SUPPAUL Podcast Series

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 Follow SUPPAUL via suppaul.com

In this 57th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, Paul Clark talks with Brent Allen. The discussion includes his full circle from being raised in Oklahoma, becoming an entrepreneur in the outdoor industry, moving to the California coast, and then back to reestablish his roots in Oklahoma. We talk about industrial whitewater parks in the South, inclusiveness, sustainability, and the value of outdoor pursuits. I feel whitewater is too often a whitewashed sport. It's wonderful to see opportunities for people of color and First Nations people to discover new outlets for creative self-expression. Brent was Lifestyle Director at the Riversports Rapids park in Oklahoma City, OK. He's now enthusiastic about what he's seeing at the WOKA park recently built along the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas. He has been involved in the SUP industry since 2008 originally working with surftech as a consultant then transitioning to Starboard as an Ocean Ambassador in 2016. Also with Kialoa then Werner paddles . He has worked in the lifestyle sports industry for 27 years and has created 2 non profits built around ocean advocacy and inland waterways. He has competed in numerous endurance sports from Ironman Triathlon to M2O. He is truly an ambassador for the industry. Thank you for listening. Follow Brent: IG @brentallenoutside FB @brentallen Linkedin http://linkedin.com/in/brentallenoutside And Paul Clark www.suppaul.com

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 www.suppaul.com @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. www.suppaul.com IG: @suppaul.media

In this 54th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast we talk with Meghan Christian at her home in North Carolina. We talk river SUP, paddling communities, building skills, learning from others, anxiety, and fashion. Why do we wear shorts over our wetsuits running rivers on a paddle board? Whitewater paddle boarding is a thing, and we are trying to make it more accessible to people looking to get into it, build their confidence, and be accepted as they are. Enjoy! Please review, comment, and subscribe. Reach out to me via email paul@suppaul.com IG: @suppaul.media

I'm Paul Clark SUPPAUL. In this 53rd episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast we're talking with Claire Doughtery in Coloma, California about running rivvers on a paddle board. What's her background as a creative photographer? As a whtewater kayaker? And how has her creativity and love for the river translated to her paddle boarding. It's been many months since recording my last episode. But it's not because I have not been busy. I have been travelling a lot, including to Costa Rica, to Canada, back and forth across the USA. My home is now in North Carolina, so that's a big change from the PNW. Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back to the SUPPAUL Podcast with a fresh perspective and energy. Without further ado.... Reach out with comments, suggestions. Review and give feedback. I love hearing from you. paul@suppaul.com 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. Please comment, like, and subscribe to the SUPPAUL Podcast. Cheers! suppaul.com

In this 51st episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, we're talking with expedition paddle boarder Sean Jansen @Jansen_Journals. He's attemting to paddle the entire length of Baja's 1000-mile coastline of the Sea of Cortez on a paddle board, solo. Unfriendly winds have hindered his progress after completing nearly 400-miles thus far from San Felipe in northern Baja. As such, he's hitting the pause button to reconsider his options, rest, and reevaluate. He reached out to me to talk strategy after being hold up in the mining town of Santa Rosalia where I began my own paddle board expedition 5 years ago. Enjoy the show.

In this episode we talk with Katie Wood. She's a physiologist from Ontario. She's an equestrian, paddle boarder, and outdoor enthusiast. You can find her in the mountains and the water. Bold and capable, she's more than comfortable adventuring solo. View this episode on the SUPPAUL YouTube channel. @SUPPAUL.media on IG. Katie's IG is @pysiooutdoors

In this 49th Episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast we talk with Canadian river paddle boarder Kimberley Kenyon. She's a strong paddler and a humble human who has an undeniable love for the sport of river running. She's building a community of paddlers in the remote corner of north western Bristish Columbia where she calls home. I had the privileage of talking to her about her background as a paddler and her perspective on the sport. The Zoom recoring is a little rough, but I hope it does capture her voice and her laugh. Enjoy the episode. And follow her on her social media channels @borntoboard.ca

In this episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, we sit down with Peter Hall in his house in Steamboat Springs, CO. We hear the history of Hala, the inspiration for the fun pun names for the boards, and get his perspective on creating a brand of equipment to express yourself with. We also hear the voices of his family including his daugters taking over the microphones and his wife signing about heading west for love. Enjoy the episoed! Feel free to reach out with your opinions at paul@suppaul.com and on Instagram @suppaul.ig Please rate the podcast and leave a review.

