Stand Up Paddle the World Radio: Recent Episodes
None
DJ From Singapore descended upon the Columbia River Gorge where he met several members of the Ballard Elk’s Paddle Club from Seattle and followed them back to Seattle for the weekly Monday night SUP races on the Salish Sea. He is now a beloved member of the club and it is a pleasure to see his incredible dedication to the sport of SUP racing, taking a one-year sabbatical to refine his racing.
Why the Columbia Gorge? DJ’s coach back in Singapore saw something different in DJ when he was surfing waves–it helped refine his racing stroke, so he researched the best place in the world to downwind and found the Columbia River Gorge.
DJ talks about SUP racing, family and life in Singapore, and his love of the ocean and water sports.
Chris Hardwick and Darrell Kirk rest after reaching the top of highest freestanding mountain in the world, Mt. Kilimanjaro.We were welcomed to the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro by the sounds and sights of Colobus monkeys as we hobbled up a rocky path, shrouded in a dense forest of ferns, exotic flowers, and trees hundreds of years old. A purple flower with a large hole in the center almost looks human, and seems to be calling out to be noticed among all the beauty. Our path is interrupted from time to time by large highways of ants running their fortress path perpendicular across that path. Interlocking bodies create a wall on each side of the small highway as hundreds of others travel freely in one direction. We felt as if we were in the Garden of Eden and the enormity of everything ensured that we would find success in climbing the world’s highest freestanding mountain — Mt. Kilimanjaro.
We reached our first overnight camp spot and were greeted by our large team of guides, porters, and cooks. They were all engaged in song, happiness, and a very deep level of gratitude that they were able to help make our journey to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro a success. Indeed, the largess of our support team, beautiful and kind strong men, would be critical in the many days ahead as we battled nature, our own unpreparedness, fears, and most of all, extreme altitudes.
That first night, and next morning set the tone for the rest of our trip. As we sat together in the mess tent, one of our youngest members was bitten by a colony of ants and went into mild shock. So far from civilization, we realized the enormity of the situation and pooled our knowledge to help. Ultimately, our group leader, Robert, a strong and stern man resembling Bob Marley triaged, inventoried, and stabilized the young soul. This was real now–we put our trust into Robert and his guides Mohamed and Amnai, and the rest of the porters and support crew.
Morning came early and we were woken by a song played on our waiter’s radio. It was a bright and cheery song that would become an anthem for our trip. The chorus exalted for all to “Wake Up Everybody” “Don’t sleep” I instantly bonded with our waiter, “Supertall” , over this song and he and I would exchange “Everybody” with “Somebody”, “Nobody”, and other nonsense variations. This quickly spread throughout our group and would be blurted out, sang-out, and referred to constantly. The humanity, silliness, and connection this song and few words brought to everyone on the team surely helped to motivate us in the long trip ahead.
We were told early on through our research, that Mt. Kilimanjaro was an easy mountain to climb. Is that so we thought, the highest free standing mountain in the world. Many died on Kilimanjaro, until the Tanzanian government instituted a process of permits and guide services in the 1970’s. In “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” Ernest Hemingway wrote:
“Kilimanjaro is a snow‐covered mountain 19,340 feet high and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. Its western summit is called the Masai ‘Ngaje Ngai,’ the House of God. Close to the western summit there is the dried and frozen carcass of a leopard. No one has explained what the leopard was seeking at that altitude.”
Like the Leopard, what was I seeking in my summit of Kilimanjaro? Most notably, my good friend Chris Hardwick set-out to climb mountains around the world in 2023 and it would become the theme of his business coaching practice that year. He set up the trip and I immediately committed to join him and the team. I met Chris in Beijing, China in 1986 upon getting thrown out of Chinese police car–my second time in jail there for various offences to include black market money changing, illegally exploring off limits areas of the Great Wall of China, and standing on a man’s chair to get a better angle for a photograph inside of the Forbidden City. This apprehension was exceptional as hundreds of Chinese assisted in my arrest as I tried to fight off a man with my tripod. Since that time, Chris has been one of my greatest cheerleaders, and trusted friends. He is extremely successful, athletic, and is able to unlock the fears, misconceptions, and traumas that hold us back from reaching the goals and success we all deserve. Surely, climbing this mountain with Chris and the team would be one of the defining moments in my life.
Our team was was made up of accomplished business leaders, motivational speakers, and all exceptionally nice people. Chris only works with nice people! He’s a cocky, self proclaimed “shit-stirrer”, and is always testing the limits of EVERYTHING. At the end of the day, however, he has your back, ALWAYS. It was no surprise that everyone on our team brought other such gifts as these to our group. Shawn, the owner of a roofing company in Vancouver, Canada thrived on unexpected change, disruptions, and other obstacles. Upon meeting him at our hotel in Moshi, Tanzania, he was two days late due to a British Airways Strike, and the climbing gear he curriated over the last six months had been lost by the airline. He reached out with a handshake and a mile-long smile. I asked him how he could be so cheerful after such an ordeal. He said that his attitude was all that he had control of!
The two youngest people on our team were Noah and Mitch, lovely brothers who blended well with the team despite our difference in age, and yet were kind and traditional in many ways and brought wisdom and new ideas to the group. Their Dad, Dan, brought a myriad of perspectives, opinions, and color to our group through his many careers as a MMA Fighter, Motivational Speaker, and Wellness coach. Mauricio, owns his own sales lead generation service in Vancouver, Canada and was constantly sniffing for wifi signals on the mountain to keep in touch with his business. We were a great team and played on our strengths and weaknesses.
