SUP ACADEMY
WAIHI BEACH SUP AND KAYAK
SUP Academy
Waihi Beach SUP Academy – Launching February 2026
The Waihi Beach SUP Academy is for paddlers who want to take their skills to the next level—whether that’s mastering SUP surfing, racing, or preparing for the next big competition (yes, even the future SUP Olympics!). Our focus is on building confidence, refining technique, and creating a supportive, vibrant community on the water.
For young paddlers, our Kids Club (ages 8–14) & our youth development (ages 14-18) offers mentorship, skill development, and guidance to nurture future champions—not just in sport, but as standout members of the Western Bay of Plenty community.
We’re proud to partner with SUPNZ to bring sponsors, funding, and growth to the sport, helping develop a thriving SUP scene for paddlers of all ages.
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information - starting after school holiday period.
Youth Development
Youth Development Program
Empowering the Next Generation of Watermen & Waterwomen.
At the Waihi Beach SUP Academy, we believe the future of Stand Up Paddleboarding begins with our young paddlers. Our Kids & Youth Development Program is designed for ages 14–18 and focuses on building strong foundations—both on the water and in life.
Through structured coaching, mentorship, and skill-based progression, we help young people develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork while advancing their SUP abilities across surfing, racing and ocean awareness.
School & Community Partnerships
We are actively connecting with schools, colleges, and youth organisations across the Western Bay of Plenty to offer tailored programs such as:
• School sport modules & after-school programs
• College leadership & outdoor education sessions
• Holiday programs & SUP skill camps
• Youth mentoring & athlete development pathways
Our goal is to create a clear pathway for youth to progress—from first paddle, to competition level, and beyond.
More Than Sport
This program isn’t just about paddling. It’s about guiding young people to become:
• Confident on the water
• Healthy in body and mind
• Environmentally aware
• Leaders within their community
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information - starting after school holiday period.
SUP Longboard Surf Sessions
SUP Surf Sessions with Coach Mickie
80 minutes of focused coaching to unlock your longboard SUP potential.
These sessions are built to take your SUP surfing to the next level — blending technique, style, and ocean awareness to help you surf with confidence and flow.
What We’ll Develop
✔ The art of trimming with speed and control
✔ Smooth, stylish cross-stepping
✔ Nose riding – hang five, hang ten goals
✔ Inside paddle drop-knee turns
✔ Wave selection, positioning & timing
Each session includes video analysis, so you can clearly see your technique, make adjustments, and keep progressing every time you hit the water.
Why Surf with Mickie?
• Experienced waterman and SUP coach
• Personalised feedback & coaching structure
• Proven progression-focused methods
• A supportive, fun learning environment
• Progress you can see and feel
Coaching Options
📌 1-on-1 private sessions
📌 Small group progression sessions
📌 Custom skill development plans
📌 Local spot knowledge & safety guidance
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information - starting after school holiday period.
SUP Shortboard Surf Sessions
Shortboard SUP Surf Sessions with Coach Mickie
80 minutes of power, precision, and performance.
These sessions are designed for paddlers with their own equipment who want to push hard, turn sharper, and surf their SUP like a high-performance shortboard. If you’re ready to shift gears and step into performance surfing—this is where it happens.
What We’ll Focus On
🔥 Powerful bottom & top turns
🔥 Rail engagement & speed generation
🔥 Vertical surfing & tight pocket turns
🔥 Wave timing & reading the lineup
🔥 Paddle placement & technique under pressure
🔥 Linking maneuvers for full wave flow
Each session includes video analysis, so you can break down your technique, make corrections, and progress every session with purpose.
Why Train With Mickie?
• Experienced SUP shortboard surfer & coach
• Structured progression with clear milestones
• High-intensity sessions built for improvement
• Local knowledge & peak-condition coaching
• Supportive coaching with performance mindset
Session Options
⚡ 1-on-1 performance coaching
⚡ Small group progression sessions
⚡ Paddle technique development
⚡ Custom training plans for competition / goals
These sessions are for SUP surfers ready to push boundaries and sharpen their performance.
Ready to surf faster, sharper, and stronger?
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information - starting after school holiday period.
SUP Techical Racing Sessions
SUP Technical Racing Sessions with Coach Mickie
60 minutes of focused race training — built for speed, precision, and podium potential.
These sessions are designed for paddlers with their own equipment, who want to develop race strategy, sharpen skills, and handle technical courses with confidence. Whether you’re entering your first race or chasing the front pack, these sessions will elevate your performance.
What You’ll Develop
🏁 Fast & efficient buoy turns
🏁 Sprint starts & explosive acceleration
🏁 Race pacing & energy management
🏁 Balance, footwork & board control under pressure
🏁 Reading chop, swell & conditions
🏁 Tactical racing & positioning skills
Each session includes video analysis, allowing you to clearly see your technique and make targeted improvements every time you train.
