SUPfm The International Stand Up Paddle Board Podcast

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? In this special anniversary episode, Sarah flips the format and sits down with Simon to reflect on 10 years of SUPfm — the conversations, lessons, and unexpected moments that have shaped the show. Featuring clips from past guests including Michael Booth, Rylee Walker, Wallace J. Nichols, the SUP Vets and others, this episode explores the e...

It's been quite a year on the water. From thrilling race finishes to emotional farewells, this episode marks SUPfm’s review of 2025 with reflection, gratitude, and a look to the future. Simon and Sarah “SUPJunkie” Thornley come together and are joined by familiar voices from across the paddling world, including British paddler Emily King, endurance powerhouse Tanja Ecker, SUP adventurer John McFaz...

What happens when you trade a safe and secure teaching career, for a life on the wild side. We sit down with Norm Hann , Canadian expedition paddler, guide, and educator — known for his work in the Great Bear Rainforest and for pioneering multi-day SUP expeditions on Canada’s wild coast. Norm shares his remarkable transformation from a classroom teacher in Ontario to a wilderness guide and advocat...

Need some inspiration for your next paddling read — or a gift for the paddler in your life? The annual SUPfm Book Club brings together stories and reflections shaped by water, nature, and people who find meaning in both. Simon is joined by returning journalist and author Dan Rubinstein , whose celebrated book Waterborne explores the transformative power of paddling, connection, and blue space. In...

What does it take to paddle through one of the world’s most remote landscapes — where eagles soar, nomads wave from the riverbank, and adventure begins the moment you leave the city? In this episode, Simon reconnects with Matt Phillips (last heard from in our Amazon Adventure episode ) to relive his latest expedition through Mongolia shared with Phil from Canoe Safaris New Zealand . From river rap...

What if the key to paddling better isn’t more training — but better thinking? We sit down with Kirsty MacMillan , Paddle Monster Coach coach and founder of MacMillan Elite Mindset , who helps athletes at all levels to unlock their potential by strengthening the mental side of performance. In this fascinating conversation, Kirsty shares how she discovered SUP ten years ago, developed her competitiv...

We'll be back with our regular episodes later in the year, but this mid-season update covers the upcoming Wollens Super Festival, the winners of the 16th annual SUP Connect Awards, a historic solo crossing by adventurer Charlie Head, and a monumental fundraising cycle journey by Stuart McLean in memory of his wife, Dr. Julia Hamilton. Book for the Wollens Super Festival 2025 The festival takes pla...

In this episode of the SUPfm Podcast , we sit down with Larry Cain , Olympic gold medallist, renowned paddle coach, and co-founder of Paddle Monster, known for elevating paddlers at every level with world-class coaching and grounded technique. Join us as we discuss the mindset, mechanics, and methods that help intermediate SUP racers building on the foundations to unlock speed, endurance, and cons...

This week we sit down with Larry Cain, Olympic gold medalist, legendary coach, and the force behind Paddle Monster , known for elevating paddlers of all levels with their world-class coaching. Join us as we explore the critical role of coaching for beginners , and why establishing proper technique from day one can fast-track your progress and prevent years of unlearning bad habits. In this convers...

Have you ever wondered if SUP racing is for you? In the first of three special 'How To' episodes, we sit down to pull out the hows and the why of stand-up paddleboard racing with Sarah “SUP Junkie” Thornely , former GB national champion, and popular choice winner of the 2024 SUP Connect Woman of the Year award, recognized for her tireless work championing SUP racing. Whether you’re an aspiring rac...

In this episode of the SUPfm podcast , we sit down with Dan Rubinstein , journalist, and the author of Water Borne , a powerful new book chronicling his 1,200-mile inland paddleboarding journey through Canada and the US. We explore the intersection of adventure, environment, and human connection , tracing Dan’s remarkable route from Ottawa to Montreal, down to New York, and back to Toronto via the...

This season marks the 10th anniversary of this show and in this kick off episode , we sit down with Rylee Walker , a passionate cystic fibrosis advocate, endurance paddler, and intern at the Piper’s Angels Foundation, known for her unwavering determination and her upcoming documentary Against All Odds . We explore Rylee’s transformational journey —from being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just...