Half-way through our second day of climbing, sudden tragedy struck me while climbing above 10,000 feet. As a photographer, it was almost a sin not to carry my full complement of 35mm camera, gear, and lenses. At the start of the climb, I felt like a million bucks and made the sacrifice to carry the extra twelve pounds of gear, along with the mandatory fleece, rain gear, snacks, and 3 quarts of water! Almost double the recommended weight. Nature and altitude won and I immediately suffered from extreme exhaustion. Our team marveled at my resolve to finish the day of climbing while I inched along in a stupor. This exhaustion would follow me from that moment until the summit days later. I started the trip at an extreme deficit and we were only at 10,000 feet. 9,340 feet to go! I couldn’t imagine making it to the top in my condition and with so many days to go, with so much elevation to achieve, and with the diagnostics at the hands of our guides, like the oximeter that measured our heart rate and oxygen saturation–they had a responsibility to keep me and the rest of our team and support staff safe and the oximeter did not lie. It was senseless to self-report to the team and our guides. When asked how I felt on a scale of 1 to 10 I always responded with a ten. “I feel great” All during this time, we stuck together as a team and it was not lost on our group the enormity of my continued perseverance in almost impossible circumstances and health. Failure to reach the summit was not an option for me–too much was sacrificed, too much was planned, I committed to this and could not go back.
Several days and nights followed as we progressed along the various zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro: Bushland / Cultivated Zone 2,600′ to 6,000′; The Rainforest Zone: 6,000 to 9,200 feet; The Heath/Moorland Zone: 9,200 to 13,200′; The Alpine Zone: 13,200 to 16,500′; and finally the Arctic Zone at 16,500 feet and above. A guide or porter could most likely know the altitude by what was growing and where. It was surprising what we would encounter and where–Kilimanjaro Five Toed Skinks, skunk-like Colobus Monkeys, or the White-necked Raven that thrived at the highest altitudes and provided much needed motivation and encouragement to our group. We felt like aliens as we were dwarfed by Giant Groundsel, a prehistoric plant that evolved over a million years ago in areas above 14,000 feet and adapted to survive in sub-zero temperatures. The Barancco Wall was like a stairway to heaven that zig-zagged up 843 feet and provided several areas where one could fall from, especially at Kissing Rock where you need to flatten your body against the rock to avoid falling off of a steep cliff. Many kiss the wall in this section.
While the flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro provided a special motivation and distraction, I had to dig deep inside to combat the pain I was feeling deep inside my body, and to extract every cubic inch of oxygen into my bloodstream. The headache I was feeling was real, and ibuprofen helped. The Acetazolamide (Diamox) pills I ingested daily made my blood acidic and expelled salt and water buildup in the body which helped with altitude sickness. There was, however, one pain that I was unable to deal with, and the symptoms worried my guides—a strange traveling pain around the center of my body and lungs. A pain I had never felt before. I was able to remove this pain through visualization, good thoughts, and sheer determination to not acknowledge the pain. Pain is so subjective, except for the person dealing with it, but there was something to this that helped me get beyond this very real and debilitating irritation. I was able to replicate the removal of this pain again and again and this victory set me up for one of many success I would need for the grueling days ahead.
Summit day finally came and our team was rewarded with both anticipation and relief. This was a goal of sorts, a new starting line, and the knowledge that in about six hours, we would be at the highest point in Africa, and on top of the highest free standing mountain in the world. What we did not know was that this final ascent would be relentless in both altitude and unending vertical climb. With each step we took, we invested more and more energy that we could barely afford and muster-up. We questioned ourselves with each step as we grew weaker and weaker. In addition to our to our own intimate physical inventories, we received so many debilitating cues, like the string of moving headlamps that reached for thousands of feet into the sky in the pure darkness. It was impossible, and preposterous that these lights continued to meet the star-filled sky above until they disappeared into the night.
We spent months preparing for this climb. We made many sacrifices with both family, friends, and work. Months of discussions, meetings, and travel plans. And the cost of the trip. But now we were faced with a new challenge—the continued struggle to the top. Were we even capable of reaching the top? Quit now, or continue another thousand feet only to be defeated by our own willpower, or by our guides watching our every move and facial expression? Beyond our own sheer mental energy, did we eat enough? The high altitude has robbed us of our appetite over the last couple of days. The pure math alone tells us it’s very difficult to fill the calories needed for such a pursuit as this night presents. Do we continue the struggle for what seems indefinite, or give up now?
For several days our group has enjoyed the company of other climbing groups we met along the way and at each overnight camp. A Dutch lady stands out and serves as a “wake up” nurse at a hospital. Hers is the first face a patient sees as they reenter the world after anesthesia. She is quite fit, energetic and her laughter fills the air day after day and night after night around the camp. She is adored by our group and staff. On summit night and in the grey light of headlamps, I spot her unexpectedly seated on a rock surrounded by guides and staff. She is ashen-colored and demoralized. She does not recognize me as I slowly trudge by. Thanks to her guide she later makes the summit. Further along I see an injured porter, a rare sight, and all manner of people with distorted and exhausted faces. Many are able to hide the pain, but later admit it was the hardest thing they’ve ever done.
