Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Chris Issendorf for take two of their conversation. In this episode we cover the 2026 Ausable River Marathon, row positioning for the Safari, support crews, using Ai to address in race problems, 100 man cheering sections, a drunk alligator hunter, the demons that creep in during an ultra race and strategies to fight them off, a treaturous open bay crossing, hitting rock bottom 1 mile from the finish line, alcohol and athletic performance, the Texas Water Safari paddling community, and chasing the perfect race. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, a book club tab with guest curated reading recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Chris himself on this 67th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Chris’s book recommendations: Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown Canoe Racing, by Peter Heed and Dick Mansfield Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall Chris’s coaching platform: issendorfcanoeandkayak.com

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Chris Issendorf, legendary ultramarathon paddler and 1st ever overall solo champion of the Texas Water Safari in 2026. We cover so much in this episode from seeking out hard things in life, learning from failure, paddling technique, the Ausable River Marathon, Chris’s training evolution, finding the perfect solo boat for the Safari, intentional mental training, the importance of training camps, the story behind him racing solo in the 2026 Texas Water Safari, and the pursuit of perfection. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, a book club tab with guest curated reading recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. Of note, we did this episode in 2 takes because we had so much to talk about and that’s how it’s going to be delivered to you in two episodes. There’s so much more to this show, a 1st of a two part series, but I’ll let you hear it from Chris himself on this 66th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast…

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down again with David Miller, ultramarathon paddler and owner of Rowdy Racoon Paddling and Racing Solutions. We cover so much in this episode from how to build a kayak, an intro into boat modifications and repair, working with carbon fiber, custom trailers, Rowdy Racoon, balanced yokes, under stern versus over stern rudders, his new invention the Ski Dash, and Party Possum. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from David himself on this 65th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Rowdy Racoon Website: https://www.rowdyracoon.com/ Rowdy Racoon IG: @rowdyracoonracing David’s FB: https://www.facebook.com/david.m.miller.58 David’s email: [email protected] Ski Dash weight: 8oz

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Esther Wheeler fresh off of her amazing performance in the Race to Alaska finishing in 21 days, 1 hour, and 30 minutes and more impressively being the first ever female to complete the race solo and she did it under human power only. We cover so much in this episode from the Proving Grounds, otters, orcas, and humpbacks, managing fresh water supply in salt water conditions, navigating tides, currents, and rapidly changing weather conditions, camping safely in extreme tidal conditions, making decisions based on instincts versus technology, generosity from strangers, Cape Caution, taking time to feel emotions, and racing for a once a week shuttle. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Esther herself on this 64th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Esther’s book recommendations: -Where the Light Gets In, by Ben Crowe Race to Alaska website: https://r2ak.com/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with his brother, firefighter, and ultramarathon paddler, Bradley Thomas who is fresh off a 4th place male solo finish at the 2026 MR340. We cover so much in this episode from never really paddling to spring boarding into the Yukon 1000, the science behind zone 2 training, the challenges of 24 hour shift work when training for ultras, hitting rock bottom 20 miles from the finish line of a 1000 mile race, the MR340, the Race Owl app, creatine karaoke for sleep deprivation, being inspired by crew and the paddling community, the pitfalls of trying something new on race day, and as many Big Lebowski quotes we could manage to fit into one episode. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Bradley himself and this Little Missouri Urban Achiever on this 63rd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Bradley’s book/podcast recommendations: -Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer -The Long Walk, by Slavomir Rawicz -The Meateater Podcast Episode 641: 15 Years of Living Off the Land in Alaska

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Andrew and Kathren Hansen of Hansen Family Services paddle racing safety support team. Andrew is an ultramarathon paddler, volunteer firefighter, and race safety extraordinaire and his wife Kathren started out crewing for him in ultramarathon races and now is part of his race safety team. Just as a short side note we recorded this in 2 sessions and Kathren joined us for the 2nd recording, so I wasn’t prepared to give her a proper intro like I do all of my guests, so that is the reason why the sole focus is on Andrew at the beginning of the show. We cover so much in this episode from racing against yourself, the California River Quest, the Gorge Downwind Champs, SeaStrike machines, race safety training, and being prepared for the worst and unexpected. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Andrew and Kathren themselves on this 62nd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Hansen Family Services IG: @Hansen_Family_Services www.rpams.com https://k38rescue.com

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jessie Gladish, Canadian Yukon resident, ultramarathon racer of many disciplines and climates, and director of the 2026 Yukon River Quest. We cover so much in this episode from hiking the Chilkoot Pass at age 7, the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra in minus 48 degree temps, the Iditarod Trail Invitational, hazards of the Arctic in winter, a behind the scenes look at directing the Yukon River Quest, a call for and importance of volunteers, and of course the standard book recommendations. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more.There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jessie herself on this 61st episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Jessie’s book recommendations: -Polar Dream, by Helen Thayer -Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell -Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen -Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer -Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer [email protected] [email protected] YRQ IG: @yukonriverquestofficial Jessie's IG: @jessiegladish YRQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18vyLPUSua/?mibextid=wwXIfr YRQ website https://www.yukonriverquest.com

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Bernard Moyersoen, ultramarathon paddler and adventurer out of Belgium, who is the back-to-back-to-back solo kayak champion in the Yukon River Quest from 2024 - 2026. We cover so much in this episode from expedition paddling in Venezuela, downriver marathon paddling in Scotland, the Loire 725 and Dordogne Intégrale, YRQ race strategies, the pull of the Yukon, and epic training plans. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Bernard himself on this 60th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Bernard's book recommendation: La Riviere Esperance

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down again with Sean Lougheed, but this time as a solo guest. Sean is a Canadian ultramarathon paddler and Yukon 1000 alum who just took 1st place in the solo canoe division of the 2026 Yukon River Quest and came in just 11 minutes off of record time. We cover so much in this episode from the fire that the Yukon 1000 lights within, longevity in ultra paddling, positive impacts paddling communities can support, risk versus safety equations, flexibility and recovery, heat and hallucinations, the importance of safety checks, reflections on the Yukon Flats, and brainstorming ways to deepen the dot watching experience in ultra racing. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s “coming soon”, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Sean himself on this 59th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Sean's YRQ Trip Report: https://slougheed.substack.com/p/2026-yukon-river-quest Sean’s book recommendations: -Love Big Country, by Mark Fletcher -Reading the River, by John Hildebrand

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down again with Rod Price out of Florida to catch up on more of his paddling stories as well as a 2026 Suwannee 230 race. We cover so much in this episode from his recent class win in the Everglades Challenge, learning from DNFs, the Pea River Race, setting world records in a dragon boat, hazards from sturgeon, and the Rod’s 2026 Suwannee 230 race recap. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Rod himself on this 58th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Rod’s books: -If you’d like to order any book Rod has authored he is offering a 2-for-1 deal. To get the deal reach out to him at [email protected].

