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IF YOU COULD CAPTURE ONE‘ FEEL GOOD’ MOMENT IN YOUR TIME PADDLING, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I think sunrises and sunsets are my favourite feel good moments. Runswick Bay at sunrise never fails. I experienced the most incredible sunset on the southwest coast of Scotland with Linn van der Zanden, who shares her story in the book. We saw dolphins across the water and slept on the beach. Perfection!
Which brands do you work with, and how do they help you? Red Equipment very kindly lent me a board for my second book, which is on the front cover. I love their dry bag and changing robe for sea swimming and SUP. The robe is also brilliant for the van – perfect for pottering about, cooking in the morning or evening, or even as an extra blanket! Their waterproof tote bag is so practical and I love the blue colour.
Palm also asked me to review the Riff and Tika buoyancy aids, which I love. I had been part of the research for Tika, and I must say it’ s the most comfortable and practical BA I’ ve ever had.
JO WITH SARAH THORNELY AND CAZ DAWSON
Alpkit very generously asked me to review a gorgeous blue shortie wetsuit, which is made of Yulex – a much better alternative to neoprene. It’ s great for sea dipping and paddling too. I have spoken at the Alpkit Big Shakeout, which is a great weekend of adventure and fun!
I’ ve worn FINDRA over many years – a Scottish female-founded company that makes wonderful merino wool clothing. I wear the base layer and leggings in the van and under my Palm two-piece dry suit. Cosy but not sweaty for winter paddles.
Whitby & Co, based in Kendal, is another excellent company that is a wholesaler of fabulous outdoor gear, perfect for camping and van life. I’ ve reviewed the Selk Bag they stock in this month’ s issue. Take a look!
I’ ve also partnered with the Eden Rivers Trust, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, and South Cumbria Rivers Trust to share their‘ Check, Clean, and Dry’ campaign to protect the Lakes from Invasive Non-Native Species. It’ s a critical issue. My friends at Biomate have been great supporters with a giveaway of their portable cleaning system.
Finally, although I don’ t work with them directly, I’ m a big supporter of the RNLI, The Wave Project, 2 Minute Foundation, and the Lake District Foundation.
Who are your role models, and who / what keeps you motivated? All the people I’ ve met for my three books inspire me, and I love seeing what they are up to and where they are paddling.
I think simply remembering how wonderful it feels to be on the water is the motivation. I also want to stay healthy and strong in my 70s and 80s, which motivates me. I’ d like to be paddling at sunrise then, too!
Sarah Thornely is one of the most amazing role models in SUP, showing what’ s possible in our 60s, and I’ m proud to be an ambassador for Cal Major’ s charity, Seaful.
What’ s the best way to improve paddling skills? Expert tuition, paddling with people more technically skilled and experienced than you and practice.
Your campervan looks great – how much time do you spend travelling? It’ s a bit of a juggle with looking after my Dad and work, but I try to go away every couple of weeks, even if it’ s only for a night. My van‘ Summer’ is my day van so every time I go in her is like a mini adventure!
You look like a very happy and contented woman – what’ s the secret to your good feelings? Oh gosh, that’ s very kind of you. These things really help: the sea, moving in the fresh air, early nights, gratitude, books( both writing and reading!), sunrises, my Red Equipment paddleboard, friends and family, dreams, and projects to work on.
One of the joys of getting older is finding myself in the sweet spot of life. I care far less about what other people think of me or what I do, and at the same time, I recognise that life is short and precious. If I have a dream, I owe it to myself to try and make it come true. It’ s a real freedom!
Whether it’ s writing the first books dedicated only to paddleboarding or a completely different SUP book like Adventures on the Water or making a film about a friend taking me skinny dipping for the first time at 60, it’ s a really inspiring chapter of life – even with all the juggling of caring responsibilities.