Finally, I reach Shira peak and my guide tells me I have reached the top of Kilimanjaro. This is not the peak, and luckily my team pleads to our guide Robert to bring me to Uhuru Peak where I will place Tibetan Prayer Flags on the marker there in honor of my brother Ron. The flag once flew at Mt. Everest Base Camp and will now find a home on the roof of Africa! Robert quickly agrees and we are off to the very top. He risks his reputation and my safety for this extended journey—we are only allowed to be on the peak for 20 minutes. The longer you are at this altitude nearing 20,000 feet, the more opportunity for problems. We travel past what looks like high mountain deserts and towering walls of glaciers. This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it is lost on me in my exhaustion. We still have a steep and long decent ahead of us.
About half-way back to Shira peak, Robert stops me and asks that I take a seat on a rock. He says that I am turning blue and that he would like to administer oxygen from the small green tank strapped to his pack. A young and energetic guide, a teenager, who specially joined us for summit night takes especially good care of me as we prepare to return to basecamp. Sandwiched side by side between them, I put my arm around each one’s shoulder and we begin a glassading descent down a steep scree of fine volcanic rock punctuated by large rocks and boulders. Robert yells out to other climbers making the journey back down to move out of the way. I would never accept such a rescue, but I felt I owed it to Robert and his team after the risks he took getting me to the very roof of Africa. As we neared basecamp, we took an aggressive detour into a canyon that exposed a hidden network of trails and villages that was the inner workings of the camps that made summit night possible. Our camp slowly came into view as my dear, dear porter and guide friends all ran over to assist. I insisted that I was ok, but was overcome with emotion and let go of any and all pride and bathed in the comfort, caring, and compassion of my Chagga and Sukuma brothers who cared and loved me and our team over the last seven days.
We woke the next morning at 6am to prepare for our continued descent down the mountain back to Moshi, Tanzania. By this time our team is functioning at a high level and we are transformed, actually believing that we are a special forces gorilla unit. We are changed forever and have a deep love of our porter, guides, cook, and waiter and for the people of Tanzania. This was the hardest day of my life, and I am relieved to hear that this is true of our entire team of accomplished friends. Back at our hotel we learn of a two-time Olympic Athlete who failed to reach the summit due to altitude sickness. Several fine men and women in the prime of their lives find solace in our stories of challenge to reach the summit, as do we upon hearing theirs. We all share a special bond climbing this mountain and will cherish this accomplishment forever.
Bruce Barry, Live at the Ballard Elk’s Club in Seattle! This is the definitive guide to health that will propel you into the extraordinary health, lifestyle, and fitness of one our best athletes in the SUP racing community. Following just a few of the tips presented here by Uncle Bruce will ensure notable benefits in welfare, and pave the way for further gains. Most importantly, the information presented here will ensure a longer life, and the health and fitness required to enjoy it.
The best part of my stand up paddle journeys is meeting people on and along the water. Tonight I had the pleasure of meeting Bo and Lillyan who were enjoying a moment along the Willamette River.
Carl Delica started stand up paddle racing after a serious accident which left him unable to walk for two months. He saw SUP as an accessible sport even though he had trouble bending his knee. Carl was also hooked with the calmness of the water and how hard competitive sup is. “I’m thankful for SUP as it came into my life when I couldn’t do much else.”
Skyler Palmer is an accomplished sailor, technical rescue fireman with Tacoma Fire Department, and race director for the Ballard Elks Paddle Club in Seattle. Skyler talks about safety on the water, and life in general, and the delicate balance of risk and adventure in the sport of stand up paddle racing and the importance of being prepared.
Brown was born in American Samoa, and is very proud of his Polynesian roots. “The sense of pride and humility overwhelms me every time my paddle enters the water. I’m always in awe with the thought of my ancestors exploring Oceania not knowing when they’ll reach the next land mass.” A professional Rugby player; his sport, culture, and family instilled a deep sense of community and respect that make Brown one of... Read More
Tenar Hall is a collector of safety–what she knows, and practices on the water has been picked up over the years, and implemented on each trip on the open water. When Tenar was separated from her Surf Ski off the cost of Orcas Island, not only did what she pick up over the years save her life, but indeed the collective group of people responsible were there with her in the frigid... Read More
Jeremiah Bonsmith is a true brother and friend of the +206, and one of the original racers from the club’s beginning almost a decade ago. Jeremiah has been there for many over the years, and reciprocated through his own vulnerability. Jeremiah is an Engineer at Boeing, an epic Father and Husband, and friend to many on an off the water. Jeremiah talks about SUP Racing, Fatherhood, and the Pandemic which has changed... Read More
Lindsey Virdeh was forever changed by the Pandemic and found love and acceptance in the sport of stand up paddle boarding. She is a Mother, Wife, and Instructor in Clean Energy Technology at Shoreline Community College in Washington State. Paddling provided Lindsey both the calming solitude she needed during the pandemic and allowed her to spend time with her friends during the quarantine. She also learned to love herself for exactly who... Read More
Harry Oesterreicher is a man who gives back–giving his kidney to a dear friend, founding member of the Aristides de Sousa Mendes Foundation, and volunteer at Washington Water Trails, and the Ballard Elks Paddle Club. Harry discusses how important friendship is across a variety of groups and clubs, Stand Up Paddle Racing, and what it’s like to give a kidney to a dear friend.
Levi Goltz came into stand up paddle racing from a lifetime of sports as a gymnast, ultra marathon runner, and Soccer player. Levi talks about his entry into SUP racing, early family life, and a behind the scenes look at the world of computer programming.