Why Race With Coach Mickie?
• Experienced SUP racer & ocean waterman
• Structured training systems for real progression
• Technique + strategy + mental game
• Local knowledge & course awareness
• Supportive, performance-focused environment
Training Options
🔥 1-on-1 coaching
🔥 Small group race sessions
🔥 Race preparation & strategy plans
🔥 Conditioning and paddle technique development
Want to race smarter, faster, and with purpose?
These sessions will build speed, confidence, and race IQ — the full package.
Let’s get race-ready.
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information - starting after school holiday period.🏄♂️🏁🔥
SUP Flatwater Racing Sessions
SUP Technical Racing Sessions with Coach Mickie
60 minutes of focused race training — built for speed, precision, and podium potential.
These sessions are designed for paddlers with their own equipment who want to develop race strategy, sharpen skills, and handle technical courses with confidence. Whether you’re entering your first race or chasing the front pack, these sessions will elevate your performance.
What You’ll Develop
🏁 Fast & efficient buoy turns
🏁 Sprint starts & explosive acceleration
🏁 Race pacing & energy management
🏁 Balance, footwork & board control under pressure
🏁 Reading chop, swell & conditions
🏁 Tactical racing & positioning skills
Each session includes video analysis, allowing you to clearly see your technique and make targeted improvements every time you train.
Why Race With Coach Mickie?
• Experienced SUP racer & ocean waterman
• Structured training systems for real progression
• Technique + strategy + mental game
• Local knowledge & course awareness
• Supportive, performance-focused environment
Training Options
🔥 1-on-1 coaching
🔥 Small group race sessions
🔥 Race preparation & strategy plans
🔥 Conditioning and paddle technique development
Want to race smarter, faster, and with purpose?
These sessions will build speed, confidence, and race IQ — the full package.
Let’s get race
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information - starting after school holiday period. 🏄♂️🏁🔥
SUP Surf
Foil Sessions
SUP Foil Surf Sessions with Coach Mickie
80 minutes of lift, flow, and next-level ocean awareness.
These sessions are designed to help you master the art of flight — from your first lift-off to linking long, flowing lines across the wave. SUP foiling demands timing, precision, and ocean intuition — and that’s exactly what we train.
What You’ll Develop
🌀 Paddle entry & lift timing
🌀 Safe take-offs & controlled touchdowns
🌀 Pumping technique & glide connection
🌀 Linking waves & staying in the energy
🌀 Foil placement, footwork & stance
🌀 Line selection & ocean reading skills
Every session includes video analysis, helping you break down your technique and build confidence with every flight.
Why Foil With Mickie?
• Experienced SUP foiler & ocean waterman
• Focus on safety, progression & control
• Structured coaching for every level
• Real conditions + real strategies
• Calm guidance when things get challenging
Session Options
🔹 1-on-1 SUP foil coaching
🔹 Small group progression sessions
🔹 Pumping & connection drills
🔹 Foil + surf crossover training
SUP foiling is one of the most rewarding feelings on the water… when done right.
Let’s build the skills, sharpen the timing — and find the glide.
Book your session and take flight.
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information - starting after school holiday period. 🏄♂️🪶🌊
Entry Level
Wingfoiling Sessions
Introduction to Wingfoiling – Wing Handling Sessions
Learn the wing first — no foils, no stress.
Before taking flight, it all starts with understanding the wing. These 80-minute sessions are designed to teach the fundamentals of wing control using inflatable SUPs only — no foils involved.
This is the safest and most effective way to build confidence before progressing to real wingfoiling.
What You’ll Learn
🌀 Wing setup & safety checks
🌀 Hand positioning & power zones
🌀 Steering, depowering & sheeting techniques
🌀 Harness use & body positioning
🌀 Turning, gybing & basic transitions
🌀 Wind awareness & reading conditions
Why Learn Without the Foil?
Foiling is much easier (and safer) when your wing skills are already solid. By training on inflatable SUPs first, you can:
✔ Build muscle memory
✔ Practice balance & stance
✔ Learn wind angles & direction
✔ Gain confidence without the pressure of flight
Session Format
🔹 80-minute on-water session
🔹 All gear provided (or bring your own)
🔹 Perfect for total beginners
🔹 Small groups or 1-on-1 coaching
🔹 Progression pathway into foiling lessons
Master the wing — then take flight.
These sessions are your first step toward real wingfoiling, taught in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
Ready to start your wing journey?
Book your session today.
only available on days with wind 💨🪂🌊
SUP Week 2026
SUP Week march 20th - 29th 2026. Inviting kiwi and international paddlers for a 9 days of everything Stand Up Paddleboarding, SUP surfing, Racing, Exploration, Games, Hot Rods & Rock n Roll! yes! SUP Week connects with Beach Hop 2026. more info coming soon.
Contact us via email, mobile or social media for more information.