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Candi Hill and David Miller to chat about their back-to-back mixed tandem victories and course record for the Suwannee 230. We cover so much in this episode from couch to the MR340, the Kansas/Missouri paddling community, going from never met to racing an ultra the next day, navigating swamps, how electrolytes can affect paddling technique, double vs. single blading, sturgeon vs. manatees, and the Pea River race. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Mike himself on this 57th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Candi’s book recommendations: -Can’t Hurt Me, by David Goggins David’s book recommendations: -Voices on the River, by Walter Havighurst

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Steve Schnarr of Missouri River Relief and the sitting Race Director of the MR340. We cover so much in this episode from the community-centric programs Missouri River Relief provides and how they transform lives as well as the river, the story behind MRR becoming involved with the MR340, how the race has evolved over the years, the MR340 culture of sharing, hallucinating robots, volunteerism and unsung heroes, the Reaper, and the innovative approaches paddlers take to get to the finish line of the MR340. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Steve himself on this 56th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… -Missouri River Bookshelf (on Missouri River Relief website) - https://riverrelief.org/resource/mo-river-bookshelf -Missouri River Relief - https://riverrelief.org/ -MR340 - https://mr340.org/ -Documentary about 2022 MR340 ”Chronicle – Race for the River” by KMBC in Kansas City - https://mr340.org/mr340-documentary/ -Missouri American Water MR340 Facebook Group (soon to be renamed MR340 Community) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/188849561244166 Missouri River Relief Social Media -Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/missouririverrelief -Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mo.river.relief/ -YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/MissouriRiverRelief

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with David Horkan, Irish ultramarathon paddler, adventurer, guide, and coach who just came in 3rd place K1 in the Vohondu Marathon in Estonia. We cover so much in this episode from getting started paddling at a young age through canoe polo, crossovers between show jumping horses and kayaking, the importance of consistent practice, the Liffey Descent, the Devizes to Westminster the race that changed his life, the Irish paddling scene and community, his attempt at the fastest solo circumnavigation of Ireland, the 2026 Vohondu Marathon, preparing the mind for ultra endurance efforts, the Irish Wildwater Racing Series, low intensity versus high intensity training, and guiding and coaching. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from David himself on this 55th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… David's Contact Info: -IG: @dhkayaking -Website: www.dhkayaking.com David’s book recommendations: -The Pacific Alone, by Dave Shively: https://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Alone-Untold-Kayakings-Boldest/dp/1493058436/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1#detailBullets_feature_div -Fearless, by Joe Glickman: https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-One-Woman-Kayak-Continent-ebook/dp/B00MJD6QE0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NHN81GYTJUNC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.a1zMLJJt6jZL9AZBUy-Gbtb67J33fd_M4Wo6rxKCgVU.57HEJ8S4IBF7J94sIkOYTkvJOOfLukEueYvf2o9EEqQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=freya+hoffmeister+joe+glickman&qid=1778632136&sprefix=freya+hoffmeister+joe+glic%2Caps%2C416&sr=8-1 -A Voyage for Madmen, by Peter Nichols: https://www.amazon.com/Voyage-Madmen-Peter-Nichols/dp/0060957034/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OGZ4F003K6QI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IMVwQe9OQTea81Npl7ah097PG6PQ0RfbJRW3F94PEcqRoSEPoSmE7cKKYdL86E6pAJO-XE_meIlXRiBLEvqrabQVrOeQmYpQxwDpT73b9-V6aXLCphJGo_qb4KWcVqgR.EBxRkGSG362zGTIZU8TBdlHYD1T0lWfVyioswFCro2c&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+voyage+for+madmen&qid=1778632259&sprefix=a+voyage+for+madm%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-1

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Kendra Leibel & BeaV Vollhaber two adventurers and ultramarathon paddlers with a preference for unsupported challenges. I first want to give a shoutout to Joseph Gerard who suggested I interview these two last year. We cover so much in this episode from wing nights to backcountry Alaska living, the Everglades Challenge and the Water Tribe, resume building portages, the history of the Voyageurs Highway and the Kruger-Waddell Challenge, paddling under the Northern Lights, navigating by map and compass, seeing penguins in Florida, the importance of a positive attitude and mental fortitude, and the life changing impacts of ultra distance paddling. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Kendra and BeaV themselves on this 54th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Kendra’s book recommendations: -Beyond Grit, by Cindra Kamphoff: https://a.co/d/0gNGTSsH -Woman of the Boundary Waters, by Justine Kerfoot: https://a.co/d/0d0tiNsG BeaV’s book recommendations: -My Side of the Mountain, by Jean George: https://a.co/d/03YmdD6F Links: www.bwca.com www.watertribe.com