Nick Papa has a heart of gold and everything about him spells success on and off the race course. He is a gentleman and well-spoken, but his brute force and focus brought him to the front of the Seattle SUP racing scene. Nick talks about the other racers in the Seattle area that mentored him early on and what he has learned in a short time. In addition Nick talks about his... Read More
Fiona Wylde is a product of Hood River and the Columbia Gorge–friends and family, the Jet Team, and the rugged and unforgiving Columbia River all have shaped and tempered her into the competitive and kind person she is today. Fiona talks about those early years and the people, places, and events that forged who she is and how she is paying it forward to others in the sport. Fiona is one of... Read More
Reading Kaliko Kahoonei’s blog, you find an individual who cares deeply about the sport of SUP and is worried about its future. We talk with him about a recent post “The SUP Industry Exposed” and the quick deterioration of SUP racing, especially the Pacific Paddle Games in California which Kaliko has attended the last four years. Kaliko also discusses the business of SUP in general and gives vivid details of a regional... Read More
Christian Oliver has always been drawn to the water. Growing up in the South, his family would take vacations to Florida, where he fell in love with the ocean. Christian’s dad built cedar strip wood canoes out of the garage and has great memories canoeing with the family in Tennessee. Christian majored in Industrial Design in college and channeled his love for the water in designing boats and now works for a... Read More
Spencer Lazzar was early on the scene of stand up paddle racing–Inspired by a video of Laird Hamilton on a SUP, he though, might I be able to surf my local lake on one of these boards? The search was on for a stand up board in these very early days of SUP. Spencer and a friend traveled several hours away to the foreign city of Hood River, one of the few places... Read More
Flying around Washington State in old Russian helicopters purchased by the Government for one dollar, Jim Jarvie served as a forest firefighter helping mop-up fires that ravaged the area. Jim’s passion for freighter wake surfing and saltwater came from a dear Mother who loved the Ocean and immersed her children in it! A “Rosie the Riveter” in WWII, Jim’s Mother served our country with pride along with Jim’s Dad who fought in the... Read More
Jen’s interest in science and psychology of health began after an accident left her father paraplegic. This situation piqued her curiosity about causes and cures for chronic pain and illness. Being an athlete, she was interested in what it took to function at a high level of performance and ultimately created a stand up paddle race training program based on Physiology and Biomechanics, Muscular and Egoscue Exercise Therapy. Jen’s lifetime study of Biomechanics... Read More
Marc, Zach, and Darrell are epic men from the South preaching the word of Mental Toughness in all that they do. “We never quit” Join us at the Columbia Gorge Downwind Challenge in Hood River, Oregon were we met with this extraordinary team who drove over 2000 miles to compete in the downwind and course races. Father and Son, business partners, and good friends—Marc and Zach Rounsaville talk mental toughness that Zach... Read More
An epic stand up paddle racer with no forearms, a Fireman, a beloved young man, a stoked racer from Tahiti, and a trio of stoked men from the South who drove over two thousand miles to race in the Gorge. These are the people of stand up paddle racing. Join us live during the 2017 Columbia Gorge Downwind Challenge to hear their stories. This episode promises to deliver unlimited stoke from the... Read More
Chris Hawkins piloted a 27 foot sailboat as a kid and went on to crew on a 40 foot Newport in his early twenties. A 6th generation Bitterroot Valley, Montana Native and avid outdoorsman, Chris was still lost at sea until he found Stand Up Paddle Racing. A man of two worlds—Spokane, Washington and Bitterroot Valley, Montana, Chris talks about his family life and parents who embraced and shared the outdoors, the... Read More
Billy Kaczynski is a product of the crucible of life and made it out the other side an epic musician and super stoked guy. Billy talks about growing up in Hawaii, bodyboarding, music, and leaving Hawaii for California at the age of 15 with the help of a friend. Life is a crucible, and Billy tells his compelling story of hope, stoke for life, and his love for Puerto Rico and the... Read More
Chris Grieve did not like competition, that is until he found stand up paddle racing. We talk about his journey in SUP and what he is doing to be even more competitive.
Special Edition: Lincoln City Open Ocean Race! John Forse is Force of Nature and keeps on going full-on epic, even after being attacked by a Great White Shark! John talks about the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Surfing Championship he started as well as his new and exciting “Lincoln City Open Ocean Race” which will take place soon in Lincoln City, Oregon which promises to be an international SUP racing event in the... Read More
You can spot Adam Tischler from a block away–stoke-posture, stoke-smile, and overall general well being stoke! Join us on the Ballard Elk’s ocean view deck in Seattle for a conversation on life and SUP stoke, and learn a bit about Adam too! Where do these people come from? The epic sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a conduit to greatness in people and Adam is one of many across the country... Read More
You can spot Adam Tischler from a block away–stoke-posture, stoke-smile, and overall general well being stoke! Join us on the Ballard Elk’s ocean view deck in Seattle for a conversation on life and SUP stoke, and learn a bit about Adam too! Where do these people come from? The epic sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a conduit to greatness in people and Adam is one of many across the country... Read More
Dan Gavere has a long history in whitewater and quickly found that SUP was the perfect craft to “Snowboard” down crisp, wet river runs. Dan talks about his journey in whitewater on both kayak and SUP, and also gives us some incredible insight in the future of SUP, Foiling, and growth in the sport. This is too, too short an interview with Dan and promise to have him on again in the... Read More
Dr. Udo Wahn developed an interest in the environment in the late 60’s around the time of the horrific Santa Barbara oil spill that spurred the birth of environmental activism in the US. He was lucky to have a High School Biology Teacher who appreciated his interest in science and would give him special projects. One was sampling water for bacterial contamination in the Great South Bay off the coast of Long Island.... Read More
Amy Waeschle is an epic Mom, Surfer, and the Author of “Going Over the Falls” Amy talks about her Family, Surfing, and the writing of her novel. She also shares her writing process and offers tips to others who would like to write a book. Book Synopsis: Surfer and Seattle E.R. doctor Lorna Jacobs is pulled into a dangerous journey to find her estranged mother, who is dying from a mysterious illness.... Read More
Karl Kruger is the first person ever to complete the grueling “Race to Alaska” from Port Townsend Washington, to Ketchikan Alaska–by Stand Up Paddle Board! Meet the incredible athlete and gentleman behind this epic feat which is a huge victory for him and the rest of the stand paddle board community.
