How to Read Water – With NY Times Bestselling Author and Ted Speaker, Tristan Gooley

How to Read Water – With NY Times Bestselling Author and Ted Speaker, Tristan Gooley

Author: Simon Hutchinson March 22, 2021 Duration: 42:28

Tristan Gooley, also known as the natural navigator is a Ted speaker and New York Times bestselling author of a number of outstanding books about how to read the natural world.

In this episode we talk about Tristan's book, 'How to Read Water' which is a must-have for any water user of any type and is particularly useful for paddleboarders.

The book can be used to interpret water signs in any area of the world and in this episode we cover some of the subjects covered by the book and Simon attempts to explain one of his key take-aways, which is how to tell the height of waves while standing on the beach.

How to Read Water was one of the books covered in our SUPfm Book Club Episode back in Season Two and it got such a great reaction from listeners that we had to have Tristan on the show.

Tristan's book 'How To Read Water' is available from Amazon, and all good booksellers everywhere.

There's more about the book on Tristan's website

To find out more about the thalweg and cats paws check out these explainers on his website

The way I first got into Tristan's books was learning about how to work out the points of the compass from looking at a tree, there's an explainer here

Tristan's new book is The Secret World of Weather

Follow Tristan (AKA The Natural navigator)

On Facebook:

On Instagram:

On Twitter:

Mentioned in this episode:

Coffee And Coast

Our sponsor for this episode is Coffee And Coast. The Dorset based coffee company has a range of delicious roasts available for individual order or on subscription so you never run out of a quality brew. Why not buy a subscription as the gift which keeps on giving!

Visit the Coffee And Coast 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
Podcast Episodes
The Yukon 1000 Adventure - With Craig, Kim, Martin and Skip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:08
This season's extended final episode brings the teams together for a full download of their successful completion of the world's longest ultra paddle race.Experience their journey through the untamed waters of the Yukon…
Yukon Voices - The Yukon 1000 Experience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:36
This is the penultimate episode from this season featuring the Yukon 1000, where we get the immediate take from teams who successfully completed this year's race.Quick and dirty, recorded from Fairbanks (Alaska), Whiteho…
The Yukon 1000 - On the Start Line at Whitehorse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:20
The 2023 Yukon 1000 is underway and in this episode, race director John Frith takes us through the route, we get updates from teams at the starting line in Whitehorse, Yukon, and if that wasn't enough, we also get some w…
The Yukon 1000 - Team Shac and the Moose Chasers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:30
This week I speak to two of the four SUP teams taking part in this year's Yukon 1000, Team Shac and the Renegade Moose Chasers.Craig and Skip from Team Shac, and Martin and Kim from the Renegade Moose Chasers speak about…
The Yukon 1000 - With Craig Sawyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:28
This week we spend time with Craig Sawyer, SUP coach and competitor in this year's race, as one part of Team Shac, alongside Scott 'Skip' InnesCraig's also shooting a documentary about the race and its history, and he ta…
The Yukon 1000 - With Race Director Jon Frith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:11
Simon talks with Jon Frith, the race director of the Yukon 100, the world's longest paddle race. As a former soldier, Jon brings a unique perspective to organizing, running and also taking part in this epic adventure rac…
Scotland: Ocean Nation - With Cal Major [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:07
This bonus episode features the return of Cal Major to the show. Cal's epic three part series Scotland: Ocean Nation is now available to stream for FREE through STV Player until March 2024Cal takes us through the making…
SUP Twelve and Last Paddler Standing - With Brendon Prince [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:23
Welcome to this special bonus episode recorded with friend of the show, Brendon Prince Brendon brings us up to date with some of the many highlights since he completed his record breaking circumnavigation of Britain in 2…
The SUPfm Book Club Episode 2022 - With April Zilg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:42
It's the third annual meeting of the SUPfm book (and film) club, co-hosted this year by World Champion April ZilgIn this episode Simon and April discuss recent releases or favourite books and films which will either help…
SUP Surfing Retreats for Veterans - With the SUP Vets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:21
This week in our final episode of the season we feature Bart, Wes and Whit from the SUP Vets, a not for profit organisation who provide SUP surf retreats for those veterans needing support or a new sense of purpose follo…