For Meghan Swanson, time on the water has always been more than just recreation. It’s a lifelong connection that continues to shape her work as an instructor, business owner, and mentor within the paddling community.
A Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructor with a SUP Yoga endorsement, Meghan brings a unique blend of technical skill and mindful practice to her teaching. She also leads Coastal Leader certifications, helping to grow the next generation of instructors with a strong foundation in safety, group management, and paddling proficiency.
Based in South Florida, Meghan considers herself fortunate to teach in a place where warm waters and scenic coastlines create the perfect environment for both SUP and SUP yoga. But for her, the setting is just part of the story. What truly drives her is the transformation she sees in her students.
“My favorite part of being a SUP and SUP yoga instructor is helping people fall in love with paddling and being on the water,” she shares. “I take great joy in watching beginners gain confidence and feel empowered as they learn new paddle skills.” That same passion extends to her work with instructor candidates, where she enjoys helping others refine their teaching, paddling, and rescue abilities.
Meghan’s connection to the water began early. Spending summers with her grandparents, she was introduced to a wide range of water-based activities by her grandfather, a Navy veteran and lifelong waterman. From surfing to waterskiing to boating, those formative experiences instilled both confidence and a deep appreciation for the ocean.
“Thanks to my grandfather, I developed a love of being on the water in any way possible,” she recalls.
It wasn’t until adulthood that Meghan discovered stand up paddleboarding and SUP yoga, but once she did, she was hooked. Drawn to the accessibility of paddleboarding compared to wave-dependent surfing, she quickly immersed herself in the sport. That passion ultimately led her to launch her own business, Turquoise Floating Yoga, with a mission to introduce more people to paddling and the unique experience of practicing yoga on the water.
For Meghan, paddling is as much about mental clarity as it is physical activity. “Paddling adds a new layer of peacefulness to being out on the water. Whether I’m meandering slowly or smoothing out a faster cadence, it feels like a moving meditation.”
Meghan credits the American Canoe Association and its members for playing an important role in her journey, providing opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others who share her passion.
Looking ahead, Meghan is particularly excited about new ACA initiatives designed to expand access and improve safety. She highlights the new leader and guide pathways as an important step toward getting more people on the water responsibly. She’s also a strong advocate for the SUP Yoga Leader certification, which she sees as a valuable entry point for yoga instructors looking to build essential paddling and safety skills.
“This program helps make the industry safer for everyone who loves to practice SUP yoga,” she says.
Through her teaching, mentorship, and enthusiasm, Meghan Swanson embodies the spirit of the ACA by inspiring others, building confidence, and fostering a deeper connection to the water.