Terence Quong is a beloved athlete and friend in the Sand Point Outrigger Club in Seattle and the one everyone wants to pass. Endurance is one of “Q’s” strongest suits and helped him in an epic nine channel Hawaiian Island Crossing, as well as an incredible military and civilian career in aviation. Q talks about early life, family, Outrigger Canoe, and the O’hana that make it all happen. Terence shares the story... Read More
Wade Lawson lives an epic life as a Big Wave Surfer, Helicopter Pilot, and a man of curiosity and action. Wade tells of his rags to riches story growing up the son of an Arkansas chicken farmer and the dreams he had of becoming a pilot, and living an incredible life. Wade says you can have this life too and gives a premiere on Big Wave Surfing and flying. Disclaimer—Big Wave Surfing... Read More
Randall Barna is an epic Pedorthist and SUP and Surfing pioneer who knows a lot about feet and sports performance. During the 1992 NBA Championships, 80% of the starting lineup for the Portland Trailblazers wore Barna’s orthotics and many professionals go to him to this day to improve their performance. Randall talks about his early days as an Oregon surfing pioneer and the natural progression of surfing to Stand Up Paddle... Read More
Tanvi Jagadish is India’s first Stand Up Paddle Racer and a darling of her country as a pioneer of female surfing and SUP racing. She was always told that girls don’t surf, but with the help of family and her local “Surfing Ashram”, Tanvi found Nirvana in the sport and in Mother Ocean. Tanvi talks about early family life in India, and her daily rituals in preparing for SUP races and... Read More
John Schalka is a very fast stand up paddle board racer and shows us what is possible in this life at any age. At the start of John’s SUP racing career, he weighed over three hundred pounds and suffered a pulmonary embolism that almost killed him. Loosing over one hundred pounds, saying goodbye to alcohol, and drawing from a lifetime of outdoor sports, John reinvented himself into a SUP racing machine that is the envy... Read More
Matt and Grant Hassenrik are an epic father-son duo both on and off the water in the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and stoked to share their story of how it all began. Thirteen-year-old Grant loves his dad, and extended family of Stand Up Paddle Boarders in the Holland, Michigan O’hana located along the “Third Coast” of Lake Michigan. It’s not always smooth sailing for the two, and Matt and Grant... Read More
Sarah Sandstrom is an epic lady on and off the water and a seasoned SUP racer. She’s back from the Carolina Cup and stoked to tell about her race and what it takes to prepare for a SUP event far from home. Sarah is a Fisheries Biologist and her work spans a range of wetland, stream, and estuarine projects. When she’s not in the field, monitoring stream conditions or delineating wetlands, Sarah is working... Read More
Audrey Frey is an epic Lawyer defending our freedoms behind the scenes in the capital of Washington State. And when she’s not serving the citizens of the “Evergreen State”, she is Dragon Boat, Outrigger Canoe, or Stand Up Paddle Racing! In 2015, Audrey represented Team USA on the U24 Mixed and Women’s Crews at the International Dragon Boat Federation’s (IDBF) 12th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. Audrey gives us a premiere on... Read More
Danny Ching is one of the fastest in the world in stand up paddle racing, and an epic gentleman and ambassador of the sport. Danny’s Father, Al Ching brought the epic sport of Outrigger Canoe to California in the 1970s, and in this environment, Danny found his love of the water and racing. In 2014, Danny set a world record for speed on a stand up paddle board at the “Lost Mills time trial... Read More
Patrick Hwang and Matt Sun are back from Hawaii and ready to share some serious OC stoke. Hang-on as these gents talk about the Maui to Molokai race and their five-day race prep clinic with Kai Bartlett.
Russel Peart served his country proudly, but returned with Gulf War Syndrome, sustaining high levels of lead, mercury, and other heavy metals that wreaked havoc on his body. Russel’s Doctor even questioned how he could be alive. A strong family and beloved Father with alcoholism and disabilities stopped the cycle with Russel and built a man who thrives despite having a spine that one doctor described as that of a ninety year old!... Read More
Charles Webb is back and gives us an update on the world of Adaptive Surfing as well as several competitions taking place in the sport in 2017. If you would like to give Adaptive Surfing a try, or learn more about this sport–Charles Webb is your ticket and continues to blow-up the sport with his enthusiasm. This episode is your one-stop to learn all about this extreme sport.
Go behind the scenes at “The 24” in Seattle, a 24 hour paddle raising money for families fighting Cancer. Meet the team and one of the special families “The 24” has touched.
