How Courage Crosses Oceans: One Woman’s Stand-Up Paddle for CF Awareness- With Rylee Walker

How Courage Crosses Oceans: One Woman’s Stand-Up Paddle for CF Awareness- With Rylee Walker

Author: Simon Hutchinson June 9, 2025 Duration: 59:53

This season marks the 10th anniversary of this show and in this kick off episode, we sit down with Rylee Walker, a passionate cystic fibrosis advocate, endurance paddler, and intern at the Piper’s Angels Foundation, known for her unwavering determination and her upcoming documentary Against All Odds.

We explore Rylee’s transformational journey—from being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just three months old, to training for one of the world’s most extreme paddle challenges: The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis, an 82-mile open-ocean event from Bimini, Bahamas to Florida.

Rylee uses the innovative slitted paddle by Oscar Propulsion to help her cross the Gulf Stream

In this conversation, Rylee shares profound personal stories and her hard-won insights, including:

  • Living with cystic fibrosis and redefining it as a source of strength rather than limitation
  • Training and mental preparation for an overnight endurance race across the Gulf Stream
  • How community and purpose drive her to conquer fear and embrace life with courage

We discuss her upcoming solo attempt at The Crossing in 2025, and her crowdfunded documentary, which will make her the first woman with CF to both achieve and document such a feat. Through this, Rylee hopes to inspire others to challenge assumptions and live fully, no matter the odds facing you.

Whether you’re an aspiring adventurer, navigating your own challenges, or simply drawn to stories of grit and purpose, this episode offers the raw inspiration, courageous vulnerability, and the kind of positive energy whichstays with you long after listening.

Trailer for 'Against All Odds' Documentary

Pipers Angels Foundation website

Connect with Rylee on social media:

• Instagram – HERE

• Facebook - HERE

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Mentioned in this episode:

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

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

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


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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