Beyond the Basics: Larry Cain on Training Smarter for SUP Racing

Beyond the Basics: Larry Cain on Training Smarter for SUP Racing

Author: Simon Hutchinson July 7, 2025 Duration: 1:25:48

In this episode of the SUPfm Podcast, we sit down with Larry Cain, Olympic gold medallist, renowned paddle coach, and co-founder of Paddle Monster, known for elevating paddlers at every level with world-class coaching and grounded technique.

Join us as we discuss the mindset, mechanics, and methods that help intermediate SUP racers building on the foundations to unlock speed, endurance, and consistency.

In this conversation, Larry shares elite-level insights made accessible, including:

  • The two-phase paddle stroke, and why unloading is just as important as loading
  • How to train your nervous system and cadence to sharpen power without losing connection
  • The four pillars of high performance: technique, aerobic fitness, strength + power, and mental resilience

We also dive into video analysis, interval structuring, and how to stay out of the overtraining trap, plus Larry’s advice on when it’s time to train in a gym—and when the jungle gym will do just fine.

Whether you're a weekend racer hungry for results or a seasoned paddler looking to refine form and build speed, this episode offers world-class coaching wisdom from one of the sport’s most trusted voices.

Get more from Larry at the new PaddleMonster website

Connect with Larry on social media:

Instagram - Larry Caine Canoe

Instagram - Paddle Monster

PaddleMonster on YouTube

Paddle Monster is a global community for paddlers training for fitness, competition, or both.

They connect paddlers so they can meet up at events, share rides, buy, sell, or borrow gear, and support each other through weekly workouts, races, and paddle adventures.

Members also get access to hundreds of exclusive videos and articles on technique, training, and strategy—plus challenges like our 100/100, starting July 9th.

If you want more structure, you can add coaching, nutrition counseling, mental performance training, or 1-on-1 technique analysis from experts like Larry Cain, Travis Grant, Victoria Burgess, and Kirsty MacMillan.

No matter who your coach is, it's a great place to train, learn, and connect. 

If you haven’t checked out Paddle Monster in a while, this is a completely new platform and website—it’s a huge upgrade.

Join at: https://paddle-monster.mn.co/

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who’d love it.

Keep up with SUPfm:

on Facebook: @SUPfmPodcast

on Instagram: @supfmpodcast

AND subscribe to our newsletter here and get your FREE guide to the apps we recommend, to live your best SUP life

Build the lifetime knowledge you need to keep safe on the water

Our comprehensive online SUP Safety Course gives you the knowledge you need, to keep safe on the water and ALL FOR LESS than the price of an hours on-water tuition (£37) £10

It's available here at https://supfm.thinkific.com/

See you on the water!

Mentioned in this episode:

Paddle UK and ICF World Cup 2026

Book now to take part in 2026's most exciting racing event as the ICF World Cup hits the beautiful waters of Torbay between June 24th and 28th, combining with the PaddleUK Super Festival Book before the end of December 2025 for discounted entry

Paddle UK 2026 World Cup

Starboard

We want to thank our lead sponsor Starboard for supporting this season of the SUPfm Podcast Whether you're a seasoned racer, an adventurous explorer, or a beginner, Starboard has the perfect board for you. Choose Starboard for unparalleled quality and performance across all levels of paddleboarding

Starboard Website

FlowForce Paddles from Oscar Propulsion

Oscar Propulsion's innovative FlowForce Paddle, dramatically enhances paddling efficiency and reduces stress through the body. Join the revolution and elevate your paddling with FlowForce from Oscar Propulsion Sport

Visit the Oscar Propulsion Website

Paddle UK

Paddle UK is the governing body for SUP in the UK and this year was awarded the ICF World Cup in 2026 in Torbay Come and join us in 2026 and also at the 2025 Super Festival event in Torbay to get ready for the 'big' one next year

Paddle UK 2026 World Cup


Hosted by Simon Hutchinson, SUPfm The International Stand Up Paddle Board Podcast is a deep dive into the world of stand-up paddleboarding that goes far beyond basic tips. This isn't just about gear reviews; it's a global conversation for anyone who feels the pull of the water. Each episode connects you with voices from across the SUP community, unpacking everything from practical technique and fitness to the sheer joy of adventure and the unique challenges of disciplines like surfing and down-winding. The discussions are crafted to be genuinely useful, whether you're figuring out your first stroke or planning a multi-day expedition. You'll find honest talk about the issues paddlers face everywhere, all with the core aim of building confidence and stoke. The real mission here is simple: to give you the knowledge and inspiration to spend more time on your board and to continuously evolve your relationship with paddling. Tune in for a podcast that meets you at your skill level and pushes you toward the next horizon, transforming how you think about every session on the water.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

SUPfm  The International Stand Up Paddle Board Podcast
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