John Puakea is a legend in the Outrigger Canoe community and has brought his years of experience to the Stand Up Paddle world. As an exceptional technical coach, John has helped push world-class paddlers to the next level in international competition. His ability to improve the performance of already-elite paddlers also led Team Bradley to consecutive first-place finishes in the Molokai-to-Oahu Na Wahine O Ke Kai, and to the fastest crossing time by... Read More
In Part III of the “Four Pillars of Health” Bruce Barry discusses the importance of Yoga for good health and Stand Up Paddle performance in both SUP racing and Surfing. Don’t miss it and be sure to listen to parts I and II of the “Four Pillars of Health” recorded earlier last year.
Melissa Still is a Kiteboarder and the owner of Bigfoot Coffee Roasters in Stevenson, Washington. Melissa talks about what it takes to start a business that supports local tourism and what we as visitors can do to support the businesses and communities that help fuel our many paddling adventures and events.
Bob Pratt is serious about drowning, very serious. As an EMT and Lifeguard, he knows that drowning is preventable, especially in the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding. In fact, Bob believes the stand up paddle industry has a golden opportunity to introduce life preserver and leash safety early on in this exploding sport. Bob Pratt and The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project are both very serious about water safety and drowning... Read More
Norm Hann is an early pioneer of SUP as an adventure platform and used it as a powerful tool to help save the “Great Bear Rain Forest” of British Columbia, Canada. Norm talks about his early years in the Great Bear Rain Forest, the Documentary “Stand” and what it takes to make a difference in your own local waters.
“The Third Coast” is a formidable SUP destination that deserves serious consideration and respect: Thirty-foot waves, deadly rip tides, and huge Salmon! We have a witness in Matt Hassenrik who will demystify, or mystify his epic Midwest SUP playground complete with surfing in the snow, ice, and extreme temperatures. Matt also talks about the epic SUP community near Holland, Michigan and racing with his son.
Andre, AKA Dre is an epic young man living a great life on the North Shore and around the USA. We talk with him about SUP/Surf etiquette, his life as an all-around athlete, and all things Hawaii like Ohana, Poke, and self-sustainability in self and everything you do. Dre gives us some tips on getting around in Hawaii, and explains why the Hawaiian vibe is so pronounced in SUP and Surf cultures around... Read More
Dean Burke dreamed of the Pacific Northwest and its majestic mountains from a very young age. He vowed he would make it his profession one day to live, work, and play in this incredible area of the world. As Executive Director of the Tacoma South Sound Sports Commission, Dean is living the dream and energizing the city of Tacoma, Washington and the greater Puget Sound Area and its residents. Hear about... Read More
Melanie Seiler Hames is the Executive Director at Active Southern West Virginia and a treasure to the people of the New River Gorge and surrounding area. Melanie brings Stand Up Paddle Boarding, and more importantly, good health to the people of West Virginia by having them take an active part in sports and recreation that is right in their back yard. Ms. Seiler, is also a very important leader who is improving... Read More
Ian Smith is the founder of “First Waves” which spreads the stoke with experiences in conservation, river surfing, standup paddleboarding, and filmmaking for under-served youth. Ian talks about “First Waves”, Whitewater SUP, and the “Iron City”–Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
Mark Powell is another amazing person among us in the Stand Up Paddle Community. His Hurricane research on air-water mixing is notable and a significant contribution to the science he observed while flying aboard NOAA’s P3 Hurricane Hunter planes. Mark grew up on the water with his family and has competed in various watersports. He talks with us about his love and fascination of the water and weather and, recent entry into... Read More
The family that plays together, stays together, and such is the case with Doc and Gloria Doolittle. They have raced together, sailed together, and now Stand Up Paddle together. Pull up a chair and stay awhile as they talk about SUP, racing, and raising millions of dollars for Children’s Hospital in Seattle. They emphasize the importance of stand up paddle boarding as a family sport and why it is especially suited for... Read More
Charles Webb is a disabled surfer and stand up paddle racer. But such a label does not accurately describe this incredible man. He only dwells on what he can do, not what he can’t. Join us for an inspirational discussion on the magic of the human spirit and Charles’ journey to SUP racing and Surfing. Charles also talks about accessibility of beaches to the disabled SUP and Surfing community.
TJ Gulizia is stoked on whitewater SUP, and wants to set you up. Join us at “Big Winds” in Hood River, Oregon where we sit down with TJ as he opens up about this incredible sport and how to get started. Gear, rivers, safety, it’s all here.
James Van Drunen is the youngest person to ever complete the “SUP 11 City Tour” that meanders for 136 miles around Holland. We speak to James and his Father Conard, live in Holland in the middle of the race to hear about this tough event. Was James always such an incredible athlete? No. Four years ago, James was living a very sedentary life filled with unhealthy food and activities. His Father Conard... Read More
Will improved diet make me faster? Will I live longer? Can I improve every minute of my day? Yes! Yes! and Yes! Bruce Barry goes deep into our biological make-up and shows how important diet is to everything we do. His extensive explanation of the trillions upon trillions of cells in our bodies, all with a mind of their own and in full control, ask very little of us on our daily... Read More
Round the Rock 2016 tested the mettle of the heartiest stand up paddle racer-brining almost all competitors to their knees towards the end of the race. Winds up to 40 miles per hour and chest high waves demoralized the pack who came in shell-shocked and ashen colored. Once across the finish line, however, all knew they had raced their hardest race, and learned something about themselves they never knew before. We also talk with Dan... Read More
Jen Kjellsvik is an incredible water woman excelling in Stand Up Paddle Racing, Outrigger Canoe, and now Whitewater SUP! She’s been in the sport for the last eight years and her biggest accomplishment is getting children to love the water. Jen tells us about the incredible whitewater SUP community she has built there for the children of Bend, Oregon and some great tips on starting such a community in your own town.... Read More
Shane Perrin is a pioneer in long distance endurance SUP racing and holds the record for most still water miles paddled in 24 hours: 95.6 miles. Some of his other pioneer endurance races include: La Ruta Maya, The Texas Water Safari, and the MR340. We talk with Shane, live in Ireland where he is on vacation with his family, about Endurance SUP Racing, and why he does them. He also talks about... Read More
Jeff Styles is an oracle when it comes to kiteboarding and foils. In fact, he believes that in the future, all boards and water sports will be foil based! Join us live at “Walking Man Brew Pub” in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge in Stevenson, Washington where we sit down with Jeff who professes that foils are in our future.
