Your Coach: Mick DiBetta

A prone paddler from the age of 15, who has developed all his own training programs. These programs have been perfected to suit paddling events, from sprint racing to distant events like Catalina and Molokai to Oahu.

Mick has used proven scientific information from Olympic kayaking programs and used his race experience over many years to fine tune his training philosophy, to win the 1997 Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Championship. He has coached over 12 other Molokai to Oahu victories, both male and female, including 10 time champion Jamie Mitchell! He has a level 3 accredited surf coach certificate with Surf Life Saving Australia, gained at The Australian Institute of Sport.

His training philosophy has been successful in varied paddling disciplines and race distances from Australian and World Life Saving sprint racing to BOP style SUP racing and long distance events. The success of the training programs and the experiences that Mick has gained through coaching and racing with elite athletes, has given him the confidence to continue doing something that brings enjoyment, not only to himself, but the athletes themselves.

With 30 something years experience developing improvements to training methods for on water training programs, Mick is excited with his innovation of the Paddle Power Trainer for off water training. The Paddle Power Trainer meets all the required fields in a well-rounded annual training program.

It’s scientifically and technically correct paddling motion, will develop perfect paddling technique and build muscle endurance and anaerobic power. The Paddle Power Trainer is a necessary addition to compliment a well designed on water training program.

Mick is passionate about coaching and always seeking to improve and refine his programs to allow users to receive maximum benefits and produce optimum performances. He also understands that even when following a generic program, all paddlers are individuals with individual needs and his programs are tailored specifically to cater for these differences.

Professional Experience:

– Multiple Australian and World Champion in Surf Life Saving

– Coached a large number of competitors to Australian and World titles in Ironman and Board Paddling events

– Accredited Level 3 surf coach

– Inaugural World Champion Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Winner

– Consistent top 10 finisher in the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard race for the last 18 years (involved in the coaching of many successful athletes in this crossing, most notably 10 time winner Jamie Mitchell)

– Many of the top 10 paddlers in the world currently follow the Paddle Power Trainer training programs. 6 of the top 10 male competitors in the 2014 BOP currently use the Paddle Power Trainer program. 2 of the top 10 female finishers also use the program

– Paddle Power Trainer athletes also featured in the top results at The Duke SUP Showdown 2014

– Paddle Power Trainer local training group consists of at least 30 paddlers who have honed their paddling skills and improved their speed and endurance, whilst enjoying themselves and working within their capabilities

Your Paddle Power Trainer Teammates:

Travis Grant

“I must admit, my speed and recover was for sure best it’s ever been after doing your program. I really did notice it  So I really like it. What I noticed the most was my speed and quick recovery. The program is perfect for fast pace races where the speed is always changing. I feel more powerful and confident out on the water, knowing I have the speed to keep up and win.”   – Travis Grant

Annabel Anderson

“When it comes to training, there are many schools of thought and a multitude of ways to get from Point A to Point B. Since my early days running on the track I’ve known the benefits of interval based training. Fast forward more than 15 years and I’m still adhering to these fundamentals of Mick’s training programs. My sporting pursuits may have diversified, but some things have remained. Why? Because they work.”   – Annabel Anderson

Lincoln Dews

“I can’t give enough compliments to Mick and the training program he has been developing. The race specific sessions allow you to practice specific race elements in your everyday training which come race day, means you feel confident in your paddling and skills.”   – Lincoln Dews

Kelly Margetts

“I am lucky enough to have been following Mick’s program since my first BOP in 2010. At my age, it’s important to train smart. With the progressive interval based program, I’ve been able to increase my lactate tolerance, recover faster and maintain a high average speed. All key elements that have kept me in the top 10.”   – Kelly Margetts

Slater Trout

“With Mick’s years of experience and knowledge in paddling, he is able to create the best and most rewarding training programs for the top athletes. His work outs have helped me achieve my goals.”   – Slater Trout

Georges Cronsteadt

“It takes a lot of work and time training to stay in the top 10. So that’s why being on the Paddle Power Trainer program is so important. It can help everyone like me (work hard, train smart and enjoy)!”   – Georges Cronsteadt

Jayden Jensen

“With only being relatively new to the sport of stand up paddling. Training under Mick and his program has enabled me to quickly progress and match it with the top paddlers in the sport. I can confidently go into any race now knowing I can match it with the best of them.”   – Jayden Jensen

Beau O’Brian

“The past few months I have been training under The Paddler Power Training program. Since then, I have had some great results such as, 1st place in Queensland State Titles in the 18km distance race, 3rd place in the Battle of The Paddle distance and also winning the Aussie Titles in the 20 km distance.

The program has made me realise how to train at different levels and control board speeds, something I haven’t been able to do in the past. The program has improved my aerobic threshold, endurance & speed. It’s also taught me how to race smart. With this sort of improvement, in such a short length of time, I am looking forward to see what the future brings.”   – Beau O’Brian

Eric Terrien

Team Lahui Kai