In this episode of Beyond the Stroke Podcast, Michael Carson chats with endurance SUP athlete, Lindsey Tilton.

Lindsay shares her journey in the endurance paddling world, focusing on her experiences in the Great. Alabama 650 race. As the first female to complete it, Lindsay shares her intensive preparation, including physical training, mental conditioning, and logistical planning supported by her husband and community. The narrative highlights her background in endurance sports, including running and transitioning to paddling during the pandemic. Throughout the race, she faced several challenges like unforeseen logistical changes, sleep deprivation, and extreme weather. Lindsey's mental resilience, motivation from charitable causes, and the support of friends, family, and fellow paddlers were crucial to her success. Despite physical exhaustion and moments of doubt, Lindsey's story emphasizes perseverance, community support, and her inspiring drive to achieve new milestones in endurance sports.

Great Alabama 650 -
https://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/great-alabama-650/
https://www.facebook.com/GreatAlabama650

Guest, Lindsey Tilton -
https://www.instagram.com/earthgrownlindsey/
https://aloha-athletics.com/
https://ystersup.com/en/

Host, Michael Carson -
https://bio.site/mcarson
https://www.carsonvideography.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Stroke Podcast, Michael Carson chats about racing aluminum canoes with Joe & Libby Geisinger.

Topics include race strategies, the physical and mental challenges of ultra paddling, and specifics like navigation, boat comfort, and nutritional routines. Joe and Libby share insights from their extensive race experiences, advice on canoe customization, and their training routines.

Joe & Libby highlight the camaraderie in the paddling community, the importance of practice, and the personal accomplishments and reflections on races like the MR340 and the Texas Water Safari.

Guest, Joe & Libby Geisinger
https://www.facebook.com/libby.geisinger

Host, Michael Carson -
https://bio.site/mcarson
https://www.carsonvideography.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Stroke Podcast, Michael Carson chats with Speedboard Founder and CEO, Bob Blair.

Bob Blair, founder of Speedboard, shares insights into the company's origins and its focus on creating high performance stand up paddle boards. He discusses the unique hydrodynamic designs aimed at maximizing glide and efficiency, making Speedboard distinct from mass-market brands. Bob recounts his extensive background in paddling, beginning at age eight. He highlights the collaboration with Nelo, a premier sporting manufacturer, which enabled Speedboard to produce high-quality, hollow construction boards. This partnership has elevated the brand, allowing consistent high performance and durability. Additionally, Bob touches on Speedboard's impact on the paddle sports industry and their ongoing innovations.

Guest, Bob Blair -
https://speedboardusa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/robert.blairjr

Host, Michael Carson -
https://bio.site/mcarson
https://www.carsonvideography.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Stroke Podcast, Michael Carson chats with endurance SUP athlete, Craig Sawyer.

Craig Sawyer has not only conquered the Yukon 1000 but recently tackled the inaugural Thames 200 Ultra. The Thames 200 Ultra is a 200 kilometer race in the UK following the english countryside with views of Windsor Castle, the houses of Parliament, and finishing up outside of London.

We discuss his training, recovery, and the race's challenges like navigating 44 locks and varied river conditions. Craig highlights his strategic, psychological, and nutritional aspects of endurance paddling, referencing his past experiences, including the Yukon 1000. Craig also talks about his work as a trainer and coach, his documentary efforts, and his ambition to achieve a Guinness World Record. Future plans include joining the 'Last Paddler Standing' commentary team, participating in the 25th Yukon River Quest.

Thames 200 Ultra -
https://www.thames200ultra.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@paddlermedia

Guest, Craig Sawyer -
https://www.thesupcoach.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/craigsawyer77/
https://www.yukon1000documentary.com/
https://www.bluejuice.co.uk/

Host, Michael Carson -
https://bio.site/mcarson
https://www.carsonvideography.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Stroke Podcast, Michael Carson chats with custom fin maker, Larry Allison.
Larry has been at it since 1971, and he's here to give us a deep dive into the art and science behind them, learn how understanding fins can transform the way your board performs, his journey into the world of fin creation, and why his designs stand out in a sea of 'cookie-cutter' designs. We'll also chat about the innovative four-fin system and how it can improve your paddling experience.
This episode dives deep into technical aspects, practical advice, and personal anecdotes, reflecting Larry's passion and expertise in fin technology.