In this episode, we are on the banks of the Noli River where Michelle and Cohen Atkins recently got married. They are the SUP "King and Queen" of the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. And they are a great couple to talk with about river paddle boarding, having fun together, style, and the complexities of branding in the industry. Enjoy the show.

It's been a little bit since the last episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast. Since then I have run my home rivers in the PNW, spent the summer exploring new rivers and alpine lakes in Canada, and have spent much of the winter in the SE. One of the most celebrated South Eastern river is the Gauley. Known for its lethal undercuts and sieves, big rapids, and infamously raudy Gauley Fest in Fall, the Gauley is a bucket liost river for whitewater enthusiasts. But what about running it on paddle board? Um, let's talk with whitewater paddle boarder Chris Morgan to get that answer. In this episode we talk with him about his expereiences on the Gauley and training for it on perhaps bigger water in Maine. Enjoy

In this episode 45 of the SUPPAUL Podcast we talk with Charlie MacArthur. “C-Mac” is a pioneer of river paddle boarding. One of the first to run rapids in Colorado on a SUP in the early 2000s, he's teamed with brands to design boards, and has helped shape the river paddle boarding curriculum for the ACA.

Lindsey Richter is the name behind Liv Ladies AllRide, an extremely successful mountain biking training series. In this episode, we talk with her about her background in the outdoor industry, including stating in an early season of Survivor, to creating the Ladies AllRide camps. Be prepared to be inspired!

After a year of the SUPPAUL Podcast, this is episode 43. Cohosting this episode with Jamie Mabe, we are talking with roller skating phenom, Ivey Rose aka SpicyIvey. Ivey has recently broken her leg skating, and is recovering while reminding her large audience of social media followers to stay positive. Hers is a message of boldness, and daring, and empowerment. We are taking fun, overcoming injuries, and positively influencing with social media. Enjoy! For more episodes, www.suppaul

Lela Winton (pronounced Leela) is a river enthusiast from North Carolina who can't get enough of running on paddle boards. I met her when I paddled the Nolichucky last year, and have had the pleasure to tour a few rivers with her since. This is the first SUPPAUL podcast of 2021. Looking forward to more conversations. Enjoy!

In this episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, I begin a cohosting experiment with Jaime Mabe as we talk with Davide Sartoni about making a business of river SUP. Included in the talk is a discussion about certification and setting up people for success on the water.

Reta Boychuk has been a guest on the podcast before. It's my great pleasure to have her on again for this 25th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast. We catch up with her as she transitions from a busy summer season chasing rivers to a frigid winter where she will continue chasing rivers. She highlights some of her recent adventures and offers advice how to stay warm with icicles in your hair. Ladies and gentlemen, Reta Boychuk. https://retasups.weebly.com/#/

Jamie Maybe is a soccer mom, veteran, business person, and adventure paddle boarder. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, she is an outfitter on the Neuse River introducing people to a new type of adventure in the form of adventure SUP. Expect to challenge yourself, we're going to have some Type 2 fun. Visit her site: https://www.holonraleigh.com and social media @holon.raleigh

This podcast has been my effort to reach out to people who are adventure travelers, content creators, and river enthusiasts. It's also my purpose to celebrate a positive outlook on life. In this episode we find all of these with Canadian river surfer Jacob Kelly Quinlan. We talk river surfing, his background as a surfer, and his surfing odyssey to Afghanistan. Good vibes only!! Enjoy

