Mick Di Betta

A prone paddler from the age of 15, Mick has developed all his own training programs over four decades — refining them for paddling events from sprint racing to distance crossings like Catalina and Molokai to Oahu.

Drawing on proven scientific principles from Olympic kayaking programs and decades of race experience, Mick fine-tuned the training philosophy that won him the 1997 Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Championship. Since then, he has coached more than twelve other Molokai to Oahu victories — across both male and female athletes, in both SUP and Prone disciplines.

His coaching philosophy has delivered results across a huge range of paddling disciplines and race distances: Australian and World Life Saving sprint racing, all SUP styles, and long-distance paddling events around the world.

With 40+ years of experience developing on-water training programs, Mick has also pioneered the Prone and SUP Strength Training Ergos — off-water training devices designed to deliver scientifically correct paddling motion. The ergos are a key complement to any well-rounded annual training plan, building perfect technique, muscle endurance, and anaerobic power when the water isn't accessible.

Mick is passionate about continuing to refine his programs so paddlers get maximum benefit and optimum performance. He also understands that every paddler is an individual — and even structured programs must be tailored to the person following them.