Lisa Schell is the Editor at Distressed Mullet and an epic ambassador of the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Outrigger Canoe. We were able to spend some time with Lisa during her whirlwind tour of Seattle and the Hood River to discuss “Distressed Mullet” and a host of other topics to include “Paddle Monster” and the sport of SUP and why it is unlike any other sport in the world.... Read More
What is the state of Windsurfing and Kiteboarding in the Columbia River Gorge and how do you get into these sports? What’s it like to harness the wind with a sail on a windsurfer, or loft softly into the air on a kite board? In this special edition of Stand Up Paddle the World Radio, we talk with three ladies who discuss their passions for these sports and the changing demographics and... Read More
Holly Rasmussen and Debra O’Conner found Stand Up Paddle Boarding and took the fast track to learn as much as possible though formal instruction and to meet the community behind it. Soon they were surfing “Tugboat Wakes” and negotiating the swirling waters of “Deception Pass” Both respected the safety taught to them in the Seattle SUP community and Holly even had the chance to use this vital information in a rescue she... Read More
John Amundson is a legendary Kiteboarder and Shaper. A third generation waterman, John’s ancestral stoke led him at a early age to leave California and head for Hawaii to follow his passion. John talks kiteboarding, shaping, and gives us valuable life lessons from his epic journey along the North Shore
Join us live at 24, a twenty four hour stand up paddle event that raises funds to help victims of cancer and their families. Meet Troy Nebeker and his family and hear how Cancer devastated their lives, but in the end brought them closer. Meet the paddlers and other incredible people in the Washington state stand up paddling community who came together for this incredible yearly event.
Bruce Barry takes health very seriously in his sport of Stand Up Paddle Board Racing, and in life when illness struck someone in his family. In this episode of Stand Up Paddle The World Radio, Bruce Barry discusses the Four Pillars of Health: Vitamin D, Exercise, Diet, and Sleep and why they are so important to stand up paddle racers and in living a long and healthy life
No time? No Board? Just been diagnosed with MS? No problem. Alex Vaughan, Doug Broadbent, and Jeff Gassen discuss their incredible journeys with SUP and how it changed their lives forever. Jeff has no time, Alex had to make his own board, and Doug didn’t let MS stop him, in fact SUP was his cure.
This week on “Stand Up Paddle The World Radio” Joe Mccolskey on some simple steps you can take to improve your fitness and your life. Only a few years ago, Joe was a full eighty pounds heavier, and his life was out of control. Listen to his own personal journey on iTunes at the link below. Look for it this Wednesday on Stand Up Paddle The World Radio, and please give us... Read More
What is the Genesis of a Stand Up Paddling Community? In this episode of Stand Up Paddle The World Radio, Rob Casey and Troy Trimmer talk about the origins of Seattle’s strong Stand Up Paddling community and discuss the events and tools that others can use to create a strong SUP community on their own home waters.
What’s it like behind the scenes of a stand up paddle race? Spend a day with Stand Up Paddle The World Radio at “St. Paddle’s Day” an annual race held in Washington State along the beautiful “Hood Canal” Fjord. We talk with seasoned racers about technique, as well as first-time paddlers on the staring line. If you are interested in starting your own race, listen in as we talk with Cindy Sund,... Read More
James Van Drunen is live with us again after just completing the “SUP 11 City Tour” in Holland. We speak with a very tired James and his Father Conard live in Spain, during an epic storm that has just hit their home, about his second epic race that snakes around Holland in 11 cities for 136 miles in five days. James and his father give great advice on competing in such a... Read More
Abigail McCarthy won’t let a broken back, or anything else for that matter, keep her off the water. Abigail shares her stoke, and gives us a window into her own injury and life and tips on recovery and getting back out there on the water.
Join us live at 24, a twenty four hour stand up paddle event that raises funds to help victims of cancer and their families. Meet Troy Nebeker and his family and hear how Cancer devastated their lives, but in the end brought them closer. Meet the paddlers and other incredible people in the Washington state stand up paddling community who came together for this incredible yearly event.
Charles Webb is a disabled surfer and stand up paddle racer. But such a label does not accurately describe this incredible man. He only dwells on what he can do, not what he can’t. Join us for an inspirational discussion on the magic of the human spirit and Charles’ journey to SUP racing and Surfing. Charles also talks about accessibility of beaches to the disabled SUP and Surfing community.
Rob Casey knows the water and uses this information to his advantage in stand up paddle board racing. Rob tells how to use eddies, winds, currents and tides to your advantage in SUP racing.
