This week we sit down with Larry Cain, Olympic gold medalist, legendary coach, and the force behind Paddle Monster , known for elevating paddlers of all levels with their world-class coaching. Join us as we explore the critical role of coaching for beginners , and why establishing proper technique from day one can fast-track your progress and prevent years of unlearning bad habits. In this conversation, Larry shares insights drawn from decades of elite competition and coaching , including: The s...
Jun 30, 2025•53 min•Season 8Ep. 130
Have you ever wondered if SUP racing is for you? In the first of three special 'How To' episodes, we sit down to pull out the hows and the why of stand-up paddleboard racing with Sarah “SUP Junkie” Thornely , former GB national champion, and popular choice winner of the 2024 SUP Connect Woman of the Year award, recognized for her tireless work championing SUP racing. Whether you’re an aspiring racer, a recreational paddler looking for a new challenge, or simply SUP-curious, this episode offers t...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 8Ep. 129
In this episode of the SUPfm podcast , we sit down with Dan Rubinstein , journalist, and the author of Waterborne , a powerful new book chronicling his 1,200-mile inland paddleboarding journey through Canada and the US. We explore the intersection of adventure, environment, and human connection , tracing Dan’s remarkable route from Ottawa to Montreal, down to New York, and back to Toronto via the Erie Canal—by stand-up paddleboard. In this conversation, Dan shares: How a summer rental turned int...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 8Ep. 128
This season marks the 10th anniversary of this show and in this kick off episode , we sit down with Rylee Walker , a passionate cystic fibrosis advocate, endurance paddler, and intern at the Piper’s Angels Foundation, known for her unwavering determination and her upcoming documentary Against All Odds . We explore Rylee’s transformational journey —from being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just three months old, to training for one of the world’s most extreme paddle challenges: The Crossing fo...
Jun 09, 2025•59 min•Season 8Ep. 127
We're back soon with a cracking new season in our 10th year! Don't forget to subscribe :) Thank you to this season's sponsors: Starboard, Oscar Propulsion and PaddleUK
Jun 06, 2025•2 min
This week I'm joined by Sarah 'SUPJunkie' Thornely and others in a special 'LIVE' emergency episode following the announcement of a number of new events by the ICF, including t he award of a World Cup event to Torbay, Devon in 2026. We talk to the man central to the bid, Brendon Prince as well as guests including racers and brands reacting to this epic news for the UK SUP community. We also talk about Cystic Fibrosis sufferer Rylee Walker's return to complete the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis thi...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 8Ep. 126
In this episode we find out how two ski guides from Austria paddled 3,260km down the Yukon River to the Bering Sea. Barbara and Gunter share how they planned and prepared for this epic 51-day expedition, their approach to physical and mental challenges, and the importance of partnership and resilience in remote environments. You can watch this episode on YouTube Grizzly bears and porcupines were just some of the wildlife encounters Barbara and Gunther experienced. Discover how they navigated the...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 7Ep. 125
In this episode we explore Andrew I Hughes' remarkable achievements as a professional adventurer, including summiting Everest, completing the Seven Summits, and setting the highest altitude paddleboarding world record. Hear about the challenges and rewards of pushing physical and mental limits, the importance of teamwork and resilience, and his commitment to promoting environmental awareness through adventure. Andrew shares insights on how he balances ambition and safety in high-risk environment...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 7Ep. 124
In this specially extended episode, Duncan Houlton discusses his epic experience paddling the entire length of the Rhine AND we share his audio diary, recorded on the water. Duncan talks about the highs and lows of his epic journey, from navigating busy shipping lanes and tackling numerous portages to embracing the challenges of solo expeditions and discovering the unexpected kindness of strangers. He provides practical tips and insights for planning a multi-day SUP adventure, including gear rec...
