The ISYA standards have been developed by experienced professionals in Stand Up Paddle, SUP Yoga, Pilates, Fitness, water safety and education, with the aim of establishing clear international standards for safety, education and professional practice.
The ISYA Global Leadership Team oversees the international direction and development of the Academy, working together with Regional Directors and Country Co-Directors / Ambassadors to support consistency, professional standards and the growth of ISYA worldwide.
ISYA welcomes experienced professionals who are interested in contributing to the continued development of international SUP education and standards.
ISYA Global Executive Directors and Co-Directors Team.
Elizabeth Tabilo
ISYA global EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Tabilo is a Chilean yoga teacher, stand-up paddle (SUP) instructor, and international trainer with over 16 years of experience in yoga and wellness. She is a certified instructor with Yoga Alliance and the International Yoga Federation, specializing in Vinyasa, Hatha, Integral Yoga and Rocket Yoga. She is also a certified diver (CMAS), bringing a deep understanding of the aquatic environment into her teaching. Elizabeth specializes in SUP Yoga, SUP Fitness, and water-based practices, integrating movement, balance, safety, and the Blue Mind approach. As a leader in her field, she is the founder of SUP Yoga Chile Latam and a Level 1 and Level 2 instructor trainer for the World Paddle Association (WPA), educating instructors across Latin America and internationally. In 2026, Elizabeth assumed the role of Director of the International SUP Yoga Academy (ISYA), after previously serving as Chile Ambassador and Co-Director. Her work is recognized for combining technical excellence, professionalism, and a deep connection to nature, creating transformative experiences both in and on the water.
Meghan Swanson
isya global executive director
Meghan Swanson is a Florida, USA based SUP and SUP Yoga Instructor Trainer and the founder of Turquoise Floating Yoga LLC. Meghan is an ACA (American Canoe Association) Level 2 SUP Instructor Trainer and a WPA (World Paddle Association) Instructor Trainer. She is also a Yoga Alliance RYT-500 and CEP. Meghan is passionate about training SUP and SUP Yoga Instructors with a goal of developing paddle skills and improving safety awareness and risk mitigation in the industry. She believes that paddling is a moving meditation, nature is healing, and yoga is a powerful way to come home to ourselves. Putting them together creates pure magic! In 2026, Meghan accepted the role of ISYA Global Director North America to further the mission of sharing the joy of SUP yoga internationally while promoting safety awareness and risk mitigation on a global level. SUP / SUP Yoga / Yoga Instructor Yoga Alliance - E-RYT-500 & CEP ACA Level 2 SUP Instructor Trainer ACA SUP Yoga Instructor & SUP Yoga Leader Trainer WPA Level 2 SUP Instructor Trainer ISYA SUP Yoga Instructor Trainer American Red Cross Lifeguard NASM Certified Personal Trainer NASM Certified Nutrition Coach
Chantal Bachere Crinquand
isya Co- Director, Australia
Chantal Crinquand is the founder of the International SUP Yoga Association (ISYA) and serves as Global Co-Director for Australia. A qualified yoga teacher, SUP Yoga instructor and educator, Chantal specialises in the development and delivery of SUP Yoga education, training and instructor development programs. With many years of experience in the health, education and wellness sectors, Chantal has played a key role in shaping SUP Yoga standards, educational resources and training workshops both nationally and internationally. Her work focuses on creating safe, accessible and evidence-informed SUP Yoga experiences that combine movement, mindfulness and connection with the ocean environment. Through ISYA, Chantal is passionate about supporting the growth and professionalism of the global SUP Yoga community through high-quality education, mentoring and instructor training.
Anja Von Behr
ISYA CO-DIRECTOR ,EUROPE/SOCIAL MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATION
Anja von Behr, Vinyasa Yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance, Paddle board instructor and SUP yoga teacher. She is granny of 2, practicing Yoga since 20 years and is the living proof that yoga and water can „mummify“. She gives SUP yoga and Yoga classes in Berlin and is running retreats where she combines Standuppaddling classes with indoor- and SUP yoga. She offers Balance Workshops for finding inner and outer balance for employees, e.g. for the Berlin police department. Currently she organizes SUP yoga retreats with lake tours in the german Alps, in the baltic sea and Mexico. Anja loves to build up new trends and wants to make SUP yoga more popular in Germany.
Kristine Garlan-Hando
ISYA CO- DIRECTOR, UNITED KINGDOM
Kristine’s background in Complementary Health Therapy led her to her first yoga teacher training in 2012, and subsequent SUP Yoga teacher trainings (inland waterways and enclosed bays) in 2014 where she has since been teaching both outdoor and indoor pool-based sessions in Guernsey, Channel Islands. Kristine became an ISYA member in 2015. Through her continued learning and teaching progressed to an ISYA accredited SUP Yoga Master Trainer and ambassador. Kristine continues to strive for the safety and well being of SUP Yoga teachers and students globally, in her contributions as an ISYA Director for the UK. Her message is “stay safe having fun when in and around the water”.
Fabiana Maquieira
ISYA CO-DIRECTOR, LATIN AMERICA.
Fabiana Maquieira is a +400-hour Certified Yoga Teacher, Pranayama Teacher, ISA Certified SUP Instructor, and International Instructor in Water Rescue and Board Sports Safety. She serves as International SUP Yoga Teacher Trainer, Official ISYA Director and Country Representative for Argentina , and is a member of the ISYA International Committee. She is the Founder and Director of @MaquiSupYoga, an ISYA Certified School and International SUP Yoga Teacher Training center based in Argentina. She has delivered international teacher trainings in Mexico, specialized workshops in Spain, and touring and expedition programs in Brazil, in addition to leading certifications across different regions of Argentina. Based at Club Náutico San Isidro (Buenos Aires), she leads high-standard programs characterized by extensive in-person hours, practical application, safety and technical autonomy in open water. Her work actively supports the expansion and professionalization of SUP Yoga in Latin America under international standards.
