From Couch Potato to World Champion: April Zilg on Coaching and What Makes a Great Paddle Athlete — Season 7 Ep 8

The evolution of paddle sport racing is pushing the limits of endurance competition, where training technology and data-driven coaching play a significant role. April Zilg, world champion paddle athlete, joins the show to share her journey from "couch potato" to the top of the stand up paddle board (SUP) world—all powered by smart training, dedication and data. In this episode, April reveals how technique-focused coaching, a science-based approach to training and leveraging TrainingPeaks shapes her work with athletes of all levels. Get a crash course in the many flavors of paddle sports—from lightning-fast sprints to epic 1,000-mile adventures—and how race type, equipment and environment shape effective training strategies. April stresses the importance of tracking progress, balancing intensity and recovery, and being open to new technology, including heart rate and (soon) power meters on the water. Whether you're curious about SUP racing, endurance coaching, or just want a peek behind the paddle, this episode is full of valuable coaching and training tips.