We're back soon with a cracking new season in our 10th year! Don't forget to subscribe :) Thank you to this season's sponsors: Starboard, Oscar Propulsion and PaddleUK Mentioned in this episode: Paddle UK and ICF World Cup 2026 Book now to take part in 2026's most exciting racing event as the ICF World Cup hits the beautiful waters of Torbay between June 24th and 28th, combining with the PaddleUK...

This week I'm joined by Sarah 'SUPJunkie' Thornely and others in a special 'LIVE' emergency episode following the announcement of a number of new events by the ICF, including t he award of a World Cup event to Torbay, Devon in 2026. We talk to the man central to the bid, Brendon Prince as well as guests including racers and brands reacting to this epic news for the UK SUP community. We also talk a...

In this episode we find out how two ski guides from Austria paddled 3,260km down the Yukon River to the Bering Sea. Barbara and Gunter share how they planned and prepared for this epic 51-day expedition, their approach to physical and mental challenges, and the importance of partnership and resilience in remote environments. You can watch this episode on YouTube Grizzly bears and porcupines were j...

In this episode we explore Andrew I Hughes' remarkable achievements as a professional adventurer, including summiting Everest, completing the Seven Summits, and setting the highest altitude paddleboarding world record. Hear about the challenges and rewards of pushing physical and mental limits, the importance of teamwork and resilience, and his commitment to promoting environmental awareness throu...

In this specially extended episode, Duncan Houlton discusses his epic experience paddling the entire length of the Rhine AND we share his audio diary, recorded on the water. Duncan talks about the highs and lows of his epic journey, from navigating busy shipping lanes and tackling numerous portages to embracing the challenges of solo expeditions and discovering the unexpected kindness of strangers...

This week we're joined by the inspirational Kate Allatt with the story of her remarkable recovery from a condition which medics thought was impossible. Note: This episode contains occasional strong language and discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. At the age of 39, Kate experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke, leaving her with locked-in syndrome—fully conscious but unable to move or...

In this episode we discuss how Bruce Kirkby uses stand up paddleboarding to explore the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and beyond. Hear about the key advantages of SUP as an expedition tool, the importance of risk management and decision-making in challenging environments, and the value of seeking expert coaching to enhance your paddling skills. Watch on YouTube HERE Bruce shares valuable i...

Yes, I know we're on a midseason break, but we couldn't lose this opportunity to pay this tribute to the nicest man in SUP, Casper Steinfath. The 2024 ISA World championships in Copenhagen features a stellar cast of elite athletes assembled to compete in a country which has done so much to contribute to the sport over the years. It's also the last racing appearance of the Viking, Casper Steinfath...

In this episode we discuss an innovative new direction for race events ahead of the first ever English Riviera Championships (SUPER Champs) in Torbay, UK, kicking off September 27th, 28th and 29th. You can watch this episode on YouTube HERE Building on the huge recreational growth of the sport, this event is designed as an opportunity to introduce first time and new paddlers to racing while also s...

In this episode, we sit down with Will Behenna, a passionate advocate for innovation for inclusive paddleboarding. Will shares his journey into the sport and how he’s making waves by ensuring that paddleboarding is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. We dive into his innovative approaches, including specialized equipment and outreach, which are breaking down barriers in the padd...

In this episode of the SUPfm podcast, we dive deep into the Amazon SUP Challenge—a gruelling 330km endurance paddle race through the heart of the Peruvian jungle. This journey is not just a test of physical strength and mental resilience but also a cultural immersion that brings paddlers close to the vibrant and resilient communities along the Amazon River. Simon chats with Caz Dawson (SUP Lass) a...

In this episode of the SUPfm Podcast, we feature the inspiring Dean Dunbar, a registered blind athlete who has taken part in numerous extreme sports and some famous and classic SUP adventures. From his recent qualification for the ISA World Championships in Copenhagen for Scotland to tackling the Celtic Crossing (Scilly to Cornwall) on a stand-up paddleboard, Dean's story is one of resilience and...

In this episode we're joined by Laurence Gonzales, ex-stunt pilot, extreme sports enthusiast and a celebrated author and expert in the field of survival psychology, with numerous accolades and awards for his groundbreaking books. **Trigger warning: This episode contains references to fatal accidents and incidents** Laurence has established himself as a leading authority in understanding the human...