “This course is not just about certification — it’s about empowering our watersports community and setting new standards of quality and safety in the region. Sabah has the potential to become a truly world-class watersports destination.”

Leading the course is Jonathan Morrison-Deaker, owner of the Rip Curl School of Surf in Bali, Indonesia. With over 30 years of experience in surfing, sailing, kiting, SUP, and foiling, Morrison-Deaker brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program.

 

 

“This is the first time I’ve been to Kota Kinabalu, and I’m amazed at the beautiful clean beaches and how much water activity there is here!” said Morrison Deaker after witnessing the hundreds of paddleboards in the water nearing sunset.  “On behalf of the ISA, I’m delighted for the opportunity to come here to meet the watersport community and to participate in their efforts to progress and create a high quality and sustainable program that everyone can benefit from.”

Today’s opening session included participant introductions, a course overview, venue analysis, lesson planning, safety protocol training, and guidance on delivering a professional customer experience. The days ahead will feature practical sessions on the beach, in the ocean, in a river, and on an island, culminating in a supervised teaching practicum with real students.

This groundbreaking initiative places community, sustainability, and safety at the heart of Sabah’s watersports future.

 

---

#communityfirst #sabahborneo #waterflyborneo @sabahtourism #supcommunity #sapotlokal #isasup #asiansurfco #sabahtourism #sustainabletourism #supmalaysia