Rise and Glide

We welcome Tarryn King, a multi-time South African champion in stand up paddleboarding, SUP surfing and longboarding, and an ISA sprint world champion. Tarryn shares her journey into water sports, the challenges of balancing motherhood with competitive sports, and her training routines.

Tarryn won a 200m sprint world title just a few months after giving birth to her first child, and tells us about her experience in having children fit around her active, outdoors lifestyle rather than stopping the sports she loves. We learn about her experience balancing motherhood with competition, and how she stayed active during her pregnancy.

We also chat about the difficulties of balancing competition in multiple disciplines and her perspectives on the ISA and ICF organisations in the stand-up paddling community. We learn all about the vibrant paddling community in South Africa, the challenges faced in promoting the sport, and her personal journey from surfing to stand up paddling.

Tarryn emphasises the importance of community support, youth involvement, and the need for accessible equipment to help grow the sport worldwide.

IG @tarrynking

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Paddle Logger founder David also stops by to briefly chat about the upcoming Paddle Logger Falmouth Bay Open. Which this year plays host the the GBSUP National Championships. The two day event will see top level racing and International Team Selection, Aquapaddle will bring their leisure paddle format to the event. The event village will include Black Project's Synergy Tour, as well as representatives from Infinity, SIC and Starboard. So come down and say hi to the team and get involved in the event! Falmouth, Cornwall 7th and 8th of June.

In this episode, we sit down with Alba Frey, a Spanish competitive stand up paddle (SUP) athlete. Alba shares her journey from growing up on an island to becoming a world champion in SUP racing.

She discusses her transition from surfing and sailing as a kid, to windsurfing and now to stand up paddle racing and downwind foiling. We chat about her competitive spirit and how she has achieved such incredible results in just a few years, and why the community in the paddling world is so important. Alba reflects on the challenges of training for different disciplines, the growth of paddle sports in Spain and the Canary Islands, and the significance of engaging youth in the sport.

In this conversation, we discuss various aspects of paddling, training conditions, and upcoming competitions. We share personal experiences related to weather challenges, the importance of mental preparation for races, and the excitement surrounding the recent Spanish National Championships where Alba won four gold medals.

Links:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/albafrey

In this episode we welcome Lindsey Tilton, a prominent figure in the stand-up paddling community with many ultra-endurance challenges under her belt.

Lindsey shares her journey into the sport, discussing her transition from running to paddle boarding during the pandemic. We talk about her experiences at Last Paddler Standing, the Alabama 650, Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis and what’s next for her. The conversation turns to the mental aspects of endurance sports and the importance of training the mind like a muscle.

Lindsey emphasises the significance of her positive mindset in overcoming self-imposed limits and the unique experiences of various endurance events she has taken part in. Lindsey also shares her insights on gender equality in sports and the challenges faced by female athletes in a male-dominated field.

The discussion emphasises the importance of community support, mindset development, and the need for athletes to dream bigger in their pursuits. Lindsey's experiences and advice inspires a culture of encouragement and growth within the paddling community, especially with the mission of her business, Aloha Athletics, which empowers paddlers.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/earthgrownlindsey

Aloha Athletics: https://aloha-athletics.com/

Book Club: https://aloha-athletics.com/2025/01/27/join-the-aloha-athletics-virtual-book-club-level-up-your-life-with-level-up-by-rob-dial/

Mike Jucker is the founder of Stand Up Magazin. Mike shares his journey from a board sports enthusiast in Switzerland to a prominent figure in the global stand up paddleboarding (SUP) community whilst living in Hawai'i.

He discusses the evolution of water sports, the challenges of content creation in a digital age, and how the sport could progress if there was better financial support for athletes.

The conversation highlights the importance and the impact of media on the growth of stand up paddleboarding, as well as the current state and future of stand up paddleboarding - emphasising the need for collaboration among organisations, the challenges athletes face, and the importance of community support.

We chat about the over-promises made by various governing bodies and the necessity for athletes to unite for better representation. The discussion also touches on the future goals of Stand Up Magazin and the potential for crowdfunding to support the sport. Overall, the conversation highlights Mike’s true passion for SUP amongst other water sports, and the desire for growth and improvement within the community.

Links

Youtube - @standupmagazin

IG - standupmagazin

FB - Stand Up Magazin

web - standupmagazin.com

Mike's Tip Jar

Scotty Warren is a prominent figure in the stand up paddling community. Scotty shares his journey from a self-proclaimed wannabe surfer while at university, to a multifaceted professional involved in coaching, race directing, and community building within the sport.

The conversation explores the evolution of Scotty's paddling career, the challenges faced in coaching and race directing, and the inspiring stories of paddlers he’s helped at various skill levels. Scotty emphasises the importance of safety, community, and personal growth in the paddling world, while also reflecting on the mindset shifts he experienced when transitioning from competitor to coach.

In this conversation, Scotty discusses the evolution of the GBSUP National Series and the challenges and successes of organising series races, national championships and sprint events, and the transformation of paddling culture over the years. He emphasises the importance of mindset in decision-making and reflects on the future of stand up paddleboarding, highlighting its accessibility and potential for growth.

