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
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Deed Ziegler, founder of the backcountry and adventure lightweight nutrition company, Recpak. Deed’s company was first inspired by his career in the military and solidified by aiming to solve a problem many of us face on our adventures and races in the outdoors when every ounce matters. We cover so much in this episode from his journey to creating Recpak, deliberate intention in balancing macro and micronutrient contents, focus on a health-conscious aspect with processed foods, challenges to creating a new brand, his mission to leave the world better than he found it with support for 1% for the planet, veteran and youth group organizations, and first responders in the Ukraine conflict. There’s so much more to this episode with Recpak, but I’ll let you hear it from Deed himself on this 18th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… Discount code for listeners (25% off first order): DIP25 Links: -Recpak website: www.recpak.co -Follow Recpak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recpakco/ -The Conservation alliance: https://conservationalliance.com/ -Garage Grown Gear: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/ -Access Fund: https://www.accessfund.org/ Deed’s Book Recommendations: On The Road - Jack Kerouac: https://a.co/d/axFD0y6 The River of Doubt - Teddy Roosevelt: https://a.co/d/9qv8AXa Chris’s Book Recommendations: Paddle to the Amazon - Don Starkell: https://a.co/d/eSBWV4I No Shortcuts to the Top - Ed Viesturs: https://a.co/d/1Q31IYS
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Dave Maitland & Scott Worthington, two awesome Kiwis that live their lives seeking adventure and time in the outdoors. I invited them on the show to chat about their 2000 mile source to sea attempt on the Yukon River in 2024. We cover so much in this episode from their views on the current state of affairs in ultra racing, their journey that brought them the Yukon, Scott’s inspiring story and Yukon 1000 documentary with Ben Lott, their story of adventure in the Yukon and what lies beyond the Dalton Highway Bridge, gear differences in a 2000 vs. 1000 mile attempt, and the importance of implicitly trusting a teammate especially when things go sideways in the backcountry. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Dave and Scott themselves on this 17th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… **Dave & Scott would like to send a shoutout to Ben Schmidt of the Alaskan Canoe Company (https://alaskacanoecompany.com/) who crafted their canoe for their 2000 mile attempt** Dave’s book recommendation: -Endurance - Alfred Lansing: https://a.co/d/8B0PCQE Scott’s book recommendations: -On the Edge of Nowhere - James Huntington: https://a.co/d/iUqRxtT -Shadows on the Koyukuk - Sidney Huntington: https://a.co/d/2mXUO0B Finding Ben - Yukon 1000 documentary w/ Scott Worthington & Ben Lott -Part 1: https://www.yukon1000.org/findingbenpart1/ -Part 2: https://www.yukon1000.org/findingbenpart2/ **Dave's NZ race recommendations & offer for guidance** -GODZONE - This is a multi day Adventure race and can range from 4 to five days, only sleep requirement is relating to if there are dangerous river sections for kayaking / rafting or pack rafting. Apart from that you are on your own, map reading is essential. Its great fun but very demanding on the body. It is held in a different location within NZ each year. *Link: https://godzoneadventure.com/one-new-zealand-godzone-chapter-12-heading-to-marlborough/ -Kathmandu Coast to Coast: This is a race from the beach on the west side of the south Island to the beach on the East coast, traversing the Southislands Southern Alps via a 32km mountain run. Other disciplines include running, road bike and Kayaking. Comperators can enter the following. One day individual One day three person team Two day individual And various categories of teams in the two day event. Some may consider it not an endurance event but when you are completing the 240km in between the high 10hr and up to 18hr I assure you it is. If there is anyone interested who thinks they have what it takes I am happy to advise them after having completed it 30 times I have a fair understanding as to what it takes. Would be great to see some from the North make the journey down to our part of the world and have a crack at either of these two events. Only willing to help out with the right type of people. *Link: https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/pages/coast-to-coast