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Matt Taylor and Bobby Johnson, two elite ultramarathon paddlers out of Alabama and Florida, respectively, who have won back-to-back Suwannee 230 titles in ’24 and ’25 as well as the 2025 Alabama 650 as a team. We cover so much in this episode from learning from failure, the Texas Water Safari, broken boats that bring a team together better than Flex Tape, stomach issues and ultimatums, rescuing cats during the Suwannee 230, the Alabama 650, getting stuck on the same dock 2 years in a row due to storms, and paddling to win but more importantly to have a great time in the process. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Matt and Bobby themselves on this 53rd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Also, I just recently launched a website where you can find archives of all episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, see what’s coming down the pike in the “coming soon” section, and you can find a fully curated list of recommended reads from each guest that has come on the show in the Book Club section. You can find all this at dabblinginpaddleism.com. Bobby’s book recommendations: Endurance, by Alfred Lansing - https://a.co/d/02uEzQlv Matt’s book recommendations: Books by Rod Price - https://www.rodpriceadventure.com/home/rods-books/

In this episode, Chris Thomas gives his firsthand account of the 2026 California River Quest including the conditions, boat selection, and challenges along the course. Additionally, he discusses ways in which listeners can support the show at www.dabblinginpaddleism.com via a new merch store, membership opportunities that come with custom gear that only members will have access to, as well as donations. Website: www.dabblinginpaddleism.com Gear mentioned on this show: -Solite neoprene boots -NRS neoprene pants

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Trey Reaves and Emily McNeil, two highly accomplished paddlers who just came out on top in the 2026 Everglades Challenge. After meeting both of these characters in the 2023 Yukon 1000 it was great to sit down with them together and chat about how they both came through for each other in a solid team win in the EC. We cover so much in this episode from the supportive paddling community around Kansas City as well as the Water Tribe, the choose your own adventure aspect of the Everglades Challenge, treacherous aspects of the EC that set this race apart from others, navigation, in-race birthday celebrations, hallucinations and sleep deprivation strategies, and the bond developed between two paddlers suffering together. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Emily and Trey themselves on this 51st episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Emily’s book recommendations: The Pursuit of Endurance, by Jennifer Pharr Davis: https://a.co/d/0dUrnct0 Emily’s Social: -FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1869413446655700

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jennifer Fratzke, ultramarathon paddler, coach, and podcaster. We cover so much in this episode from the Sea Paddle NYC, the MR340, the importance of the mental aspect of training, fishing as a cross training activity, power napping for performance, the Seventy48 race, YRQ, Alabama 650, paddling for vengeance, the Adirondack Canoe Classic, hypothermia, her coaching work and philosophy, the importance of focusing on technique, the 90% Mental Podcast and Natasha Haine and Jen Kilpatrick. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jennifer herself on this 50th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Jennifer’s book recommendations: How Bad Do You Want It?, by Matt Fitzgerald: https://a.co/d/0bpfsPEK Endure, by Alex Hutchinson: https://a.co/d/0c8gaKSK Endure, by Cameron Hanes: https://a.co/d/0eeo3PPy

So this episode is going to be a bit different as I not only have one or two guests, but a cornucopia of them. Back in the early episodes of the show I asked paddlers to reach out to me if there were specific topics they’d like me to cover and this episode is courtesy of Chuck Scheidt reaching out. His question was, “how do paddlers get themselves rested for a race? In particular the two weeks (or weeks) leading up to the event.”So to answer his question, I polled 14 of the top paddlers out there to share their experiences. And if you liked this episode and have a different question you’d like me to tackle, please reach out. There were quite a wide array of strategies shared from doing nothing at all to scientific and intentional approaches, but I’ll let you hear it from the paddlers themselves on this 49th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… A big thanks to all of the paddlers that made this episode possible!! Lindsey Tilton, Trey Reaves, Mirko Prufer, Brandon Grundy, Ryan Gillikin, Jake VanLue, Esther Wheeler, Jeremy Stanton, Michelle Bousquet, Sean Lougheed, Lauren Andersen, Salli O’Donnell, Paul Cox, and West Hansen.

This is the law of the Yukon and ever she makes it plain. Send not your foolish and feeble. Send me your strong and your sane. This is the Robert Service poem my guest today recites minutes before paddlers begin the Yukon 1000. In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jon Frith, U.K. Army veteran, adventurer, expedition leader and guide for wounded veterans, and race director of the Yukon 1000. We cover so much in this episode from his entry into adventure sports via his military career, his innate desire to empty the tank, how the Yukon brings him back year after year, the story behind him becoming the Yukon 1000 race director, racer selection, his race support partner Andy, behind the scenes look into directing the race, how the race touches and reshapes paddlers for the better, talk about a Yukon 2000 race, the record setting source to sea trip on the Yukon, his work guiding wounded veterans down the river, and a sorrowful memorial to a great paddler Ian Huntsman. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jon himself on this 48th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Jon’s book recommendations: The Long Walk, by Slavomir Rawics: https://a.co/d/0imC1LGQ Yukon 1000 website: www.yukon1000.org

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Mike Malone, veteran, paddler, crew support extraordinaire, and paddling coach. We cover so much in this episode from his early days as an elite swimmer, why he gravitates to coaching and crewing ultramarathon paddling over competing, pitfalls crew support often fall into, tips for getting out of in-race funks, approach to training with focused sets and focused speeds rather than simply logging miles, his journey to discover the best paddling technique to maximize speed and minimize risk of injury, future growth of ultramarathon paddling, getting kids involved in the sport, Last Paddler Standing, and 10th Life Kayaking. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Mike himself on this 47th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Mike’s contact info: [email protected] 10th Life Kayaking - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18PYP21SCK/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Bruce Smith, former ultramarathon runner and ironman athlete and now elite ultramarathon stand up paddle boarder out of Northeast England. Bruce is coming off of a massive year winning the inaugural Eliminator race in the U.K. and completing 48 laps including 2 super laps in the 2025 Last Paddler Standing. We cover so much in this episode from a career ending ankle injury that led him to paddling, training based on what life brings rather than a structured format, the Eliminator race, Last Paddler Standing 2023 and 2025, Nathan Benderson Park versus Lake June in Winter, amazing crew support from his “harem” of women, sleep deprivation strategies, hallucinations, the Northern SUP Race Club, the N1SCO one design race series, and the book he’s been writing that comes out in May. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Bruce himself on this 46th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Bruce’s book recommendations: Feet in the Clouds, by Richard Askwith: https://a.co/d/0dOVhCf6 A Life Without Limits, by Chrissie Wellington: https://a.co/d/0hW8B5U1 Social contact: -IG: @bruce_ironsmith

