Making a splash the safe way

The Star

30-04-2025

THE waters off Tanjung Aru, just south of Kota Kinabalu, shimmered under the mid-morning sun as paddleboards skimmed across the calm sea.
Some steered by confident instructors, others by beginners still finding their balance. But beneath the serene setting was a week-long effort to elevate safety and professionalism in Sabah's growing watersports scene.
Among the curious newcomers was a Hong Kong tourist, who only wanted to be known as Monica.
She had never tried stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) before and described herself as 'not a strong swimmer'.
But under the guidance of newly trained instructors, she found herself standing on the board within 45 minutes.
'I felt calm and balanced, even though I was nervous at first.
'The instructors explained everything so clearly and gave me the confidence to try. I will definitely do it again,' said Monica, who now resides in Singapore.
Monica's experience was made possible through Sabah's first International Surfing Association (ISA) Flat Water SUP Instructor and Aquatic Rescue Course, which wrapped up recently at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort.
The course, led by ISA presenter Jonni Morrison-Deaker, equipped 17 local instructors with essential technical skills and rescue knowledge to keep guests safe on the water.
Stand-up paddleboarders showing off their skills. — Tim Hain/ASC Media
Over seven days, participants, many from Kota Kinabalu-based watersport operators, went through both classroom theory and real-world sessions.
From drills on calm beachfronts to more dynamic island and river settings, the participants practised SUP techniques, rescue strategies, communication as well as risk management.
Apart from Tanjung Aru, participants also trained along the shores of Mamutik Island, where they took part in a beach clean-up, collecting bags of rubbish as part of their hands-on learning experience.
They also received first aid training as part of the course.
'Sabah offers an incredible variety of watersports environments. We wanted participants to gain experience in different conditions, so they can respond confidently and competently in any situation,' said Morrison-Deaker.
Morrison-Deaker, who also runs the Rip Curl School of Surf in Bali, has been an ISA course presenter across Asia since 2016.
His goal is not just to train instructors, but to build a safety-first mindset in the region's watersports industry.
The ISA, founded in 1964, is the world's recognised governing body for surfing and all paddle-based disciplines, including SUP racing, para-surfing, bodysurfing and more.
It supports national federations in over 100 countries and is known globally for setting the benchmark in water safety and technical training.
For Sabah, this course marks a significant first.
First aid training being taught during the course. — Tim Hain/ASC Media
'We initiated this programme to encourage more operators to prioritise safety. We want visitors to know that when they enjoy our rivers and seas, they are in safe hands,' said Datuk Josie Lai, the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) permanent secretary, who presented certificates to the course participants.
Lai added that the ministry would continue supporting such initiatives, especially as watersports play a key role in Sabah's tourism landscape.
The course was organised by Waterfly Borneo in collaboration with the ISA and Asian Surf Cooperative (ASC).
For co-organiser Sam Fernandez, one of only two women in the group, the training opened her eyes to the importance of emergency planning and risk assessment.
'Before this, we did not realise how much we did not know. Now, we feel better prepared, and I hope more women will join this field and raise the standard further,' she said.
As part of the closing activities, over 50 people, including hotel guests, joined complimentary SUP sessions, guided by the newly trained instructors.
For Monica, it was more than just a holiday experience. It was a safe, empowering introduction to a sport she never thought she would try.