From Stroke to SUP: Finding Healing and Empowerment on the Water With Kate Allatt

From Stroke to SUP: Finding Healing and Empowerment on the Water With Kate Allatt

Author: Simon Hutchinson November 25, 2024 Duration: 1:01:51

This week we're joined by the inspirational Kate Allatt with the story of her remarkable recovery from a condition which medics thought was impossible.

Note: This episode contains occasional strong language and discusses sensitive topics, including suicide.

At the age of 39, Kate experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke, leaving her with locked-in syndrome—fully conscious but unable to move or communicate. Against all odds, she embarked on an incredible journey of recovery, fueled by determination, neuroplasticity, and her relentless spirit.

Kate shares how she found solace and strength in SUP , a relationship which has given her peace, purpose, and a new sense of community. With humour, honesty, and vulnerability, she opens up about overcoming physical and emotional challenges, the importance of mindfulness, and her vision for inclusivity within the SUP community.

What we Discuss:

  • Kate’s journey from being completely paralyzed to reclaiming her independence.
  • The role of neuroplasticity and relentless determination in her recovery.
  • How SUP has transformed her life, offering healing and connection.
  • The therapeutic benefits of paddleboarding and its inclusive community.

This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. Whether you’re a paddleboarder, an adventurer, or simply seeking inspiration, Kate’s story will stay with you long after you listen.

Links:

Check out Kate’s book Running Free

Kate's TED X Talk

Kate's website is here

Connect with Kate on social media

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Keep up with SUPfm:

on Facebook: @SUPfmPodcast

on Instagram: @supfmpodcast

Subscribe to our newsletter here and get


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
Podcast Episodes
Standing Up With Ukraine - Bonus Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:18
A short but important episode pulled together collaboratively with Alan from SUP North and John McFadzean from SUP the World (a two time guest on this podcast) This features a paddle initiative to connect with the SUP tr…
The SUPfm Book Club - With SUPJunkie and Jordan Wylie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:17
This episode is the official annual meeting of the SUPfm book club, helping you to connect with the water, gain information, read about inspirational paddlers and live your best SUP life this yearIn this episode I chat w…
Being The Greatest - An Interview With Candice Appleby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:44
No better way to sign off this season, than with a genuine legend and the bona fide queen of the sport, Candice Appleby. A true SUP, surf and SUP surf icon. Candice has been described by ESPN, the US sports broadcaster,…
Being Brave Enough -With Jo Moseley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:32
This week we're delighted to to be talking to Jo Moseley someone who perhaps doesn't need any introduction, particularly in the UKIf you haven't heard of Jo she's one of the biggest ambassadors for the sport in the UK an…
Marine Wildlife and Blue Health - With Lizzi Larbalestier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:42
This week we speak with Lizzi Larbalestier, enviromentalist and coach, as we harvest her knowledge and her experience of protecting sea mammals and the ocean, alongside her role as an executive coach, using the ocean as…
The Physical Benefits of SUP - With Charlie Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:34
This week we speak to Charlie Jones...by day she's a physiotherapist working for the UK's National Health Service, specialising in muscular-skeletal rehabilitation... and in her spare time she is 'SUP Physio' providing r…
Whitewater and How to 'Send it' on the River - With Reta Boychuk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:27
This episode features Reta Boychuk, Canada’s first ever female River SUP Instructor who has been 'sending it' through her instructor cooperative and delivering white-water stoke across Western Canada...Colorado and inter…
My Year of Paddling Daily - With Dave Knight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:45
This episode features Dave Knight from @SUP3six5 who is nearing the end of his challenge to paddle daily for 365 days straight, to inspire others to connect with nature and water and boost their mental health. If you wan…
Adventuring and Instructing - With WSA's Ben Longhurst [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:59
In this episode we feature Ben Longhurst, the Technical Director of the innovative (and now extinct) UK organisation, The Water Skills Academy (WSA).Water Skills Academy cover a number of bases … they run expeditions and…
How I Circumnavigated the UK by SUP - With Brendon Prince [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:35
Brendon Prince makes a triumphant return to the show after his epic 4000km circumnavigation around mainland Britain, which has been covered by international and British news media.Brendon has broken a number of world rec…