Hello to all the paddlers out there. First of all, thank you so much for listening to the show! I’ve had so much outpouring support lately and it really means more than you know. Today’s show isn’t really a show or even an episode, but more of a public service announcement. I wanted to let all the paddlers out there know that I just launched a website for the show which you can find at www.dabblinginpaddleism.com. On the website you can find archives for all episodes, links to both apple and Spotify podcasts, a “coming soon” section that highlights already recorded episodes that are coming down the pike, and a contact us section where you can reach out to me for guest and topic suggestions. The section that I’m most excited about, however, is the “book club” tab. Here you can find all of the books that guests have recommended over the lifetime of the show. So instead of trying to remember a past recommendation or having to search for it within an episode or the show notes now you have an epic curated reading list that everyone can access any time. Each of these tiles in the book club section have direct links to access, if available publicly for free, or direct links to purchase. Of note, at the moment I am not an affiliate for any sites or companies, so these links to purchase or access are really only intended to be for your convenience only. I may or may not end up doing this in the future, but at the end of the day I wanted to make it as easy as possible for all of you out there to find these great reads to continue to drive inspiration and curiosity out there in the paddling world. And if there’s anything else you’d like to see from this site, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via instagram at dabbling_in_paddleism, [email protected], or the new contact us section on the dabblinginpaddleism.com website. Thanks again for listening and until next time I hope you’re dabbling in paddleism. -Chris

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Scott Baste, mountain biker and ultramarathon stand up paddle boarder out of Atlanta, Georgia, now hailing from Western North Carolina. One of Scott’s many paddling career highlights thus far is completing the Everglades Challenge 4 years in a row on SUP and is the only person to complete that race more than 2 times on SUP. This is certainly impressive as he describes in the show that the Everglades Challenge has been the hardest thing he’s ever done. We cover so much in this episode from his early elite mountain biking days, owning a paddle shop and the importance of buying local, the Trans-North Georgia and Tour Divide bike packing adventures, cross training, the mental game in ultra races, the Alabama 650, MR340, losing a fin in the Everglades Challenge, unstructured training programs, high stakes in the WA360, the Yukon 1000, and Suwannee 230. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Scott himself on this 45th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Scott’s book recommendations: Rod Price’s books - as a reminder if you want one of Rod’s books, email him at [email protected] and he’ll get you set up with a 2-for-1 offer. Scott's YouTube channel: SUP with Scott https://www.youtube.com/@SUPwithScott

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Anne-Marie Reichman Totah out of the Netherlands, currently hailing from Hawaii. Anne-Marie is a former elite professional windsurfer, now stand up paddle boarder and founded the SUP 11 Cities Tour. We cover so much in this episode from elite competitive windsurfing, long distance ice skating, starting stand up paddle boarding in 2008 only to launch a major ultra race less than 2 years later, the storied history that inspired the SUP 11 Cities Tour, training for ultra distance by milking cows without a chair, board selection and race strategy, the stage race versus the non-stop tour, challenges with extreme weather, glamping in sleeping boats, race-provided nutrition support, crew support, SUP 11 Green leaving the course better than they found it, and the Hawaiian Outrigger Voyaging Society. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Anne-Marie herself on this 44th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Anne-Marie’s book recommendations: Let’s SUP, by Janneke Smits and Marleen Backx: https://a.co/d/0e63FqjH Race contact: [email protected] [email protected] Socials: @totahannemarie @sup11citytour @reikimaui

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Mike Carson, ultramarathon runner and stand up paddle boarder out of Michigan, currently hailing from Alabama. In the past year Mike completed the Vol State 300 mile journey run, made it to the super lap in Last Paddler Standing, and won the Across the Years Last Man Standing running backyard ultra. We cover so much in this episode from ultramarathon running versus paddling, the adaptability of the human body, focusing on process & procedure over finishing place, the Vol State Journey Run & what it feels like to run 300 miles in one sitting… spoiler alert it sounds miserable, deja vu hallucinations, board selection for Last Paddler Standing, Nathan Benderson Park versus Lake June in Winter, what it feels like to meet your heroes, having Laurie Sanders as crew and as a spirit animal, sleep deprivation strategies, and Across the Years Last Man Standing. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Mike himself on this 43rd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Mike’s book recommendations: The Ultramarathon man, by Dean Karnazes: https://a.co/d/04dElC14 Socials: https://bio.site/mcarson Mike’s mini-documentary on the 2023 Last Paddler Standing race: https://supboardermag.com/2024/11/21/experience-the-last-paddler-standing-with-mike-carson-cruel-punishment-self-torture/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Rod Price, legendary ultramarathon paddler originally from South Carolina and now hailing just outside Orlando, Florida. Rod is a highly decorated ultramarathon paddler and is just coming off his 11th start and 11th win in the Everglades Challenge, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of all his paddling accomplishments. We cover so much in this episode from overcoming obstacles like broken paddles, getting lost in the Everglades during the Everglades Challenge, hallucinating the same things as your partner, going upside down in the Yukon River Quest from falling asleep, paddling 1200 miles in the Ultimate Florida Challenge and 40 mile portages, adventure racing, the Race to Alaska and being reported missing to the Coast Guard, the story of developing the Suwannee 230, 46 years of ultramarathon paddling evolution, and the books he has authored. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Rod himself on this 42nd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Rod’s Books: Racing to the Yukon Racing Around Florida Have Paddle Will Travel Chasing History on the Mississippi River Rod’s book recommendations: River of Doubt, by Candice Millard: https://a.co/d/05R4Qijg Endurance, by Alfred Lansing: https://a.co/d/0bBSGyS0 Rod’s Website & Contact Info: rodpriceadventure.com [email protected] - email Rod for a 2-for-1 discount on any of his books