Shannon Thomas is cofounder of Surf Dayton, a river surfing outfitter on the park waves of the Great Miami River running through Dayton, Ohio. He’s been getting people on the river building a community of both athletes and stewards. During covid, people have been looking to stay sane by learning to go with the river flow, embracing good vibes, and bridging divides. Over the last couple of months since recording my last podcast I have escaped the headlines by heading into the backcountry. So, in late September I was thrilled to see a BBC article highlighting Surf Dayton. It encouraged me to get in touch with Shannon with whom I have not surfed with in a few years. Here is the link to that BBC article. The pandemic is fuelling a surfing boom - in Ohio corn country https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-54244009

Jack Nelson is my guest in this episode. He is a whitewater paddleboarder based in Asheville, NC. He helped organize the NoliFest river SUP race. And be is the SE Hala Gear SUP rep (my counterpart in the south east). Over the last few weeks he has showed me his hone rivers including the Nolichucky, Nantahala, French Broad, Pigeon, Ocoee, and Green rivers. We talk Appalachian rivers in this episode, how he got into paddling, and what it’s like to represent the paddle board industry. See his story on CNN: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/whitewater-stand-up-paddleboarding-feat/index.html And the Travel Channel: http://iplayinnature.blogspot.com/2017/09/media-whitewater-paddleboarding-on.html

In this SUPPAUL Podcast episode we talk with Dallas based climber Mario Stanley. He is a coach, mentor, and businessman who preaches the gospel of the rock. Rock climbing that is. After moving to Texas to go to seminary school, he discovered his path for ascension was by leading others on climbing routs and pursuing a rich life of meaningful experiences. We talk about "Type 2 Fun" as he calls enjoying life spiced with suffering. We also talk about race and access to the backcountry. Enjoy the episode. Please subscribe, review, and comment. Your participation helps grow these kinds of conversations. Learn more about Mario by visiting his site: https://mariostanley.com/

Norm Hann is a paddle boarder, instructor, and First Nations advocate. He was one of the only few people I knew of when I started paddle boarding who was doing what I wanted to be doing, namely paddling on long trips with a dry bag tethered to the deck of the board and heading into wilderness. He documented the experiences of one of his expeditions with the movie Stand. It highlighted the culture and geography of the Great Bear Rainforest that was threatened by a proposed oil pipeline and shipping route. Visit his site for more information Www.normhann.com

Christian Shaw is the founder of Plastic Tides, an environmental awareness organization focused on spreading the message of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle plastic waste in an effort to save the ocean. In his early 20s, he began the organization in 2014 as part of a paddle board expedition in the Caribbean after experiencing the alarming amount of plastic waste in the ocean. Six years later Plastic Tides has become an international movement promoting stewardship and environmental education. To learn more, visit www.plastictides.org

In this episode we are talking with Alex Mauer. He's a river surf and SUP paddler based in Denver, CO. We are chatting about being ambassadors in the outdoor industry, recovering from injury, content creation, and the "photo contest scams" media houses use to get your images without paying. And we talk about the Flow State that perhaps is that transcendent experience both athletes and spiritual people are looking for to define their purpose in life. Enjoy the episode.

In this episode I am overlooking Smith Rocks in Central Oregon as I chat with Mike Tavares in his home office in Salt Lake City, UT. Mike is one of those river SUP paddlers who has helped define the sport, both river surfing and downriver running. When I give pointers to people getting into SUP surfing rivers, I suggest that they be like MIKE T! Enter the wave on your toe side. This requires an ambidextrous stance which requires training and effort. But all things worthwhile requires those things, right? Enjoy the conversation! Find more about Mike at his site: www.rivershred.com

In this episode, we talk with river surfer Ben Smith. Chasing waves throughout the western states, Ben is not your typical surfer. He's passionate about river waves and will travel far and wide to ride the best waves. We talk about surfing, of course. But also access to and diversity in outdoor recreation. His gear review site is:https://www.riversurflab.com Here is a clip of mine featuring Ben surfing at the Glenwood wave in Colorado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfImr2lBBG0

