In this episode of Sandy’s Paddling Podcast, I sit down with two longtime friends, racers, and watermen — Carter Johnson and Dave Jensen. With decades of paddling, racing, and adventuring between them, Carter and Dave share stories from the early days on the water to their favorite races along the way. They also dive into the origins of the U.S. Surfski Champs and how it evolved into today’s Gorge Downwind Champs.

From winning Olympic gold to conquering the Sella Descent, from pioneering carbon fiber paddles to revolutionizing kayak design—Greg Barton has done it all. 🎖️🌊
It was a true honor to sit down with this living legend. 🎙️

"6 weeks to victory"--the 2nd part of the story of how Red Motley and Tom Goynes beat the odds in their 50:1 race to win the 1983 Texas Water Safari.

In the 1983 Texas Water Safari, Red Motley partnered with veteran racer Tom Goynes for what would become a defining experience for both of them. This is part 1 of the story of how Red got into racing and what led to their forming the "50 to 1 Long Shot" team. Together, they set their sights on something ambitious: not just finishing the race, but taking on the faster multi-man boats as a two-man team.

In today's episode of Sandy's Paddling Podcast, we'll be getting to know two iconic figures in marathon canoe racing: Serge Corbin and Jeff Kolka. Known for their unmatched endurance, skill, and fierce competitive spirit, Corbin and Kolka dominated the sport for decades. From the grueling AuSable River Canoe Marathon to the world-renowned Classique Internationale de Canots, their names have become synonymous with excellence and legacy in paddling. Helping me with the interview is Chris Issendorf. The video footage is from a race earlier this spring here in Texas (the TCKRA Spring Break Open). It was an honor getting to interview them!
*Mild cursing (PG rated).

A Q&A with Chris Issendorf about what the Triple Crown of racing in North America is and also who Serge Corbin and Jeff Kolka are. This is an introduction to the next episode, where Chris and I talk with Serge and Jeff about paddling.

My Dad, Tom Goynes, telling his 1968 Texas Water Safari story of when he raced with his brother, Jim Goynes (their first finish!). The Safari went all the way to Port Lavaca that year. They finished 11th place (out of 14 finishing boats--41 boats started the race).

An interview with my Dad, Tom Goynes, about his origins with the Texas Water Safari (a 260-mile long canoe race). We start with a story of how he heard about the very first TWS in 1963, then pick up in 1967 when he attempted the race at 16 years old with his brother, Jim Goynes, and friend, Ricky Page.

A short episode interviewing my Dad, Tom Goynes, on how he started the San Marcos River Cleanup back in 1972.