ABOUT MICHELLE STEWARDSON

From a work background of psychiatric Social Work it’s not really the basis you expect for a SUP Instructor and owner of a SUP school but Michelle is never happier than when in or on the water. Her interest in water sports started in earnest when at university and work in Nottingham, where she led kayaking groups on the River Trent and spent many an evening on the white water run.

On moving to the Isle of Man, almost 20 years ago and with so much fantastic coastline she became a member of the RNLI, where she remains an active volunteer on an ALB (and is even known to act as a relief mechanic).  As part of her RNLI role Michelle also trained with Rescue 3 becoming a swift water rescue technician and Flood Boat Operator as part of her role in the RNLI’s National Flood Rescue team.

Not content with the RNLI alone, Michelle trained as a PADI Staff Instructor, running a small dive operation for several years.

Her SUP epiphany came about a decade ago when on holiday in Cornwall where she met the team from Harlyn Watersports – So much so that she completed her SUP instructor training with SUP Bristol in 2016 and set up Saltworks SUP in the same year.

This was the first commercial paddleboarding operation on the Isle of Man.  In 2017 a trip to Wales lead to the completion of the Adventure Guide course with WSA.

Michelle is an enthusiastic teacher and passionate about introducing people to the water, SUP and showcasing the Isle of Man coastline in all of its UNESCO biosphere glory.

With the rapid growth of paddleboarding on the island Saltworks SUP, in conjunction with WSA, was pleased to provide the first I SUP SAFE courses on island and continues to support projects such as the RNLI’s #respectthewater campaign with safe access for all being a key goal in Saltworks SUP daily operations.