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jeff Kay out of California, ultramarathon paddler and co-founder/race director of the California River Quest. We cover so much in this episode from getting into paddling by invitation, the transition from short paddle races to ultramarathons, the history of the California 100 and his journey in founding the California River Quest, race safety precautions as well as hazards of the Sacramento River, challenges of starting and maintaining a paddling race, ground support, what sets the CRQ apart from other ultras, and his take on the 2023 Guinness Book of World Records dragon boat record setting attempt in the 2023 MR340. As a disclaimer, I moved this episode up from a previously recorded episode to coincide with the upcoming California River Quest in just a couple months. This will be made clear when Jeff talks about his book recommendations late in the episode. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jeff himself on this 41st episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Jeff’s book recommendations: - [ ] Intro to Ultra Endurance Paddle Racing, by Carter Johnson: https://www.californiariverquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Intro-to-Ultra-Distance-Paddle-Racing-by-Carter-Johnson.pdf - [ ] Racing to the Yukon, by Rod Price: If you’d like a 2-for-1 deal, email Rod Price at [email protected]. - [ ] Other books by Rod Price: Racing Around Florida, Have Paddle Will Travel, and Chasing History on the Mississippi River Socials: -IG: @j.j.kay -FB: facebook.com/jjkay California River Quest Website: https://www.californiariverquest.com/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with John Astbury & Rich Winstanley, two paddlers out of the U.K. that battled significant adversity in the 2024 Yukon 1000 but refused to give up. We cover so much in this episode from the sprinting world of paddling, the Devizes to Westminster, the importance of trusting a partner, training for Lake Laberge around the Isle of Wight, paddling 800+ miles with broken hands, Yukon Gold, hallucinating pig masked bank robbers and penguins ice skating, the importance of reading water in the Yukon, and the impossible goal of fully emptying the tank. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from John & Rich themselves on this 40th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Jon’s book recommendations: Kings on the Yukon, by Adam Weymouth: https://a.co/d/0bU3jFXH Rich’s book recommendations: Canoeing the Congo, by Phil Harwood: https://a.co/d/0cVmth6p Socials: Jon - @astbury.jon Rich - @richwinstanley1

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Lillian Nelson and Izzy Nicolier, 25 year old canoeists, dog mushers, and adventurers hailing from Alaska. Both have just finished the Alabama 650 in 2025 and the Yukon 1000 in ’24 with plenty of endurance adventuring as well. We cover so much in this episode from the Yukon 1000 race, source to sea on the Yukon, the Great Alabama 650, revisiting an air quotes hallucination story from a previous episode that actually proved to be true, 6 day portages, how dog mushing in the Yukon translates to race performance in the 1000, going upside-down just out of Dawson City, SOS fails, duct taping fire ants, the Boo Bash versus Mobile Bay, and their upcoming business venture guiding folks on the water and over snow. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Lil & Izzy themselves on this 39th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Lil’s Book Recommendations: -Brothers on the Bashkaus, A Siberian Paddling Adventure, by Eugene Buchanan: https://a.co/d/01eqKof8 -Amazon Woman, by Darcy Gaechter: https://a.co/d/0iZNd70M Izzy’s Book Recommendations: -Alone, by Gerard d’Aboville: https://a.co/d/0h0eTKeF How to keep up with Lil & Izzy: -FB: Lead Dawgs Expeditions -IG: @lead.dawg.exp How to reach out to Lil & Izzy with specific questions about their expeditions: [email protected]

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jeremy Stanton and up and coming stand up paddle boarder out of Ozark, Missouri who just tied for 4th place overall completing one full super lap in the 2025 Last Paddler Standing. We cover so much in this episode from the MR340, Chattajack, the importance of being curious, nutrition and sleep strategies, Last Paddler Standing, using joy as a fuel, support from his dad as crew and family back at home, paddling on an unfamiliar board, a shoutout to the 954 Paddle Crew, and unfinished business on the water. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jeremy himself on this 38th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Jeremy’s Book Recommendations: -The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhig: https://a.co/d/4zrlN3U -Make Your Bed, by Admiral William McRaven: https://a.co/d/62w4r2G -Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall: https://a.co/d/3LdytCO Socials: -IG: @jeremy.stanton

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Brad Friesen, stand up paddle boarder, adventurer, and race director out of Winnepeg, Manitoba. Brad is one of the top elite ultra paddle boarders out there and is a clear contender in any race he enters. We cover so much in this episode from his early days of river surfing, coaching and instructing SUP, his basecamp barista, crew, and family support at Last Paddler Standing, training for paddle sports in a cold climate, theoretical limits for Last Paddler Standing, camaraderie, sleep deprivation strategies, comparisons between the Yukon 1000 and the Alabama 650, LPS weather delay impacts, the Red River Paddle Challenge and how shorter races can help grow the sport of ultra paddling, and a sneak peak at one of his upcoming new races. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Brad himself on this 37th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Brad’s Book Recommendations: -Paddle to the Amazon, by Don Starkell: https://a.co/d/1X1ExTQ Links: -Red River Paddle Challenge: https://www.redriverpaddlechallenge.com/ -Winnipeg River Quest: www.winnipegriverquest.com Socials: (IG) @bradfriesen @redriverpaddlechallenge @winnipegriverquest