This conversation explores the accessibility and inclusivity of paddleboarding, highlighting adaptive paddling initiatives and the cultural aspects surrounding the sport. We also chat about the importance of safety on the water and he shares insights from his perspective as a lifeboat volunteer. Finally, Scotty shares some practical advice for progressive paddlers.

Links:

IG: @supscotty

Haywood Sports: https://www.haywoodsports.com/

GBSUP: https://www.gbsup.co.uk/

We sit down with Andrew Byatt, also known as Milky, who is a prominent figure in the world of prone paddle boarding and surf life saving.

Andrew shares his journey from a young competitive athlete, to a dedicated family man, and back to the competitive scene again, highlighting the challenges and wins along the way.

He shares the importance of community, the balance between family life and training, and the fulfilment that comes from achieving long-held dreams. Andrew shares insights on race strategies, the influence of mentors throughout his life-long journey, and the joy that comes from competing while inspiring the younger generation.

Andrew highlights memorable events like the ISA World Championships in El Salvador, the competitive landscape, and the allure of iconic races like Molokai. We discuss the importance of building connections within the paddling and surfing community, the evolving nature of training routines, and the impact of family dynamics on Andrew’s sports journey, striking a balance between personal ambitions and family responsibilities.

We chat about the balance between competition and enjoyment, and the role of having fun in training. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of competitiveness, the value of vulnerability in competition, and the different types of fun associated with sports in general.

Instagram: @andrew.byatt.milky

Today, we welcome Iloha, a talented paddler from French Polynesia. Iloha shares her journey into the world of paddling, starting from her childhood experiences in Tahiti to her current competitive endeavours in various paddling disciplines, including Va'a, SUP, and surf-ski.

We chat about her training routines, how she prepares for competitions, and her recent performance at the ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota, Florida. In this event, Iloha was easily keeping up with some of the most well known SUP racers in the world, just a few months after she began the sport of stand up paddle.

Iloha emphasises the importance of technique, the differences between various paddling crafts, and her passion for the sports. We discuss the importance of injury prevention and Iloha shares insights from her career in physiotherapy. She discusses her experiences in various race formats, the differences between SUP and Va'a, and how her background aids her training.

Iloha emphasises the significance of community in paddling, particularly for women, and encourages more participation in the sport. The discussion also touches on her teaching experiences and the meditative aspects of paddling.

IG @ilohaeychenne

Dean Dunbar, known as the 'blind adventurer', shares his incredible journey of losing his sight at a young age and how he adapted to life as a blind person. He discusses his passion for extreme sports and challenges, particularly prone paddleboarding, and his experiences competing in the ISA World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Dean talks about some of the challenges he has had to overcome, including the process of getting a guide dog and learning Braille, as well as the unique techniques he uses to navigate while paddling when he can’t see where he’s going or what the water conditions are doing around him. He’s also experienced many joys and has shared insights into over 150 adventures he’s taken on since being registered blind.

His story is one of resilience, teamwork, and a positive outlook on life despite the obstacles he has encountered. In this conversation, Dean shares his inspiring journey into prone paddleboarding and extreme sports, highlighting the challenges he faced due to his visual impairment. He discusses the pivotal role of his wife Rona in supporting his adventures, the importance of safety on the water, and his experiences racing at the recent ISA World Championships.

Dean emphasises the need for inclusivity in sports and the significance of communication between event organisers and athletes with disabilities. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of support systems in overcoming obstacles.

Find out more about Dean’s adventures at Extreme Dreams or follow him on Facebook.

Maddi and Holly welcome Anna Tschirky, a talented stand-up paddler from Switzerland. Anna shares her journey in sports, her passion for cooking and nutrition, and the balance between skiing in the winters and paddling in the summers.

They discuss Anna’s international racing experience and the challenges of training in a landlocked country, how she got into paddling at such a young age, and some of the incredible adventures she’s been on through her paddling journey.

Anna also shared the importance of nutrition for female athletes and the significance of recovery after being diagnosed with REDS (relative energy deficiency in sport).

Taking some time off from competing has allowed Anna to reflect on her priorities and her future aspirations in both sports and her personal growth.

IG @a_n_n_at

In this episode, Maddi and Holly welcome Greg Wingo, a prominent race director known for organising unique long-distance paddling events like the Alabama 650 and Last Paddler Standing. Greg shares his journey from ultra running to creating these challenging races, emphasising the mental endurance required for success.

They discuss the growth of participation in these events, the importance of gender equality in ultra long distance paddling, and the potential for female paddlers to excel in these demanding competitions. Greg, Maddi, and Holly talk about the evolution of paddling events, emphasising the importance of recognising individual achievements beyond gender categories. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities in race directing, innovative race concepts, and the significance of training for long-distance paddling.

Greg shares insights about his company, Roam Projects, which aims to enhance the visibility of endurance racing through broadcasting. The discussion concludes with valuable advice for aspiring paddlers, and the importance of committing to events outside of your comfort zone.

Check out Greg’s organisation Roam Projects

IG:

@thegregwingo

@lastpaddlerstanding

@gratalabama650