SUP Science - Is Stand-Up Paddling a Force for Good ?

SUP Science - Is Stand-Up Paddling a Force for Good ?

Author: Simon Hutchinson March 1, 2021 Duration: 1:07:33

This week Simon chats with three stand-up paddlers who are working across the University of Portsmouth, to assess the true benefits of the sport, and also to explore it as a method to improve the marine environment

Professor Alex Ford, Dr Heather Massey and Dr Zoe Saynor have combined with Andy Warner from local SUP brand Fatstick, to form a collaborative team and establish the facts behind the theory of SUP benefits.

In this episode Alex talks about the technology he is exploring with Fatstick to make us all citizen marine biologists, and Heather and Zoe talk about exploring the mental-health and the physical benefits of the 'blue gym'.

For the month of March 2021, the team are concluding a SUP study and we're asking all paddlers from any country to help the team and complete the study here. It takes less than 10 minutes! :)

Alex Ford

Staff profile here

Heather Massey

Heather's Podcast : Humans In Extremes is available on Soundcloud here

Twitter : @H_Massey1979

Staff profile here

Zoe Saynor

Research group Twitter  here 

Personal twitter here 

Staff profile here

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

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


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 100th Episode - With Simon and Guests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:54
This week as we celebrate our landmark episode we look back at some of the many guests who've appeared in the show and who helped us reach this incredible number.Thank you for the voice messages from April Zilg, Brendon…
To the End of the Severn - With Craig and James from SUP Shropshire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:16
The River Severn is the longest river in the UK and in this episode I speak to Craig and James from SUP Shropshire who recently descended the river over four days to raise money for two important charitiesCraig and James…
Extreme Endurance - With Bart De Zwart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:08
This week we feature the king of endurance paddling, Bart De ZwartBart's successes span multiple race wins for events like Yukon and 11 Cities alongside his exploration across Nepal, Zambia and Greenland as well as cross…
Indian Surfer Girl - With Tanvi Jagadish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:05
This week I speak to Tanvi Jagadish, the original Indian Surfer Girl, who is changing attitudes and expectations about girls spending time in the water across India, and in the process providing inspiration across the wo…
The Viking Journeys - With Casper Steinfath (Part Two) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:40
Casper Steinfath is the Danish paddler who has brought Viking resilience , into his racing, his adventures and his crossingsWith 6 world titles and 2 successes in the legendary and intimidating Red Bull Heavy Water , Cas…
Cold Hawaii & Heavy Water - With Casper Steinfath (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:26
Casper Steinfath is the Danish paddler who has brought the Viking resilience he forged in the waters of Cold Hawaii, into the international racing sceneWith 6 world titles and 2 successes in the legendary and intimidatin…
Stand-up Paddle-boarding in Great Britain - With Jo Moseley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:42
This week we're joined by Jo Moseley, film-maker, speaker and now the author of her first book, Stand-up Paddleboarding in Great BritainThis book was a true collaborative project, with many of the UK paddleboard tribe in…
Blue Mind - With Dr Wallace J Nichols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:43
I chat with author Dr Wallace 'J' Nichols ('J' to his friends), who wrote the international best selling book 'Blue Mind'. The book re-defines how we see water, by connecting all the benefits and the science for a life c…
The Nomadic Paddler - With David Haze [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:22
This episode features David Haze, the Nomadic Paddler. David, through his own actions ended up serving time for crimes he was fully responsible for. Having experienced the lows of prison he emerged with a determination t…