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with a couple paddling legends, Paul Cox out of Georgia and West Hansen out of Texas. There’s a lot of laughs in this episode with these two characters, so buckle up, because it’s gonna be entertaining. We cover so much in this episode from their entries into ultra paddling, Paul’s previous attempt on the Yukon River, canoes versus kayaks over extreme distances, importance of navigation in the Yukon Flats, boat modifications, water reading skills, rough weather conditions and angry beavers, a firsthand review of a new GPS device, how the sport has changed over the years, and bucket list races and adventures. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Paul and West themselves on this 36th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… West’s Book Recommendations: -The Worst Journey in the World, by Apsley Cherry-Garrard: https://a.co/d/1AC2sbg -Running the Amazon, by Joe Kane: https://a.co/d/g4tHddc -Into the Thaw, by Jon Waterman: https://a.co/d/cDGqfF4 -Arctic Crossing, by Jon Waterman: https://a.co/d/gk2hfi2 -Anything by Buddy Levy -Anything by Hampton Sides Paul’s Book Recommendations: -Great Heart, by James West Davidson: https://a.co/d/3Q2PslK Socials: -IG: @paul.cox -FB: m.facebook.com/paul.cox.77920526/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Greg Wingo, race director of the Great Alabama 650, Last Paddler Standing, the Eliminator, and mastermind behind Roam Projects a multi-country trekking and adventure travel experience. We cover so much in this episode from his unique new race in the UK the Eliminator with partner race director Cassie Salter, the 2025 Alabama 650 and how it has compared to years past, all the variables that can impact performance in such a long distance race, the difficulty of Mobile Bay, app innovation for dot trackers, SUPs, still riding a high from a multi-record setting year at LPS, inspiration behind the location change, the overwhelming positive support from the community of Lake Placid, and new Roam Project trekking locations. Just as a side note, we did 2 takes for this episode, because on the first take Greg wasn’t ready to share new updates for his UK Eliminator race, but we got all of those updates fresh off the press at the end of the chat. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Greg himself on this 35th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Greg’s Book Recommendations: -Lost City of Z, by David Grann: https://a.co/d/68XrPwr -Anything that Adam Shoalts writes [examples: Vanished Beyond the Map (https://a.co/d/52LJGAz), Beyond the Trees (https://a.co/d/3Zj3DEy), Where the Falcon Flies (https://a.co/d/imS2w9x), Along Against the North (https://a.co/d/3ENQ53c)] Links: -Alabama 650: https://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/great-alabama-650/ -Last Paddler Standing: https://lastpaddlerstanding.com/ -The Eliminator: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Eliminator-61577037287882/ -Roam Projects: https://roamprojects.com/home.html Socials (IG): @greatalabama650 @lastpaddlerstanding @roamprojects

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Ethan Roadley, a kiwi, who recently undertook an expedition circumnavigating via kayak nearly all the way around the South Island of New Zealand until 6 weeks of horrible weather caused him to throw in the towel with only about 56 kilometers to go. We cover so much in this episode from a 100 day expedition tackling first descents in the whitewaters of Fiordland National Park, nutrition planning for expeditions including hunting and fishing, getting stuck in expeditions due to weather, winter weather paddling conditions, the stress of finding a land-able shoreline spot as daylight is coming to a close, amazing wildlife encounters, navigating tides and currents, treacherous beach landings, game changing gear for salt water conditions, heartwarming hospitality of his fellow kiwis, and the little things that helped to overcome the low points. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Ethan himself on this 34th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Ethan’s Book Recommendations: -A Winter’s Paddle by Tara Mulvany: https://a.co/d/27QzXlN -Southern Exposure by Chris Duff: https://a.co/d/ax0SDcI

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with legendary ultramarathon paddler and “Queen of the 650”, Salli O’Donnell from Alabama. While Salli certainly has a very decorated paddling career, most recently she’s coming off of overall solo victories in the Suwannee 230 and the Alabama 650 in earning the new Southern Harm award in the process. We cover so much in this episode from her transition to ultra paddling from ultra running, the North Carolina Challenge, the James River 100, the logistics of planning for ultras, a continuous improvement mentality, recovery strategies, pre-race and in-race game plans for skin protection, paddling technique, nutrition rabbit holes, dealing with adversity and slumps, the importance of not wasting any opportunities, the evolution of ultramarathon paddling, and entering into the sprinting world. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Salli herself on this 33rd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Salli’s book recommendations: Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: https://a.co/d/7Y4RE5P Find Salli on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1552487491685668/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with legendary Canadian expedition canoeist, Mike Ranta, who has paddled over 30,000 miles in his expeditions combined, including coast to coast across Canada 3 times solo with his dog Spitzii. We cover so much in this episode from growing up spending months living and paddling in the bush near Atikokan, Canada which is the Canoe Capital of the World, supporting youth, veterans, first responders, and First Nations by promoting awareness and developing supportive wilderness programs, massive 500+ mile portages with a canoe over the Canadian Rockies, aggressive apex predator encounters while circumnavigating Great Bear Lake, strategies for primarily living off the land, sleep deprivation strategies for extreme expeditions, getting hit by lightening, self-made clothing, and the inspiration behind him building the worlds largest paddle, the Big Dipper. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Mike himself on this 32nd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Mike’s book recommendations: Bush Runner by Mark Bourrie: https://a.co/d/htm6Jd2 Frozen in Time, by Owen Beattie & John Geiger: https://a.co/d/3vAPn7F How to find Mike: Facebook - Mike Ranta’s Paddle: https://www.facebook.com/mikerantaspaddle/ Warrior Adventures Canada: https://warrioradventures.ca/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jon Marble, ultramarathon paddler, aerospace engineer, and developer of the race and adventure tracker Race Owl. We cover so much in this episode from racing in the MR340, the stories behind racing misadventures that keep him coming back, the story behind Race Owl, the many features the app offers to paddlers, dot trackers, as well as race directors and support crew, the story behind the storm-cancelled MR340 mid-race in 2023, how to connect with RaceOwl as a race director or even as a paddler about to attempt an FKP, and volunteering for the paddling community and how to volunteer with RaceOwl. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jon himself on this 31st episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… www.raceowl.com Jon’s book recommendations: -Missouri River 340: First Time Finisher, by Stephen, Linda, Robert, Ellen, Christine, & Claire Jackson https://a.co/d/h2XefAr

In this episode, Chris Thomas celebrates the 1 year anniversary of the show, gives a recap of 2025, and dives into upcoming changes and what is to come in 2026.