Fiona Wilde is ranked #3 in the world in Stand Up Paddle Board Racing, and surfing, and is a graduate of the “JET” team located in Hood River, Oregon. Steve Gates, owner and founder of the “Junior Elite Team” and “Big Winds” talks about the incredible genesis of the team and how hard work, dedication, and early morning stoke breeds incredible results in these children. Steve also discusses the challenges of starting... Read More
Karen Parkkonen is passionate about the Columbia River Gorge and the incredible flora and fauna along the Columbia River’s many special places. She Stand Up Paddles and Surf Skis year-round in the Gorge and has a deep respect for the area and does her part in maintaing many of the shoreline areas, while practicing good river citizenship and promoting paddling safety.
Mariann Kirch is about to change your life! She talks about meditation in life an on the water and how it can change everything. Mariann also gives some tips on using meditation to increase SUP racing performance
Spend a day with surf legend and shaper, Brian Hinde in his shop near Hood River. Brian talks about board design, shaping, and a good dose of theory and how they all add up to enjoyment on the water. Brian also spreads some stoke on working hard to go fast on a SUP in racing, and gives some tips to those who would like to take up a career shaping boards.
Larry Allison got his start making surfboard fins at the age of thirteen. He is known round the world for his Stand Up Paddle Board Racing Fins and is a true master using decades of knowledge in a science that has a hard time relying on computerized design or other scientific tools. Larry’s first hand experience early on in windsurfing allowed him to hone his art early on and many in the... Read More
Will improved diet make me faster? Will I live longer? Can I improve every minute of my day? Yes! Yes! and Yes! Bruce Barry goes deep into our biological make-up and shows how important diet is to everything we do. His extensive explanation of the trillions upon trillions of cells in our bodies, all with a mind of their own and in full control, ask very little of us on our daily... Read More
Here’s a story from “Seabreeze” in Australia regarding my Stand Up Paddle Adventure in an abandoned sand mine in Missouri. “Lit by nothing but a torch, he and a couple of friends had to lay totally flat on their boards to fit through some of the tiny sections along the way.” The Crystal City Sand Mine in Missouri, was decommissioned long ago. Now, it stands as a tourist attraction, offering guided tours... Read More
An unforgettable Standup Paddle adventure along Antelope and Egg Islands on the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
Michele Black is no stranger to competitive sports, but she has something important to say about Stand Up Paddle Racing–It’s like no other sport and exactly why Women, and anyone for that matter, should give it a try. Michele also talks about how SUP racing has opened up an incredible world of opportunities for community and friendship for her and others in the SUP community. Thank you for listening Show Notes: Darrell... Read More
Blake Thornton and Victor Wickerhauser hold the MR340 record in the Stand Up Paddle Division of this grueling endurance race that snakes 340 miles across the state of Missouri. How they did it is a combination of luck and preparedness and a testament to their friendship and dedication to the sport. Blake’s unlikely history of Stand Up Paddle Racing just before the MR340 is an inspiration to others entering the sport and he... Read More
Prepare for a serious dose of stoke as TJ Gulizia of “Big Winds” in Hood River, Oregon introduces us to one of the greatest downwind runs in the world–The Viento Run. The stoke continues as we learn about the Columbia River Gorge itself and its spectacular scenery, wildlife, and unlimited opportunity for recreation and things to do. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tornadowitness/big+winds.mp3
I love these lights and can’t believe they have been improved upon tremendously over the last year. They are just under six bucks here in Seattle at http://www.UrbanSurf.com Nebo Lumore Clip Light Assorted These lights are very waterproof, shockproof, and bright as hell. The white globe puts off an incredible soft white light. I can’t believe they 100% revamped these light this year with a very cool looking aircraft aluminum look and a... Read More
Another milestone for my little boy–his first wetsuit. Looking forward to sharing some adventures with him soon. He’s no stranger to riding stand up paddle boards and has ridden with me on a very remote island in Alaska, on the Snake River in Idaho, and high atop mountains in Washington State and Oregon. All he talks about is trains and busses. I can’t blame him though as all his dad talks about is... Read More
Coli Yang is a force to be reckoned with on and off the water. In this episode of Stand Up Paddle The World Radio we learn of the genesis of “Village of Stoke” and the crucible of racing on a tandem racing board with teammate and father Joel Yang. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tornadowitness/coli8.mp3
I had the pleasure of meeting the folks from “dryrobe” at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. I am now an ambassador for the brand, so you’ll see me in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest changing and staying warm in my dryrobe before and after each paddling adventure. Me and my local group paddle year-round in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle, and to be sure we are quite warm on... Read More
“Round the Rock 2015” was especially challenging this year due to a later start and 85 degree temperature. Even though our team was fully hydrated and fueled, we all cramped up, our hands that is! On the last few miles of the race, our hands had a mind of their own and opened and closed at will! Some of us joked that the origins of the “Shaka” might have come about from... Read More
I was interviewed by the Miami New Times on Monday and it really got me thinking about Andres Pombo, and this whole leash and PFD business. Full story is here: On Friday, August 22, Andres Pombo was in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon with three friends competing in a paddelboarding competition. They were on a practice run, standup paddling in gusty downwind conditions. Three miles short of the finish line, the... Read More
Stand Up Paddle The World, made the front page of the “Charleston Gazette-Mail” the main newspaper from the capital of West Virginia. Story is here: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20150810/GZ01/150819975/1419
From the print edition of the “Alton Telegraph” in Alton, Illinois. You can view the movie of this trip here
An incredible Standup Paddle Board adventure on the Mississippi River from Alton Illinois to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A trip through the large locks in Alton, and great conversation with fisherman at the notorious “Chain of Rocks”. All the while on the lookout for Flying Asian Carp.