SUPPAUL Podcast

Peter Hall’s journey into river stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) began with a restless curiosity. Early on, he wanted to take paddleboarding into whitewater—a place where traditional boards didn’t work. That challenge sparked the creation of Hala, an inflatable-only paddleboard company based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. From the outset, Hall’s mission was to design boards that made river SUP not only possible, but exciting.

From backyard experiments in Steamboat to game-changing innovations like the StompBox retractable fin, Peter Hall and Hala Gear have rewritten what’s possible in river stand-up paddleboarding.

This is Episode 60 of the SUPPAUL Podcast.

Russian whitewater SUP athlete Pavel Kochanov joins host Paul Clark (SUPPAUL) for a powerful cross-cultural conversation—translated live by paddling friend Vera Fierce. They discuss Pavel’s viral freestyle videos, overcoming gear shortages in Russia, and how rivers can unite people across borders.

From family sacrifices to coaching philosophies and international paddle dreams, this episode is about more than whitewater—it's about connection, courage, and creativity.

In this episode, host Paul Clark (SUPPAUL) connects with Russian whitewater SUP phenom Pavel Kochanov, whose viral videos have reshaped perceptions of stand-up paddling. With translation support from paddling friend Vera Fierce, the trio dives into a wide-ranging conversation on the global growth of whitewater SUP, creative expression on the water, and the power of rivers to unite people across geopolitical divides.

From his home near Saint Petersburg, Pavel shares how he first discovered Paul’s content on Instagram and how it inspired him to take his flatwater SUP to the rapids. Now known for his dynamic freestyle paddling and high-stoke energy, Pavel reflects on his journey, the challenge of accessing quality gear in Russia, and the sacrifices he and his family have made to pursue his passion.

Paul and Pavel discuss everything from gear shortages and cultural perceptions to the idea of river sports as diplomacy, bridging East and West through shared flow. We also hear about Pavel’s philosophy on coaching—where overcoming the fear of falling is more important than any technical detail—and how his wife plays the role of coach, videographer, and now champion paddler in her own right.

Whether you paddle in the States or in Russia, this conversation will remind you that whitewater connects us all.

Highlights Include:

Family support and sacrifices behind the scenes
Coaching insights: why fear—not stance—is the biggest obstacle for beginners
Whitewater SUP as a tool for diplomacy and human connection
Pavel’s symbolic “wish” made between two Pauls: for the sport to grow and bring people together.

Notable Quotes

“I stand up and swim down.” – Paul “My wife is my coach. She pushes me into the cold water.” – Pavel “The biggest obstacle is fear of falling.” – Pavel “Just tell me when you're arriving—I’ll pick you up at the airport.” – Pavel

Location Notes

• Pavel is based near Saint Petersburg, where travel to Europe is restricted due to political tensions.
  

• River Vuoksi connects Russia and Finland—paddlers on both sides share the same flow.
  

• Springtime is best for paddling in Russia due to snowmelt runoff.
  

  Pavel’s Age: 38 📸 Most Viral Video: Over 6.5 million views 📹 Filmmaking Team: Mostly filmed by his wife, using an iPhone

Special Thanks To Vera Fierce for making this international conversation possible through generous translation, and to all who believe in building bridges—one paddle stroke at a time.

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IG: for Paul @suppaul.media

Pavel @kochanov_pVera @vera_lapochka

In this 59th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, Meghan Christian and I talk about being on the road in the van touring throughout southern states including Alabama.

Most specifically, we're talking about the Montgomery Whitewater park.

This is a great place to build strength and confidence as a paddler. The people are hospitable and the beer is cold.

Watch episode on the SUPPAUL YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIOqLjkbItI

Can a paddle board make a good river rescue vehicle?

In this episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, we find out.

Paul Clark talks with Baker Martin, Hank Cheatham, and Will Saylor about a recent incident on the Big Laurel River in North Carolina.

Baker in a kayak got caught backwards in a strainer. Hank and Will were following behind and were able to position themselves to reach Baker and free him from his boat.

It's a chilling account of a dire situation.

We're happy to talk with the three men about their perspectives of the incident and running rivers.

View video of the incident from Hank's helmet cam on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWzJzxoJGYY

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In this 56th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, Paul Clark and cohost Meghan Christian are talking with Montana river SUP paddler Chad "the Dad" Dokken.

Chad is leading the charge for exploring the various rivers in souther Montana, including his home river the Gallatin, the Yellowstone, the Madison, and beyond.

We talk about his background as an ice climber and family man, and how these have informed his psyche to run whitewater on a paddle board.

He can be found on Instgram @chadthedad and @supmontana

Always feel free to reach out to us at SUPPAUL

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@suppaul.media

This is the 55th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast.

We're talking with Meghan Christian about our "nemesis rapids," those features on the river where we don't always succeed running the first time we attemt them. We think about them, analyze the video footage, study the lines, and even dream about them.

Can we succeed in our own terms?

My nemesis rapid was the Notch in Big Eddy on the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon. That was a couple year project.

Meghan's is currently what I call the "photographer's rapid" on the Nantahala River here in North Carolina.

We talk aslo about river ratings and how they differ depending on what craft we are paddling. A Class3 for a kayak may be more or less difficult on a paddle board.

Reach out, tell us your nemesis rapids.

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IG: @suppaul.media

In this 52nd Episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, we talk with Scottish river paddle boarders Sam Garthwaite (@frothysup) and Cameron Hopkins (@chopkin_sup).

I learned about them through Instagram where they are documenting their adventures in a picturesque landscape of steep creeks, waterfalls, and ledgy drops. Do I dare say "Braveheartesque?" 

We talk about their background as paddlers, their enthusiasm with exploring on SUP boards, as well as their take on what it takes to set up people for sucess on rivers.

Enjoy the show.

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