SUPPAUL Podcast

Paul Clark SUPPAUL
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The SUPPAUL Podcast Conversations about Rivers, Whitewater SUP, Adventure Travel, and Content Creation. Hosted by Paul Clark SUPPAUL

  1. 61: Peter Hall: The Origins of Hala Gear & Whitewater SUP

    09/16/2025

    61: Peter Hall: The Origins of Hala Gear & Whitewater SUP

    Peter Hall’s journey into river stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) began with a restless curiosity. Early on, he wanted to take paddleboarding into whitewater—a place where traditional boards didn’t work. That challenge sparked the creation of Hala, an inflatable-only paddleboard company based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. From the outset, Hall’s mission was to design boards that made river SUP not only possible, but exciting. From backyard experiments in Steamboat to game-changing innovations like the StompBox retractable fin, Peter Hall and Hala Gear have rewritten what’s possible in river stand-up paddleboarding.

    49 min
  2. 60: Paddling Across Borders: Pavel Kochanov

    09/12/2025

    60: Paddling Across Borders: Pavel Kochanov

    This is Episode 60 of the SUPPAUL Podcast. Russian whitewater SUP athlete Pavel Kochanov joins host Paul Clark (SUPPAUL) for a powerful cross-cultural conversation—translated live by paddling friend Vera Fierce. They discuss Pavel’s viral freestyle videos, overcoming gear shortages in Russia, and how rivers can unite people across borders. From family sacrifices to coaching philosophies and international paddle dreams, this episode is about more than whitewater—it's about connection, courage, and creativity. In this episode, host Paul Clark (SUPPAUL) connects with Russian whitewater SUP phenom Pavel Kochanov, whose viral videos have reshaped perceptions of stand-up paddling. With translation support from paddling friend Vera Fierce, the trio dives into a wide-ranging conversation on the global growth of whitewater SUP, creative expression on the water, and the power of rivers to unite people across geopolitical divides. From his home near Saint Petersburg, Pavel shares how he first discovered Paul’s content on Instagram and how it inspired him to take his flatwater SUP to the rapids. Now known for his dynamic freestyle paddling and high-stoke energy, Pavel reflects on his journey, the challenge of accessing quality gear in Russia, and the sacrifices he and his family have made to pursue his passion. Paul and Pavel discuss everything from gear shortages and cultural perceptions to the idea of river sports as diplomacy, bridging East and West through shared flow. We also hear about Pavel’s philosophy on coaching—where overcoming the fear of falling is more important than any technical detail—and how his wife plays the role of coach, videographer, and now champion paddler in her own right. Whether you paddle in the States or in Russia, this conversation will remind you that whitewater connects us all. Highlights Include: Pavel’s entry into whitewater SUP and his freestyle evolution The surprising global hotspots for SUP paddling (States, Chile, Europe, Japan) Getting SUP gear in Russia Family support and sacrifices behind the scenes Coaching insights: why fear—not stance—is the biggest obstacle for beginners Whitewater SUP as a tool for diplomacy and human connection Pavel’s symbolic “wish” made between two Pauls: for the sport to grow and bring people together. Notable Quotes “I stand up and swim down.” – Paul “My wife is my coach. She pushes me into the cold water.” – Pavel “The biggest obstacle is fear of falling.” – Pavel “Just tell me when you're arriving—I’ll pick you up at the airport.” – Pavel Location Notes Pavel is based near Saint Petersburg, where travel to Europe is restricted due to political tensions. River Vuoksi connects Russia and Finland—paddlers on both sides share the same flow. Springtime is best for paddling in Russia due to snowmelt runoff. Pavel’s Age: 38 📸 Most Viral Video: Over 6.5 million views 📹 Filmmaking Team: Mostly filmed by his wife, using an iPhone Special Thanks To Vera Fierce for making this international conversation possible through generous translation, and to all who believe in building bridges—one paddle stroke at a time. visit suppaul.com IG: for Paul @suppaul.media Pavel @kochanov_pVera @vera_lapochka

    29 min
  3. 59: Montgomery Whitewater

    06/03/2024

    59: Montgomery Whitewater

    In this 59th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, Meghan Christian and I talk about being on the road in the van touring throughout southern states including Alabama. Most specifically, we're talking about the Montgomery Whitewater park. This is a great place to build strength and confidence as a paddler. The people are hospitable and the beer is cold. Watch episode on the SUPPAUL YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIOqLjkbItI