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Bobby Johnson out of Clearwater, Florida. While he certainly doesn’t admit to it, Bobby’s racing record is certainly legendary and he is highly regarded in the paddling community as one of the top paddlers on any given race day in ultramarathon paddling. Of note, we recorded this episode before the show with his 2025 Everglades Challenge teammate Brandon Grundy, but thought that the timing of the Everglades Challenge record was certainly notable enough to move that episode up to coincide more closely with the end of that race. We cover so much in this episode from why he keeps coming back year after year to do these grueling races, how ultramarathon paddling helps calm the mind in everyday life, UFOs, racing solo versus tandem, lessons learned from past failures, sleep deprivation strategies and hallucinations, the 2024 last paddler standing and AL650 races, the endless search for the limits of the human body and mind in ultramarathon paddling, and the importance of training in all conditions. We cover so much more in this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Bobby himself in this 16th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… Bobby's book/documentary recommendations: -Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand: https://a.co/d/dmHTe4A -Race to Alaska (R2AK) Documentary: https://r2akthemovie.com/ -Eat & Run - Scott Jurek: https://a.co/d/9RExnx6 -North - Scott Jurek: https://a.co/d/aVyM7Eb
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with David Thomas of Stellar Kayaks USA who is both co-owner and a design team member. Of note, this is not a sponsored episode, as I simply reached out to David to come on the show because I’m a fan of their boats and especially wanted to hear about his journey and the inspiration that comes behind their paddles and kayaks. We cover so much in this episode from Stellar’s commitment to environmental responsibility, wing paddle dynamics, innovation in kayaks and surf skis, listener supported questions, seemingly unlimited variables that go into boat designs for all paddlers, the need for race directors out there, races he directs and hosts, modular kayak offerings, paddling community support, and his thoughts about growth of the ultramarathon paddling sport. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from David himself in this 15th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Website: https://stellarkayaksusa.com/ Social (IG): https://www.instagram.com/stellarkayaks?igsh=MXNzcTJhbHkxNTBsbQ==
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Ryan Gillikin out of Bay Minnette, Alabama who is always a top contender in ultra paddle races and notably was the overall solo female 1st place finisher in the 2024 Alabama 650. We cover so much in this episode from her exhaustive preparation leading up to a race, creative techniques to quote “manage the mystery”, her new approach to training with a coach, Camp 650, her experience as a co-race director of the Suwannee 230 and a deep dive into that race, game changing crew tips, and most importantly the story of her solo female victory in the 2024 Alabama 650. We cover so much more in this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Ryan herself in this 14th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Ryan’s book rec: A Pearl in the Storm, by Tori Murden McClure https://a.co/d/cYekSLG
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Brandon Grundy and Bobby Johnson, both out of Florida, who just broke the Everglades Challenge record in the tandem kayak class without a sail. This chat is a true masterclass in how to not only succeed in bot how to set a standard for excellence in ultramarathon paddling races. We cover so much in this episode all surrounding the Everglades Challenge including the chronicles of their record setting race, route/weather/tidal/current strategies, the pros and cons of single versus double blades in a kayak or surfski, tactics to protect the body but more importantly the mind, manatee minefields and how dangerous these underwater allies can be at night, getting lost and the importance of trusting your GPS, and hallucinations. There's so much more to this episode, but I'll let you hear it from Brandon and Bobby themselves in this 13th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast... Everglades Challenge website: https://www.watertribe.com/events/evergladeschallenge/Default.aspx
In this episode Chris Thomas sits down with athlete, exercise physiologist, and veteran coach, Zoe Nance from Uphill Athlete. Zoe has spent 3 decades in the exercise physiology field guiding a very diverse group of athletes from endurance mountain and road bikers, swimmers, triathletes, mountaineers, and paddlers for efforts like 1000 mile biking and paddling races to Mount Everest summits. We cover so much in this episode from the importance of having a coach, aerobic deficiency, glucose versus fat utilization for fuel, maximizing capillary and mitochondria density, lactate as fuel, improving lactate shuttling, using exercise physiology lab tests to personalize training, heart rate variability, recovery, and using carbohydrates as a muscle-sparing tool during exercise. There's so much more to this chat, but I'll let you hear it from Zoe Nance herself in this 12th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism podcast... Zoe's book recommendation: "Good for a Girl" by Lauren Fleshman https://a.co/d/iySurCx How to find more from Zoe: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-nance-98316185/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zoefitness Website: https://zoefitness.com/ And she can also be found at: https://uphillathlete.com/ Zoe's Mission: To combine scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to enhance performance, personal fitness, health and increase the overall quality of life to individuals.