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to have a conversation with Dan Gavere We learn about his history as a paddler and where he is leading us into the future with board sports. He was one of the first people to run a river on a SUP board way back in 2007. And he remains a strong influence on the sport's growth. When I started paddle boarding in 2013, his was some of the only videos featuring the sport. He was dropping big waterfalls at the time. That wasn't going to be my thing, but I was inspired to explore because of his enthusiasm for adventure paddling. Here is a link to my Vlog episode featuring him earlier last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcU-i3TAMw8

In this episode, Alan Pace returns to the podcast. We chat about staying fit, surfing on the Wenatchee River, and board design. All with the characteristic personality that is Alan.

In this episode we have a conversation with one of the principal builders or river board sports in the US. Mike Harvey designs whitewater parks across the country, co-founded the river surf board brand Badfish, and has helped create one of the more respected teams of river SUP paddlers in the industry. Sit back and enjoy the origin story of Badfish as well as learning about whitewater park design. https://www.repwaterparks.com/

Natalie Zollinger is an inspiration. Hard working, hard playing, and a true inspiration to be a better person, she has been a leading example to the river SUP community for years. In this episode we get an insight of her life starting on the farm in rural Utah to leading on commercial raft trips, to coaching river SUP clinics. Enjoy.

In this episode, we talk with Emma Love. She's one of only three whitewater SUP certified coaches in the UK. Awesome accomplishment for a person who's introduction to rivers was entirely standing on a board. She's based near Nottingham, home of the National Whitewater Sports Center where she trains and offers coaching for people getting into the sport of river paddle boarding. She is also a contributing writer for British Canoeing organisation and administrator for the Facebook group Whitewater SUP UK. Here is a link to a couple of her articles: https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2019/hear-from-emma-love-on-her-journey-to-become-a-sup-white-water-coach https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/looking-to-try-something-new-why-not-try-stand-up-paddleboarding-on-ww

In this SUPPAUL podcast episode we are talking with waterwoman Brittany Parker. She’s a river surfer, paddle boarder, educator, and adventure traveller. And she was one of my influences getting into the sport of river SUP so many years ago. Enjoy the conversation. http://bpsurfs.com/

In this SUPPAUL episode we talk with “the River SUP Guy” Davide Sartoni. Over the last few years he’s retired from his former passion of climbing rocks to hitting the river on paddle boards. And not simply as a recreational pursuit, but as a job where he offers clinics and hosts international paddling trips. He’s teamed up with outfitters providing raft support SUP trips on some of the most sought out rivers in the Western US, and has been broadening his connections to include Costs Rica and Mexico. http://theriversupguy.com/

In this SUPPAUL podcast episode, we have a conversation with Andy O'Brien. He's a guy who lives life to the fullest. You can find him on rivers and rocks and on the slopes of Colorado. You can also find him in some of the best hair salons in the West. What you ask? Take a listen. And follow his Instagram @royalblueobrien

In this SUPPAUL Podcast episode, we go to Hood River to talk with T.J. Gulizia. An avid river paddler and wind sport enthusiast, T.J. talks with us about life in the Gorge and his background as an outdoor athlete. He also gives us some insight on how his retail store, Big Winds, is adjusting to over a month of being shuttered because of the coronavirus quarantine. https://bigwinds.com

In this episode, we talk with Tim Thornton. He owns River Drifters, a whitewater rafting outfitter based near Hood River offering commercial rafting trips on some of my favorite rivers in Oregon and Washington. We'll get his perspective on river SUP as well as his predictions for commercial raft guiding this summer. He's one of the better river SUP paddlers I know. And does it "for the love of the paddle," as I call it, rather than social media fame or brand affiliation. http://riverdrifters.net

In this episode we have a conversation with Reta Boychuk. You will here here smile, and her laugh, and her genuine love for river adventures, as well as her enthusiasm for getting people to explore amazing landscapes with her. Enjoy www.retasups.com

In this episode, I describe my experiences travelling to Tennessee from Oregon during a quarantine. Empty airports, confrontational southern accents, and going to a funeral viewing with no social distancing. Like a scene from the 1983 movie Night of the Comet, the Portland airport was a ghost town. Is the US in an intellectual civil war? Why is even a global pandemic merely political partisanship?

