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Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
Schedule a meeting now! Get advice from our admission expert Katharina. Request a spot in our meeting hub and we will call you back!
Refer a friend - Save 100€! Refer a friend, enroll together for this summer school, and save both 100 Euro! Refer a friend!
upskill study facilitator's story
Ben Simanjuntak’s Passion for the Ocean & Mentorship
Bernard Simanjuntak’s (Ben) story is one that resonates with passion, adaptability, and a deep connection to the sea. Hailing from North Sumatra, Ben’s journey is marked by his relocation to Bali in 2007 and the surprising turns that have defined his life since. Today, Ben—known to many as Ben—serves as one of the dedicated facilitators for the Upskill Study program, where he shares his love for water sports and environmental stewardship with aspiring learners. Read more about Ben’s inspiring story in the article below!
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Growing up in Medan, Ben’s early years were steeped in community and sports. He recalls playing basketball, a sport that ignited his love for physical activity. This enthusiasm only grew during his studies in Surabaya, where he pursued economic marketing. It was a decision that would shape his professional path, but Bali would soon play an unexpected role in his personal development.
In 2007, Ben moved to Bali, drawn by the allure of the island's waves and a desire for new experiences. “Surfing was the initial reason I came here,” he shares. Surfing led him to discover stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in 2009, a sport that captured his interest immediately. The hybrid discipline of surfing and paddling suited his personality, offering both a challenge and a way to connect with Bali’s natural beauty.
Ben’s passion for SUP wasn't just a fleeting phase. Over time, it became an integral part of his life, evolving from a hobby into a profession. “When I first started, it wasn’t as popular as surfing, but I could see its potential,” he recalls. This foresight led him to not only master the sport but also become a prominent advocate for it. His efforts have contributed to the growing recognition of SUP in Indonesia, both as a leisure activity and a competitive sport.
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At Upskill Study, Ben’s role goes beyond technical instruction; he embodies mentorship through his facilitation work. By integrating his deep understanding of SUP with his commitment to environmental stewardship, he guides participants not just in mastering the sport, but in developing a connection with the ocean. “I believe in teaching students more than just paddling,” he notes. “It’s about imparting respect for the water and learning to coexist with nature.”
SUP's versatility is one of the main reasons Ben finds it so appealing. “If you want to go surfing, you can go stand-up paddle. If you prefer flat water, you can go touring. For fitness, long-distance paddling is perfect,” he explains. The physical benefits are extensive, engaging the core, legs, arms, and shoulders. “The whole body gets trained in one sport, in one location. Plus, you’re having fun with a great view,” he adds with a smile. This comprehensive workout approach has attracted many to SUP as a way to stay fit while enjoying the outdoors.
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Ben leverages his role at Upskill Study to enhance students’ understanding of ocean safety and awareness. “People often don’t know much about the ocean, its hazards, or how to stay safe. Through SUP, they learn to read the wind, the tide, and the current,” he says. He emphasizes that this knowledge is essential for both safety and maximizing the enjoyment of water sports. “It’s very beneficial,” he concludes. By educating participants about these critical skills, Bernhard equips them to navigate the ocean responsibly and gain confidence in their abilities.
His involvement at Upskill Study also focuses on fostering a supportive community among participants. Ben’s workshops blend practical training with discussions on the importance of sustainability, reinforcing the idea that SUP is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life that embraces mindfulness and respect for the environment. “I hope to inspire participants to stay active and mindful, building a genuine appreciation for the natural world,” he shares.
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Ben’s connection to the ocean goes beyond recreation. He is vocal about environmental stewardship, particularly the need for sustainable practices in water sports. “The ocean has become incredibly important to me; it changes my mood, it’s part of who I am,” he reflects. He encourages eco-friendly habits, like using sunscreen that doesn’t harm marine life and reducing plastic waste. “Let’s keep our ocean clean, be friendly in the water while sharing the waves with others, and, most importantly, keep having fun,” he shares as his core message.
Reflecting on his journey from Medan to becoming a key figure in Bali’s SUP scene and a respected mentor at Upskill Study, Ben expresses gratitude. “I’ve learned that life can take you in directions you never expected,” he says. For him, moving to Bali for surfing only to discover a new passion that shaped his identity is proof of life’s unpredictability.
Looking ahead, Ben hopes to inspire more people to take up SUP, embrace an active lifestyle, and develop a deeper respect for the ocean. His message is simple yet powerful: “Stay connected to the water, respect nature, and enjoy every moment.”
By Billy Bagus