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down again with Dave Maitland and Scott Worthington to chat about the second half of their 2000 mile journey source to sea on the Yukon River as they recount their expedition from Galena, Alaska to the Bering Sea. Another great chat with two gems from New Zealand in which they describe unfinished business after a premature med-evac in 2024. We cover so much in this episode from experiencing the Yukon in both seasons, the Yukon 800 high-speed riverboat race, the slog and suffer fest that the Yukon unleashes on those that venture past Galena, the importance of keeping your world small in challenging conditions, tidal flows and what to expect in the delta region near Emmonak, local Alaskan hospitality, and an upcoming trip with wounded veterans on the Mackenzie River. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Dave and Scott themselves on this 29th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Scott’s book recommendations: -Honest Dogs: A Story of Triumph and Regret from the World’s Toughest Sled Dog Race, by Brian Patrick O’Donaghue https://a.co/d/5X4V2j9 -Future Shock, by Alvin Toffler https://a.co/d/fLTtMOp -Yukon 800 motorboat race: https://www.yukon800.com/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with brother and sister in-law Lauren Anderson and Sean Lougheed out of Ontario, Canada. They finished 3rd overall and 2nd place canoe in the 2025 Yukon 1000 under the handle Team Outlaws. We cover so much in this episode from origin stories to getting to the Yukon 1000 via the YRQ, the importance of being connected to the land, cross training during the winter in a cold climate, stretching, interesting in-race recovery biohacking strategies, pre-race bloodwork to guide physiologic optimization, showing up for each other as teammates, and becoming the best version of oneself through epic paddling adventures. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Lauren and Sean themselves on this 28th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… www.yukon1000.org IG: @outlaws_paddling Sean’s book/app recommendations: -Kings of the Yukon, by Adam Weymouth: https://a.co/d/3cs0gb4 -Great Heart the history of a Labrador Adventure, by James West Davidson: https://a.co/d/3cs0gb4 -The National Film Board of Canada: https://www.nfb.ca/ Lauren’s book recommendations: -Two Against the North, by Farley Mowat: https://a.co/d/6QLhRAj -Songs of a Sourdough, by Robert W. Service: https://a.co/d/2FuTgcG Fastest Known Paddle (FKP): www.fastestknownpaddle.com FKP Podcast episode w/ Lindsey Tilton: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/17-chris-thomas-fastest-known-paddle-paddlings-answer/id1752312685?i=1000732530635

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Alex Somoano, massage therapist and stand up paddle boarder originally hailing from Cuba who emigrated to the U.S. in Miami, Florida as a young child where he quickly discovered he was athletically inclined. I’ve been looking forward to this chat for a long time and it really turned out to be a fantastic conversation with a great human being. We cover so much in this episode from his origin story into paddling, a traumatic accident that started him on his journey to quote “find quality in everything”, the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis, how paddling calms the mind and brings an inner peace, the importance of massage therapy for recovery, focus on process rather than outcome, the ’22, ’23, and ’24 Last Paddler Standing Races from training, to strategy, to emotions, and everything in between, nutrition, water quality in South Florida, and falling asleep standing up. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Alex himself on this 27th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Alex’s Book Recommendations: -Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M Pirsig: https://a.co/d/0EX10Ig -The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff: https://a.co/d/dVaRrOV -Inner Excellence, by Jim Murphy: https://a.co/d/gX4cJaw Races mentioned: -Key West Paddle Classic: https://www.floridakeyswatermancompany.com/keywestpaddleclassic -Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis: https://crossingforcysticfibrosis.com/ -L2O: https://www.paddlesignup.com/Race/FL/Stuart/Lake2OceanPaddleRace -Last Paddler Standing: https://lastpaddlerstanding.com/ -Introducing Fastest Known Paddle with Lindsey Tilton on the Training Chats Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/17-chris-thomas-fastest-known-paddle-paddlings-answer/id1752312685?i=1000732530635 *Episode thumbnail photo credit: Mike Carson (@mikecarson.wmv)

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Ryan Milby out of Missouri, who is a self-proclaimed normal dude, Chief Hobby Officer, and founder of Llama Racks. We cover so much in this episode from yet again the welcoming nature of the paddling community, his journey getting into ultramarathon paddle racing as well as starting Llama Racks, jumping in head first into the MR340 and paddling through the night for the first time during the race, attention to detail in designing his racks, available options for all human powered boats, customizable options, the importance of not giving up and proceeding as the way opens, shipping options outside of the U.S., and breaking a boat completely in half in the Texas Water Safari. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Ryan himself on this 26th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Ryan’s Book Recommendations: -The Kid Who Climbed Everest, by Bear Grylls: https://a.co/d/jgvJILO How to find Ryan, Llama Racks, and Some Beach Outfitters: www.llamaracks.com www.llamaracks.com/some-beach-kayaks-liberty @llamaracks - Instagram @somebeachkayaksliberty - Instagram

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Esther Wheeler one of the premier ultramarathon female paddlers who just came out on top again this year in the Yukon River Quest in a kayak. We cover so much in this episode from the way she entered the paddling scene through a traumatic experience on whitewater, visualization techniques, the spell of the Yukon, the Great River Club, being a board member of the YRQ, her take on the 2025 dragon boat Guinness world record for distance traveled at the MR340, the importance of giving people chances, sleep deprivation strategies, testing out the Inside Passage in preparation for the Race to Alaska, and immigration fails after the Yukon 1000. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Esther herself on this 25th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Esther’s IG: @wheelerest Esther’s Book Recommendations: -Dare to Do, by Sarah Ouden: https://a.co/d/dK8Vs6s -Kayaking the Aleutians, Justine Curgenven & Sarah Ouden (DVD): https://a.co/d/gHeHl8f -The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown: https://a.co/d/49nyEAk