In this episode we talk with Ian Smith, owner of Surfs Up Adventures and First Waves. Both of these are some of the earliest outfitting and instruction for river paddle boarding in the US. Ian has focused on safety and adventure, as well as creativity, introducing the river to many people who may otherwise not have appreciated moving water. Check out what he is up to: https://www.surfsupadventures.com and https://www.firstwaves.org Enjoy the episode. If you like, please review and share wherever you get your podcasts. Cheers!

In this episode, we have a conversation with adventure paddle boarder, Robyn Bell aka Robyn In The Rockies (on Instagram). When not skiing, climbing, running rivers on a SUP board, she's trip planning and looking for more places to explore. Her home is decorated with maps and gear hangs from the walls like art work. It was great to get an insight into her background as an athlete. Enjoy. www.suppaul.com/podcast

In this brief episode, we celebrate 30 days in quarantine. Thirty days of frustration and bewilderment. During a global pandemic, the world is burning with a health crisis and socio-economic catastrophe. But there are signs we may be tip toeing to a brighter future. There are signs that the worst is over, for now. At least the first wave of this thing. Over the past 30 days I have begun a podcast. Never had I been interested in podcasts. But it's a new day and I have new interests. And my new interest is to listen better. To appreciate what others have to say, to hear their perspective. But not to be completely flattened by political division, I look for international voices. Voices of leadership that in many ways is absent in the US.

In this episode, we have a conversation with James Martin, CEO of Copa Di Vino. During the coronvirus pandemic and subsequent quarantine, Copa as well as his other business ventures are on hold. As is his dream project called Eturnity which is a reusable bottle platform intended to save the planet through tech enabled business solutions by reducing carbon gasses and plastic waste. Many questions remain as to the future of the crisis and its aftermath. James sat down with me at his Sunshine Mills winery in the Dalles, Oregon to talk about his decision to shut business down to help prevent the spread of the virus. http://www.copadivino.com/

In this episode, we talk with photographer Jill Rosell. Raised in New Zealand she lives in Bend, Oregon raising her children and working as a portrait photographer. I reached out to her to hear her perspective of working as a professional creative during a quarantine. Visit her site @ www.jillrosellphotography.com and her numerous Facebook Pages. Enjoy the episode.

Two weeks into this thing. In this episode we remind each other to stay connected. Reach out to those loved ones you haven't talked with in a while. Take advantage of this time to reflect on the things that matter and give us meaning. Be well, stay healthy and sane. And reach out to me. Would love to hear how you are doing. Watch the YouTube episode I published this weekend here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fbq4L4PTZY&t=70s

In this episode, we talk to paddle boarder Bradley Hilton. His is a voice of reflective meditation during a time of crisis. We talk about his indefinite plans to remain in El Salvador during the spread of cornovirus, and his take on river paddle boarding. Enjoy.

Day 10 of the Oregon quarantine. There is a confirmed case of coronavirus in the Dalles where I am at the moment. Still, people are pretty casual about social distancing. In this episode I talk about the conversation I had witi Courtney Kerin, a whitewater kayaker living in New Zealand. Her perspective is different then here in the States. New Zealand in a country wide lockdown.

Day 9 of the Oregon cornoavirus quarantine. In this episode we talk with a dear friend of mine who has decided to leave her home in the States to head north across the boarder to be closer to family. She is a Canadian citizen and has a perspective worth listening to.