Since we started the podcast SUP boarding has featured a few times. Aside from our co-host Jason mentioning how he loves a paddle, Phil Cavell Midlife Cyclist talked about the benefits of SUP boarding as a form of cross training and how the slow pace helps him de-stress.

We then got introduced to Jo Moseley, who used exercise and particularly SUP boarding to lift herself out of a midlife malaise. She went on to become the first woman to paddle coast-to-coast across Northern England. A fabulous story. Jo has since gone on to write a book about the best places to paddle in the UK. You can pre-order at Amazon or any good bookstore (PS: do the latter and support your local bookstore).

Not content with just being a guest, Jo kindly introduced us to Simon Hutchinson.

Simon took up SUP in middle age after many years of rugby and a search to find the right’ replacement for him. To say he got hooked is an understatement. He set up and hosts The SUPfm podcast and even established his own SUP clothing range - Hutch SUP wear

During our chat with Simon, he makes a compelling case for SUP as a sport for mid life athletes for both mind and body. Non-contact, non-impact and a great way to spend time in the natural environment. If you think it’s just a gentle sport then think again. SUP surfing looks to pack an adrenaline punch (as well as looking pretty cool) and there’s plenty of racing for competitive types. If you endurance is your thing how about SUP'ing the Atlantic

So…is this the new mid life athlete sport? It’s certainly a contender.

If listening to Simon has inspired you to give SUP a go, then we’d recommend checking out his podcast and also his online safety course

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