Moxie Unleashed SUP and Fitness

Hi Sasha, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’ve always been a water baby. I just love being on it, near it, in it – it’s my happy place. Before I set up
Moxie Unleashed SUP & Fitness, I lived in the Middle East for 4 years running an adventure tourism
business which was great and sowed the seed for working in health, fitness and tourism. Once back in
the UK, I found myself living at the seaside and knew that I had to make the move away from my office
job.

I did a SUP Intro session and just loved its accessibility. Most other sports you battle with until you can
get good at them. Usually it’s only when we have a certain level of skill that we can enjoy the activity but
with paddling it’s different. Within a 2-hour session most people are standing up and grinning their
heads off with a sense of achievement that hooks them into coming back for more and honing their
skills.

It breaks down barriers as well; all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Pretty much anyone can enjoy it. For
example, I’ve taught people in their 70’s, people of all ages with mental health issues or learning
difficulties. And what’s really cool is that SUP often helps these issues. The concentration required to
stay on the board and being in our natural environment makes SUP an incredibly mindful practice, so
calming and peaceful (weather dependent obviously!) It’s great to see and is why I offer SUP Yoga and
tranquil flat-water paddles as well as sea and river sessions.

SUP is a great way to build and maintain fitness levels and as a personal trainer, yoga and Pilates
teacher, road safety cycling and mountain biking instructor, I was keen to offer a water-based activity
so, I qualified as an instructor and aim to bring this sport and active lifestyles to as many people as
possible, helping people to get fit and stay fit.

Tell us a little more about your experience with paddle boarding:
I’ve taken part in a lot of SUP events and been in quite a few races (although I don’t call myself a racer),
it’s the challenge I love, the events themselves, and especially the social aspect, the SUP community are
a great bunch, really welcoming and supportive.

Some of the events I’ve been in include: Round Hayling Island Challenge (14 mile), Battle of the Thames
in London, the Great Glen Challenge (92 km over 2 days across the width of Scotland). The Head of the
Dart SUP Challenge, the British SUP Club Championships, I’ve been in SUP triathlons, plus a 2-day
endurance event called the Trent100 (100 km with an overnight wild camp) and the SUP-X Rough
Waters assault course, that was great fun. I also went to the French Alps for the GlaGla Race (which
translates to BrrrBrrr) on Lake Annecy in January. Paddle Round the Pier is Europe’s biggest free beach
festival and it’s right here on my doorstep in Brighton & Hove, I love it, always such a great vibe and
variety of SUP events.

What are some of your favorite places to paddle?
Lake Annecy with the backdrop of blue skies and snow-capped mountains, is just beautiful. I run SUP &
Sail Adventure Escapes island hopping in Croatia which is a stunning location and another favourite.
Scotland and especially paddling the length of Loch Ness was amazing.

I love adventure and travelling but mostly I love being able to walk from my house here in the UK near
the city of Brighton and hop on my board in the sea. It’s fantastic.

Location Overview- tell us about your water environment
I’m mobile and offer different locations depending on the weather and the wind and client preferences.
SUP Intro sessions are typically held at slack water (an hour either side of high tide) when the water is
more likely to be placid and calm. These are run on the sea along the South Coast across East & West
Sussex and if the weather doesn’t allow for this we can move to a local river, a sheltered bay or confined
water. All of these places are within approx. 30 minutes of Brighton.
After the initial SUP Intro session(s) on relatively calm water and once the basics have been learned and
confidence gained then we can start to focus on progressions, developing skills by getting into some
waves or moving water.
I always talk to people before our lessons to get a feel for their level of fitness/experience, any current
activity and if they have a preference to be on the ocean or in an enclosed body of water.
Do you have any signature services or paddle activities?
Someone with moxie is determined, has nerve, backbone, a fighting spirit and a ‘can do’ attitude, and
that’s what we tap into and help people discover. Moxie Unleashed SUP & Fitness is about people
having fun, as they get fit and stay fit and reconnect with our natural environment.
We are a mobile company and we tailor our services to whatever customers are looking for.
You can learn to SUP, join a SUP Yoga class, book a birthday or special occasion party, go on a river safari
or ocean tour, or do several activities over the course of a day or two. You could be paddleboarding in
the morning, mountain biking in the afternoon and then enjoy a fitness workout and some SUP Yoga the
following day. Whatever it is you are looking to do, I’ll try my best to accommodate you whether you’re
a solo visitor, couple or group booking. I do offer set classes, sessions and mini retreats (1 or 2 days) that
people can book on to but it’s mostly tailor-made to really maximize your time and deliver the best
experience. As a trained Advanced Sports & Exercise Nutritional Advisor I can also tailor make
programmes to help people kickstart or restart their health and exercise regime. Just ask!
I also offer Teacher Training Courses for Yoga, Pilates and Fitness professionals through SUPTA – The
SUP Training Academy. These are industry-recognized 1 and 2 day courses.
We welcome all ages and abilities because our main goal is to get people on the water and enjoy
themselves.

What is your season?
We paddle year-round but of course it’s weather dependent as well as depending on the experience of
the client. For example, in March, I ran a 20km river safari with experienced paddlers but it would have
been far too cold for a SUP Intro or a SUP Yoga session.

Are there any local attractions paddlers may also be interested in?
Yes! Brighton is a vibrant and really popular seaside city, there’s so much to see, do, eat and drink!
While the South Downs are within easy reach for walking and biking.
Are there any other cool or interesting activities in the area?
The big city of London is only an hour away by train. We really are in the perfect location.
Do you have any recommendations for local food and drinks?
Brighton & Hove are full of great places to eat and drink. It’s a vibrant city and there are plenty of
restaurants, bars, live music, comedy nights, festivals. Whatever you are looking for, it’s here. You just
have to ask me what specifics you’d like to experience, and I can let you know when you visit.

Local places to stay?
That’s depends on what you would like to experience. There are lots of hotels and B&Bs and a vast
number of Airbnbs for all budgets. If you’re looking for something specific just let me know and I’ll help
you find what you’re looking for. It’s all part of the service.

Buddy Deal
10% off services
5% off services for longer tours