Dec 02, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Season 7Ep. 123
This week we're joined by the inspirational Kate Allatt with the story of her remarkable recovery from a condition which medics thought was impossible. Note: This episode contains occasional strong language and discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. At the age of 39, Kate experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke, leaving her with locked-in syndrome—fully conscious but unable to move or communicate. Against all odds, she embarked on an incredible journey of recovery, fueled by determin...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 122
In this episode we discuss how Bruce Kirkby uses stand up paddleboarding to explore the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and beyond. Hear about the key advantages of SUP as an expedition tool, the importance of risk management and decision-making in challenging environments, and the value of seeking expert coaching to enhance your paddling skills. Watch on YouTube HERE Bruce shares valuable insights on how he collaborated with Starboard to design and develop the innovative Sprint Adventure ...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 7Ep. 121
Yes, I know we're on a midseason break, but we couldn't lose this opportunity to pay this tribute to the nicest man in SUP, Casper Steinfath. The 2024 ISA World championships in Copenhagen features a stellar cast of elite athletes assembled to compete in a country which has done so much to contribute to the sport over the years. It's also the last racing appearance of the Viking, Casper Steinfath and in this extended episode, recorded in 2022 Simon talks to him about his long race career and ach...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 54 min•Season 7Ep. 120
In this episode we discuss an innovative new direction for race events ahead of the first ever English Riviera Championships (SUPER Champs) in Torbay, UK, kicking off September 27th, 28th and 29th. You can watch this episode on YouTube HERE Building on the huge recreational growth of the sport, this event is designed as an opportunity to introduce first time and new paddlers to racing while also showcasing the top level distance and technical events and athletes. The event reintroduces the much ...
Aug 19, 2024•38 min•Season 7Ep. 119
In this episode, we sit down with Will Behenna, a passionate advocate for innovation for inclusive paddleboarding. Will shares his journey into the sport and how he’s making waves by ensuring that paddleboarding is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. We dive into his innovative approaches, including specialized equipment and outreach, which are breaking down barriers in the paddleboarding world. Mentioned in the episode Will's Website Inclusive Paddleboarding Follow Will on In...
Aug 12, 2024•49 min•Season 7Ep. 118
In this episode of the SUPfm podcast, we dive deep into the Amazon SUP Challenge—a gruelling 330km endurance paddle race through the heart of the Peruvian jungle. This journey is not just a test of physical strength and mental resilience but also a cultural immersion that brings paddlers close to the vibrant and resilient communities along the Amazon River. Simon chats with Caz Dawson (SUP Lass) and reflects on the immersive audio diary that Caz, Jonathan Gill, and Matthew Phillips put together ...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Season 7Ep. 117
In this episode of the SUPfm Podcast, we feature the inspiring Dean Dunbar, a registered blind athlete who has taken part in numerous extreme sports and some famous and classic SUP adventures. From his recent qualification for the ISA World Championships in Copenhagen for Scotland to tackling the Celtic Crossing (Scilly to Cornwall) on a stand-up paddleboard, Dean's story is one of resilience and determination. Join us as we delve into Dean's adventurous life and his innovative approaches to nav...
Jul 29, 2024•45 min•Season 7Ep. 116
In this episode we're joined by Laurence Gonzales, ex-stunt pilot, extreme sports enthusiast and a celebrated author and expert in the field of survival psychology, with numerous accolades and awards for his groundbreaking books. **Trigger warning: This episode contains references to fatal accidents and incidents** Laurence has established himself as a leading authority in understanding the human brain under extreme conditions. His work has been recognized for its profound insights into human be...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 7Ep. 115
This episode previews the second annual SUP Twelve event taking place on Saturday 13th April 2024 in Torbay, England and which is streaming LIVE on the day from the SUPJunkie.UK Facebook Page here! Don't forget to like and follow in advance as well as watch on the day Our chat features the race's head honcho, the first man to circumnavigate mainland Britain and the creator of the charity Above Water, Brendon Prince, and ex GB champion and lead commentator for the event Sarah Thornely of SUP Junk...
Apr 08, 2024•40 min•Season 7Ep. 114
This episode (recorded in 2021) is another chance to hear our comprehensive discussion with Professor Mike Tipton, a renowned expert in human and applied physiology at the Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth. This episode aims to raise awareness of cold water as a significant but often overlooked risk, offering valuable information on how to minimize dangers and enjoy water sports safely, particularly over the first early months of the peak paddle season. Known for hi...
Apr 01, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 113
In the second part of our packed review of the year, we 've got you another selection of top guests and contributors to showcase the highlights of the last 12 months. For a richer experience and for additional footage, watch this episode on YouTube here, and PLEASE don't forget to subscribe! In this episode co-presented with Sarah Thornely of SUPJunkie.UK we reflect on the Yukon 1000, with snippets from Craig Sawyer, one half of Team Shac Yukon who completed this year's race. We reflect on the I...
Dec 22, 2023•47 min•Season 6Ep. 112
In the first of this two part episode, Simon and Sarah 'SUP Junkie' Thornely review the year with help from April Zilg. We also remember OG BaySUP endurance racer Mark Slater, with Battle of the Paddle racer, coach and friend, Ryan James. Watch this episode on our You Tube Channel - Don't forget to subscribe HERE Simon and Sarah discuss the UK and international world of Stand-up paddle-boarding in 2023 as we look ahead to 2024. We grab a chat with 2022's APP Champion, April Z, who enlightens us ...