    41 min
  4. 58: Rescue on the Big Laurel

    02/18/2024

    58: Rescue on the Big Laurel

    Can a paddle board make a good river rescue vehicle? In this episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, we find out. Paul Clark talks with Baker Martin, Hank Cheatham, and Will Saylor about a recent incident on the Big Laurel River in North Carolina. Baker in a kayak got caught backwards in a strainer. Hank and Will were following behind and were able to position themselves to reach Baker and free him from his boat. It's a chilling account of a dire situation. We're happy to talk with the three men about their perspectives of the incident and running rivers. View video of the incident from Hank's helmet cam on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWzJzxoJGYY Follow SUPPAUL via suppaul.com

    44 min
  5. 57: Brent Allen, the hero's journey

    11/13/2023

    57: Brent Allen, the hero's journey

    In this 57th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, Paul Clark talks with Brent Allen. The discussion includes his full circle from being raised in Oklahoma, becoming an entrepreneur in the outdoor industry, moving to the California coast, and then back to reestablish his roots in Oklahoma. We talk about industrial whitewater parks in the South, inclusiveness, sustainability, and the value of outdoor pursuits. I feel whitewater is too often a whitewashed sport. It's wonderful to see opportunities for people of color and First Nations people to discover new outlets for creative self-expression. Brent was Lifestyle Director at the Riversports Rapids park in Oklahoma City, OK. He's now enthusiastic about what he's seeing at the WOKA park recently built along the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas. He has been involved in the SUP industry since 2008 originally working with surftech as a consultant then transitioning to Starboard as an Ocean Ambassador in 2016. Also with Kialoa then Werner paddles . He has worked in the lifestyle sports industry for 27 years and has created 2 non profits built around ocean advocacy and inland waterways. He has competed in numerous endurance sports from Ironman Triathlon to M2O. He is truly an ambassador for the industry. Thank you for listening. Follow Brent: IG @brentallenoutside FB @brentallen Linkedin http://linkedin.com/in/brentallenoutside And Paul Clark www.suppaul.com

    1h 16m
  6. 56: Chad Dokken, SUP Montana with "Chad the Dad"

    11/08/2023

    56: Chad Dokken, SUP Montana with "Chad the Dad"

    In this 56th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast, Paul Clark and cohost Meghan Christian are talking with Montana river SUP paddler Chad "the Dad" Dokken. Chad is leading the charge for exploring the various rivers in souther Montana, including his home river the Gallatin, the Yellowstone, the Madison, and beyond. We talk about his background as an ice climber and family man, and how these have informed his psyche to run whitewater on a paddle board. He can be found on Instgram @chadthedad and @supmontana Always feel free to reach out to us at SUPPAUL www.suppaul.com @suppaul.media

    59 min
  7. 55. Nemesis Rapids, what doesn't kill you makes you....

    10/30/2023

    55. Nemesis Rapids, what doesn't kill you makes you....

    This is the 55th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast. We're talking with Meghan Christian about our "nemesis rapids," those features on the river where we don't always succeed running the first time we attemt them. We think about them, analyze the video footage, study the lines, and even dream about them. Can we succeed in our own terms? My nemesis rapid was the Notch in Big Eddy on the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon. That was a couple year project. Meghan's is currently what I call the "photographer's rapid" on the Nantahala River here in North Carolina. We talk aslo about river ratings and how they differ depending on what craft we are paddling. A Class3 for a kayak may be more or less difficult on a paddle board. Reach out, tell us your nemesis rapids. www.suppaul.com IG: @suppaul.media

    1 hr
  8. 54: Meghan Christian, getting a fresh perspective

    10/09/2023

    54: Meghan Christian, getting a fresh perspective

    In this 54th episode of the SUPPAUL Podcast we talk with Meghan Christian at her home in North Carolina. We talk river SUP, paddling communities, building skills, learning from others, anxiety, and fashion. Why do we wear shorts over our wetsuits running rivers on a paddle board? Whitewater paddle boarding is a thing, and we are trying to make it more accessible to people looking to get into it, build their confidence, and be accepted as they are. Enjoy! Please review, comment, and subscribe. Reach out to me via email paul@suppaul.com IG: @suppaul.media

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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About

The SUPPAUL Podcast Conversations about Rivers, Whitewater SUP, Adventure Travel, and Content Creation. Hosted by Paul Clark SUPPAUL

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Clark SUPPAUL
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paul Clark SUPPAUL
  • Show Website
    SUPPAUL Podcast