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Michelle Bousquet, ultramarathon runner and paddler out of Montreal who just podiumed in the 2025 Yukon River Quest in the solo female kayak class on her second attempt. We cover so much in this episode from her journey to finding ultramarathon running as well as ultramarathon paddling, her 250 mile Cocodona ultramarathon running race, sleep deprivation strategies, the 2024 and 2025 Yukon River Quest races, lessons from DNFs and hypothermia, broken rudders, the amazing wildness of the Yukon River, being a rafting guide on the Grand Canyon, and beer miles. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Michelle Bousquet herself on this 24th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Classique internationale de canots de la Mauricie: https://www.classiquedecanots.com/EN/LaClassique.html Michelle’s book recommendations: -Born to Run, by Christopher McDougal: https://a.co/d/gDq7tpD -Eat & Run, by Scott Jurek: https://a.co/d/0TdeQZc -Upside Down on the Yukon River, by Steve Cannon: https://a.co/d/gCogD9d Michelle’s social handles: -IG: @michelle_bousquet -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16mZR2SRW3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Alain Morvan out of France who is the race director for the Loire 725, which is the longest ultramarathon paddling race in Europe. Alain started out as a whitewater paddler in his younger days and eventually made his way to ultramarathon paddling with the goal of competing in the Yukon River Quest. We cover so much in this episode from the origins and evolution of the race, his dedication to protecting the environment of the Loire river, support of the communities along the route, how a stage race helps build and support the paddling community, the race route itself and the rules of the race, typical lodging arrangements for racers including camping at a rugby stadium, support crews, and how foreigners would rent a boat for the race. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Alain Morvan himself on this 23rd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Loire 725 website: Next race is June 14-20, 2026 -(English): https://loire725.com/en/presentation-english/ -(French): https://loire725.com/ Alain's contact: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069158600419 https://www.facebook.com/alain.morvan.18/ Alain’s book recommendation: La Loire vue de fleuve (Loire River rules/etiquette), by Jean-Francois Souchard https://imagesdeloire.fr/produit/la-loire-vue-du-fleuve-guide-de-randonnee-nautique/

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Ben Lott out of New Zealand who is an ultramarathon paddler, mountaineer, adventurer, trail runner, adventure racer, and equestrian who keeps finding his way back to the Yukon year after year. In addition to his adventuring exploits he is involved with the Yukon River Quest board and is involved with the race fleet as well. We cover so much in this episode from the life changing injury that brought him to paddling and the Yukon, the importance of implicitly trusting a paddling partner, the importance of giving back to the sport of ultramarathon paddling by being involved in races, insights from being an equestrian that overlap with paddling, paddling technique, the importance for racers to care for their boats in the Yukon, making paddle sports sexy again, boob cups, and the conditions New Zealanders paddle in that make them prime competitors in the Yukon. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Ben Lott himself on this 22nd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Ben's Instagram: @lotts_nzl Finding Ben documentary: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkzf4lMjX77XdOuHtI-sfByeLcQ_7gQBo&si=emgCe3i3HoqRG48u Finding Ben articles (Yukon 1000 website): https://www.yukon1000.org/findingbenpart1/ https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130808417/finding-ben-part-2-1000-miles-and-beyond Ben's Recommended New Zealand Paddle Adventures: -Clutha River, NZ: https://www.cluthanz.com/explore/activities-and-attractions/all-activities-and-attractions/mighty-clutha-river -Fjordland, NZ: https://www.cluthanz.com/explore/activities-and-attractions/all-activities-and-attractions/mighty-clutha-river Ben’s Book Recommendations: -Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard - https://a.co/d/ezNRpw5 -The Long Walk, Slavomir Rawicz: https://a.co/d/0INH0gB Chris’s Book Recommendations -Some Stories: Lessons from the Edge of Business and Sport, Yvon Chouinard - https://a.co/d/6IQ1JzG -Life Lived Wild: Adventures at the Edge of the Map, Rick Ridgeway - https://a.co/d/3oKcLqC

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Glenn Nolan and Maureen Hatherley out of Ontario, Canada. Glenn and Maureen are absolute gems and certainly fan and racer favorites for those that follow the Yukon 1000. They both just completed the Yukon River Quest and the Yukon 1000 in back-to-back fashion, so we take a deep dive into their grueling experience in the Yukon this year. We cover so much in this episode from their experiences in Outward Bound which was actually how they met, tackling the Yukon 1000 after 3 straight finishes in the Yukon River Quest, the pull of the Yukon and especially the paddling community that keeps them coming back, cross training to prepare for the Yukon in frozen conditions, the adversity of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, the skill of reading water, forest fires, and what it’s like to complete the Yukon 1000 immediately after the Yukon River Quest. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Glenn and Maureen themselves, in this 21st episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast. Socials: Maureen Instagram: @hatherleymaureen Facebook: Maureen Hatherley Glenn instagram: @glennnolan698 Facebook: Glenn Nolan Outward Bound Canada: www.outwardbound.ca

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Trey Reaves out of Alabama, who has accomplished more than most men and without the use of his legs. Trey is well known for accomplishing amazing feats in his kayak, especially recently as he just set the record for paddling the entire length of the Tennessee River in just over 7 days. We cover so much in this episode from Trey spending 2.5 years planning his record setting attempt, the Tennessee River Line organization, support and an upcoming documentary on the attempt from Mike Carson 105, massive lightening storms, what to expect when going through a lock in a kayak, the beauty of the Tennessee River, the massive amount of community support he received along his journey, and his part in the 17-man crew that set the world record for distance traveled in a dragon boat during the 2025 MR340. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Trey himself, aka The Duke of Paducah, in this 20th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast. Tennessee River Line website: https://www.tnriverline.org/ Tennessee River Line interactive map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/160e2b777f954d8e8bdc48f6ceb12028

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jake VanLue out of Southwestern Missouri who recently took 1st place in the male solo kayak class in the Suwannee 230. We cover so much in this episode from inspiration and the drive to succeed he gets from his father, hypothermia interventions after going upside down on the Yukon on Lake Laberge, coaching support for ultras, the mental aspect of training and racing, the story of his male solo kayak class 1st place finish in the 2025 Suwannee 230, lessons learned from failure, rhabdomyolysis, crew support, lessons learned from a couple DNFs, and balancing training and family life. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jake himself on this 19th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… Jake's IG: @jakevanlue Hammer Nutrition: https://www.hammernutrition.com/JAKE86984