AICHA
ISYA CO- DIRECTOR, AFRICA
Yoga & Pilates Teacher Certified Yoga, SUP Yoga and Pilates Teacher, I am deeply passionate about movement, mindfulness and human connection. Teaching is more than a profession to me — it is a way of sharing, inspiring and helping others reconnect with themselves through breath, strength and balance. I love creating meaningful experiences where people feel empowered, supported and transformed. WORK HISTORY YOGA TEACHER | STUDIO YOGA IN FLOW STUDIO SINCE 2023 Teaches yoga Teaches Pranayam and Méditation Implement specific programs and sequences adapted to different customer challenges: mobility, flexibility, injury... Teaches Corporate yoga sessions Create and animate Workshops on physical and mental health PILATES TEACHER | STUDIO BABA PILATES FIT STOP & PRIVATE SESSIONS SINCE 2023 aichagdiallo@gmail.com +221 78 7956939 www.yoga-inflow.com
ISYA Country Directors Team
Lalah De Dios
ISYA Director PHILIPINES
Lalah de Dios is the founder and director of Aquanimous Yoga, Philippines. She started her yoga journey in 2008 while on a surfing trip and got immediately hooked. She immersed herself in the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition and Vipassana Meditation. She became a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher in 2010 and a Certified SUP Yoga Teacher in 2015. Her yoga journey has taught her that yoga, such as life, is not about attainment; rather it is an unending process of self-love, self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-transformation.
Natalia Barrueto
ISYA DIRECTOR CHILE
. Natalia Barrueto is a leading figure in the development and expansion of SUP Yoga in Latin America, with a strong background as an educator, entrepreneur, and wellness community leader. As the director of *Aloha Sup Yoga* and founder of *Sup Yoga LATAM*, she has played a key role in the professionalization of this discipline, promoting internationally recognized certification programs with high standards in safety and instruction. Her path in wellness is deeply rooted in the conscious practice of contemplative yoga techniques, which she has cultivated for over 10 years, integrating mindfulness tools into both her personal and professional life. In addition, her connection with recreational freediving has enriched her relationship with the ocean through calmness, presence, and inner awareness. This combination of experiences has shaped a unique approach where yoga, breathwork, water, and awareness come together. Natalia brings these practices into the ocean, creating spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves and their environment, fostering a deeper sense of consciousness and environmental responsibility. In her role as the new National Director of the certifying body *ISYA (International Sup Yoga Academy)*, Natalia contributes not only her expertise in education and management but also an innovative vision of wellness, incorporating practices inspired by the **Blue Mind** approach—the profound connection between water and mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This perspective is reflected in her programs, retreats, and experiences, where the ocean becomes a therapeutic space for learning and transformation. Her work is characterized by the creation of meaningful experiences that go beyond physical practice, promoting healthy habits, environmental awareness, and community. Today, through ISYA, her purpose is to continue elevating the standard of yoga and water-based training, empowering conscious leaders who create a positive impact in their communities
Pámela Marinkovic
ISYA DIRECTOR BRAZIL
More than 10 years ago, I began my journey in yoga, exploring different disciplines such as Integral Yoga, Yin Yoga, Hatha, and Vinyasa. Over time, yoga became a way of life that I have naturally and progressively integrated into my personal path. My love for the water led me to discover SUP Yoga, a practice that combines balance, presence, and connection with nature. On the board, I find a unique space to cultivate mindfulness, supported by the energy and tranquility that the water provides. Over the years, I have also incorporated other therapeutic tools focused on holistic well-being, including massage therapy and bioenergetics. Today, I continue to learn and deepen my practice with the intention of guiding others to connect with themselves, find well-being, and discover the transformative power of presence.
Lyndalou Yang
ISYA Director Singapore
A dedicated supyoga, yoga, and swim instructor who is passionate about helping individuals achieve their optimal health and well-being. Lou believes true wellness extends beyond the physical body and emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner peace and self-care. Her knowledge and passion for wellness extend to other holistic practices, including meditation, aromatherapy, and energy healing. She encourages her clients to embrace a well-rounded lifestyle that nurtures the body, mind, and soul.In addition to her expertise in yoga and supyoga, Lou is also a certified swim instructor. She offers personalized swimming lessons for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Lou's patient and encouraging approach ensures that her clients feel safe and confident in the water as they develop swimming skills, improve technique, and discover the joy and therapeutic benefits of swimming.
SANDINI
ISYA Director BALI
BRYAN - NANCY
ISYA DIRECTOR NEW CALEDONIA
Paul Ainsworth
ISYA Director UNITED KINGDOM
Paul Ainsworth is a passionate SUP Yoga teacher, trainer, and advocate for accessible, confidence-building practice on the water. With six seasons of teaching experience, he holds qualifications as a SUP Yoga Level 2 Teacher, SUP Instructor, 200-hour Yoga Teacher, and SUP Yoga Master Trainer. Based in Lincoln, UK, Paul teaches SUP Yoga throughout the summer at Activities Away, and also leads sessions at British music festivals in collaboration with Island Feather, bringing the joy of SUP Yoga to diverse and often first-time participants.