Welcome to part 2 of 2 in my collaboration series with Dr. Alison Kole of the "Sleep is My Waking Passion Podcast." In this episode Alison and I continue our discussion on how to train for and mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation. We cover topics like caffeine naps, breathing techniques, devices to help with sleep and relaxation, supplements, and optimal sleep duration while maximizing time on the water. There's so much more to this episode, but I'll let you hear it from dr. Kole herself on the 11th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast... Welcome to Season 6 of Sleep Is My Waking Passion! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Thomas, pharmacist by day and ultra-marathon paddler by passion. Chris shares his incredible experiences tackling extreme endurance paddle races like the Yukon 1000 and Alabama 650, where sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and mental resilience are all part of the challenge. Together, we explore: Part 1: The unique demands of ultra-marathon paddle racing, from navigating 1,000-mile waterways to managing sleep in remote environments. The science behind sleep deprivation, its effects on cognition and performance, and strategies for recovery and in part 2: Tools and techniques like caffeine naps, sleep banking, breathing exercises, and even cutting-edge devices like Modia Sleep to optimize rest during intense races. Chris opens up about his own sleep challenges during races, including moments of déjà vu and pushing through exhaustion with creative solutions. We also discuss how nutrition, teamwork, and preparation play a pivotal role in maximizing performance while staying safe. Whether you're an athlete seeking tips for endurance sports or simply curious about the limits of human resilience, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of sleep science and extreme athleticism. 🔗 Join me for an inspiring conversation with Chris as we paddle through the uncharted waters of sleep deprivation and recovery! Keywords: Ultra-marathon paddling, sleep deprivation strategies, endurance sports, caffeine naps, recovery tools. Dr. Alison Kole's podcast aims to help all of us learn to navigate self-advocacy and prioritize healthy sleep. Dr. Alison Kole's Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asktheSleepMD Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sleep-is-my-waking-passion/id1684976379 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kSqlAoEC7tFmFj0Pms0hw?si=7f9eb2af07ac4549 Connect with Dr. Kole: Website: www.askthesleepmd.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/askthesleepmd Facebook: www.facebook.com/askthesleepmd LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alison-kole-md-mph-fccp-faasm-b6a26715
So for this episode we're going to do something a little different. First of all, my previous episodes have been released every 2 weeks, but here I'm releasing the next 2 episodes in a little quicker fashion as I partner with Dr. Alison Kole, a triple boarded pulmonary, critical care, and sleep physician that hosts the podcast Sleep is My Waking Passion. Secondly, this podcast is going to be distributed in 2 separate installments, so stay tuned for the next episode as well to hear all of her advice on how to train for and mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation. We cover so much in this episode related to sleep and ultramarathon events and do our best to keep it evidence-based, but I'll let you hear it from Dr. Alison Kole herself on this 10th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast... "Welcome to Season 6 of Sleep Is My Waking Passion! In this episode, I sit down with Chris Thomas, pharmacist by day and ultra-marathon paddler by passion. Chris shares his incredible experiences tackling extreme endurance paddle races like the Yukon 1000 and Alabama 650, where sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and mental resilience are all part of the challenge. Together, we explore: Part 1: The unique demands of ultra-marathon paddle racing, from navigating 1,000-mile waterways to managing sleep in remote environments. The science behind sleep deprivation, its effects on cognition and performance, and strategies for recovery and in part 2: Tools and techniques like caffeine naps, sleep banking, breathing exercises, and even cutting-edge devices like Modia Sleep to optimize rest during intense races. Chris opens up about his own sleep challenges during races, including moments of déjà vu and pushing through exhaustion with creative solutions. We also discuss how nutrition, teamwork, and preparation play a pivotal role in maximizing performance while staying safe. Whether you're an athlete seeking tips for endurance sports or simply curious about the limits of human resilience, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of sleep science and extreme athleticism. 🔗 Join me for an inspiring conversation with Chris as we paddle through the uncharted waters of sleep deprivation and recovery!" Dr. Alison Kole's links: My media press kit is in the link below: https://www.askthesleepmd.com/presskit My podcast aims to help all of us learn to navigate self-advocacy and prioritize healthy sleep. Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asktheSleepMD Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sleep-is-my-waking-passion/id1684976379 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kSqlAoEC7tFmFj0Pms0hw?si=7f9eb2af07ac4549 Connect: Website: www.askthesleepmd.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/askthesleepmd Facebook: www.facebook.com/askthesleepmd LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alison-kole-md-mph-fccp-faasm-b6a26715 Link to episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173002/episodes/16901696.mp3?download=true