Guest, Larry Allison -
https://lafins.com
https://www.instagram.com/lafinslarry/
https://www.facebook.com/fibre.fin

Host, Michael Carson -
https://bio.site/mcarson
https://www.carsonvideography.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Stroke Podcast, Michael Carson chats with professional SUP athlete, Maddi Leblanc.

We talk about her recent triumph at the Canadian SUP Nationals where she won all three categories: sprint, technical, and long races, making her a two-time Canadian national champion. Maddie shares her experiences about managing the pressures of defending her titles, training regimen, and passion for stand-up paddle boarding. She emphasizes the importance of a balanced mindset, support from a coach, and personalized equipment.

Maddi shares her journey into the sport, starting from a chance encounter at a beach, and her efforts in creating 'Onboard' a fundraiser for cancer research. Maddie also highlights her new partnership with Flying Fish, the impact of cross-training, the significance of proper nutrition, and the challenges of maintaining financial stability in the sport. She aims to inspire more women to participate in competitive stand-up paddle boarding and shares her future plans in the sport.

Guest, Maddi Leblanc -
https://www.maddileblanc.com/
https://www.instagram.com/maddi3leblanc
https://www.facebook.com/maddi.leblanc.5
https://www.youtube.com/@maddileblanc9614/

Host, Michael Carson -
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelCarson1
https://www.facebook.com/michaeljcarson
https://www.instagram.com/mikecarson.wmv/
https://www.carsonvideophoto.com

In this episode of the Beyond the Stroke Podcast, host Michael Carson chats with Veronica Sosa, the first woman to complete the Texas Water Safari on a stand-up paddleboard.

Our conversation delves into Sosa's grueling experience during the 260-mile race, her recovery process, personal challenges, and the significant mental and physical toll it took on her. We discuss her introduction to the sport, inspired by her father, and the detailed steps she took to prepare and train. Veronica shares insights into the race's start, various checkpoints, the community’s support, and specific difficulties, such as dealing with heat and exhaustion while paddling alone. Her story underscores the importance of resilience and determination, highlighting her as a role model for female athletes. Veronica’s journey not only marks a historic achievement but also aims to inspire more women to participate in SUP racing.

In recent news Veronica has announced she will be paddling SUP in the Alabama 650.

Guest, Veronica Sosa -
https://www.facebook.com/veronicasosa
https://www.texaswatersafari.org/

Host, Michael Carson -
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelCarson1
https://www.facebook.com/michaeljcarson
https://www.instagram.com/mikecarson.wmv/
https://www.carsonvideophoto.com

In this episode I speak with John Knippers, an ultra-distance stand up paddler who has completed events like the Chattajack 31, Missouri River 340, Alabama 650, and Last Paddler Standing.

Our discussion spans John's participation in major endurance events like the Chattajack, Missouri River 340, Alabama 650, and Last Paddler Standing. Highlighting his second year at the unique Last Paddler Standing race in Sarasota, Florida, John shares insights into his journey, including his experiences with his three rescue dogs, strategies for overcoming mental and physical challenges, and the camaraderie among competitors. Additionally, John talks about breaking records, refining techniques, and experimenting with nutrition. Looking ahead, he discusses aspirations for future races such as the Yukon 2000 and Texas Water Safari, alongside plans for a retreat center and enhancing his social media presence.

Guest, John Knippers -
https://www.facebook.com/john.knippers.5
https://paddleguru.com/races/GrandRiverDamPaddleGRDP2024
https://lastpaddlerstanding.com/

Host, Michael Carson -
https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelCarson1
https://www.facebook.com/michaeljcarson
https://www.instagram.com/mikecarson.wmv/
https://www.carsonvideophoto.com