Dec 18, 2023•58 min•Season 6Ep. 111
This week's episode includes a chat with previous guest Lizzie Carr MBE and covers her initiative 'Race for Rivers' which is a collaboration to measure and improve water quality across England England's waterways are under severe threat from unseen pollution, and in recent years the solution to the problem from those who are responsible for safeguarding it, is to simply to monitor the water less. This episode incorporates an interview with Lizzie and recordings from the riverbank ; as we paddled...
Sep 21, 2023•43 min•Season 6Ep. 110
This season's extended final episode brings the teams together for a full download of their successful completion of the world's longest ultra paddle race. Experience their journey through the untamed waters of the Yukon River as I sit down with Craig and Skip from Team Shac, and Martin and Kim from the Renegade Moose Chasers. In this conversation, they share their unfiltered experiences, revealing the challenges they faced during their epic adventure . They talk about managing exhaustion and sl...
Aug 21, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Season 6Ep. 109
This is the penultimate episode from this season featuring the Yukon 1000, where we get the immediate take from teams who successfully completed this year's race. Quick and dirty, recorded from Fairbanks (Alaska), Whitehorse, (Yukon) and Seattle Airport, this gives a first brief from teams who are still processing what it takes to race 1000 miles down the unspoiled wilderness of the River Yukon In this episode we reference some incredible photos taken by Fortune Favours the Brave and if you want...
Jul 28, 2023•53 min•Season 6Ep. 108
The 2023 Yukon 1000 is underway and in this episode, race director John Frith takes us through the route, we get updates from teams at the starting line in Whitehorse, Yukon, and if that wasn't enough, we also get some wise words from Bart De Zwart, previous winner of the race. Follow the Progress of all the teams LIVE on the race tracker here Particular thank you to Craig and Team Shac and to Dan and Nick from Fortune Favours the Brave for their contributions to the episode. Fortune Favours the...
Jul 17, 2023•46 min•Season 6Ep. 107
This week I speak to two of the four SUP teams taking part in this year's Yukon 1000, Team Shac and the Renegade Moose Chasers. Craig and Skip from Team Shac, and Martin and Kim from the Renegade Moose Chasers speak about their preparation, their kit, their team dynamic and (sniff) what they consider the main strengths of their teammate. Follow the Progress of all the teams by subscribing to the Yukon 1000 Newsletter here The Renegade Moose Chasers Facebook Instagram Team Shac Facebook Instagram...
Jul 10, 2023•56 min•Season 6Ep. 106
This week we spend time with Craig Sawyer, SUP coach and competitor in this year's race, as one part of Team Shac, alongside Scott 'Skip' Innes Craig's also shooting a documentary about the race and its history, and he talks about this, and his personal history of preparing for, but not quite starting the race, in the years since his first 2019 entry. This season we're delving into the immersive experience of racing through the untouched beauty of the Yukon wilderness. This is the second of our ...
Jul 03, 2023•51 min•Season 6Ep. 105
Simon talks with Jon Frith, the race director of the Yukon 100, the world's longest paddle race. As a former soldier, Jon brings a unique perspective to organizing, running and also taking part in this epic adventure race that spans 1,000 miles from Whitehorse, Yukon. Jon shares his insights into the dangers of the trip and the personal admin and development required by the participants taking part. He talks about the history of the race, and his views on the addition of Stand-Up Paddleboarding ...
Jun 26, 2023•57 min•Season 6Ep. 104
This bonus episode features the return of Cal Major to the show. Cal's epic three part series Scotland: Ocean Nation is now available to stream for FREE through STV Player until March 2024 Cal takes us through the making of the series which shows her 800 mile journey around the Scottish coastline, and her encounters with the beautiful and threatened marine wildlife that exists in this stunning and relentless environment. This series is highly recommended as a positive, optimistic yet honest repr...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 6Ep. 104
Welcome to this special bonus episode recorded with friend of the show, Brendon Prince Brendon brings us up to date with some of the many highlights since he completed his record breaking circumnavigation of Britain in 2021, and chats about his new event SUP Twelve, which launched on 1st April 2023 in Torbay, Devon. We talk about the film Circumnavigate, (**UPDATE** now on general worldwide release HERE ,) his participation in Last Paddler Standing, a December endurance event in Florida and SUP ...
Mar 13, 2023•40 min•Season 5Ep. 103