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Craig Sawyer, a veteran ultramarathon paddler and true renaissance man. As the filmmaker of the Yukon 1000 documentary and 2023 Yukon 1000 winner in the stand up paddle board class our main focus in this episode is around lessons learned from the longest paddle race in the world and how he’s adjusting his approach to training for his upcoming solo attempt in the 2025 Yukon River Quest. We cover so much in this episode including the importance of being a good team in the 1000, post-race blues, data points to guide training, gear and boat adjustments relative to the 1000 and the YRQ, mental prep and visualization, a hilarious post-shower interaction with a trucker by the Dalton Highway Bridge, preparation and dealing with sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and an alcohol-free lifestyle. There’s so much more to this chat with Craig, but I’ll let you hear it from Craig Sawyer himself in this 9th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… Craig’s book/documentary recommendations: Survival of the fittest - Dr. Mike Stroud The world’s fittest book - Ross Edglley Ross Edgley's documentary on the world’s longest non-stop swim on the Yukon River How to find Craig: -Instagram: @craigsawyer77 @thesupcoach -Professional website: https://www.abovesixsix.co.uk/ -Amazon Prime link to Craig’s documentary of the 2023 Yukon 1000 race Push Past Impossible https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DS5PY3JH/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Matt Jones out of Charleston, SC… a stand up paddle board racer, rock climber, and coach in both the climbing and paddling disciplines. Matt has an extensive background in which he’s coached athletes from all ages beginning with children and amateur adults all the way up to the professional level helping folks achieve national championships. I specifically invited him on the show because of one of his recent efforts coaching my guests, Jeff and John, from Episode 6 for the 2024 Yukon 1000. We cover so much in this episode from why any paddle athlete needs a coach, beginning with newcomers to the sport all the way to veteran champion paddlers, the essentials of injury prevention and recovery, minimal effective dose from a training perspective, how to prepare the body to be ready for a massive uptick in volume when an ultramarathon race comes around, and high versus low intensity training. There’s so much more to this chat with Matt, but I’ll let you hear it all from him in this 8th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… Matt's Coaching Website: https://jonesfitnessandperformance.com/
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with veteran ultramarathon crew member Alicia Reaves as well as her daughter Ruthie Reaves, high school soccer player and newcomer to ultramarathon crewing. As the crew team that helped their husband and father, Trey Reaves, to first ever back-to-back overall victory in solo fashion in the Alabama 650, we go through what it means to be a first class crew for this event. We cover so much in this episode from nutrition support, wound care, old school navigation, the Alabama heat, sleep deprivation, strategizing around the challenge of an incoming hurricane, random photo shoots along the way, and how a race like this really brings people together. There’s so much more to this chat with Alicia and Ruthie, but I’ll let you hear it from the crew themselves in this 7th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… Book recommendations: -Ruthie: Where the Crawdads Sing -Alicia: Where the Red Fern Grows If you have any questions you'd like me to address on air, ask future guests, or even suggestions for future guests, please send those to me at dabblinginpaddleism@gmail.com or via instagram @dabbling_in_paddleism (https://www.instagram.com/dabbling_in_paddleism?igsh=dDE4aXc3bmd3aXZp&utm_source=qr).
In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with veteran paddlers Jeff Matthews and John Wellens who are definitely not novices when it comes to voluntary human suffering with paddles in hand. As recent top 5 finishers of the Yukon 1000 in the kayak class as Team Epic, we take a deep dive into their race. I specifically wanted to chat with these guys first of all, because my brother and I paddled with them early in the 2024 Yukon 1000 and realized they were just awesome dudes. Secondly, they both dealt with a great deal of adversity in their race and they rose to the occasion without a hitch. And lastly, they both helped to support an amazing cause in Team River Runner, which is an organization that helps veterans with a focus on supporting positive mental health. We cover so much in this episode, from early race setbacks, bears in camp, videography tactics while racing, the Yukon 1000 documentary Push Past Impossible, opportunities for improvement in future races, what it means to be a good teammate in an ultra paddle race, to their fundraising efforts supporting a great cause. There’s so much more to this chat with Jeff and John, but I’ll let you hear it from Team Epic themselves in this 6th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… Check out this video that Jeff and John created about their Yukon 1000 race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYMKThvR8jQ Jones Fitness https://jonesfitnessandperformance.com/ TRR https://www.teamriverrunner.org/ South Carolina TRR (Team Epic’s Chapter) https://www.teamriverrunner.org/chapters/south-carolina-columbia/ Team Epic's book recommendations: -Touching the Void by Joe Simpson -Endurance by Alfred Lansing -No Barriers – Erik Weihenmayer -Mississippi Solo – Eddy L. Harris
Chris Thomas sits down with veteran ultramarathon paddle racer, Trey Reaves, out of Florence, Alabama who just became the first ever overall back-to-back winner of the Alabama 650 as a solo racer. Trey’s performance in the ultra paddling racing world has been a real tour de force over the last several years with no signs of slowing down. We start off with his entry into the ultra racing world and even though he DNF’d in his first Alabama 650 he describes how the paddling community came out of the woodwork to encourage and inspire him to keep coming back for more. We cover so much in this episode from the advice to new paddlers entering the sport, the mental aspect of training and racing, early career learnings that have led to his success, his views on the future growth of the sport, and future paddling goals. There’s so much to this episode with one of the top ultra paddle racers in the world, but I’ll let you hear it all from Trey himself in this 5th episode of the Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast… -Trey's IG: @treyreaves -Trey's Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/15jaXyUWhh/?mibextid=wwXlfr -Stellar Kayaks: https://stellarkayaksusa.com/