Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast

Chris Thomas
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Wilderness
  • Biweekly

The Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast is an exploration of all things endurance, adventure, and ultramarathon paddling experienced through storytelling and the celebration of athletes. We'll cover everything from mental & physical training, recovery, strategy, gear, nutrition, hydration, photo-/videography, all the way through to coming out on the other end of any paddling adventure a better version of ourselves. We aim to inspire, build community, and celebrate athletes ranging from DNFs (we’ve all been there) to record breaking performances, epic expeditions, and podium finishes.

  1. 1d ago

    E74: John D Chapman & Dustin Jackson - Overcoming Adversity in the 2026 Alabama 650

    In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with John D. Chapman III and Dustin Jackson, both out of Alabama to hear about their first attempt at the Alabama 650 this past October. We cover so much in this episode from 75 Hard, the Texas Water Safari, the mindset required for ultramarathon paddling, zone 2 training, 2 alligator encounters, enjoying the moment, dealing with adversity, aqua dumps, cradling a kayak through rapids, hallucinations, support crew going above and beyond, and emotions surrounding the hurricane causing the unplanned early stoppage of the race. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. Even a $1 per month donation goes a long way to support the show. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from John D and Dustin themselves on this 74th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Dustin’s book recommendations: -Can’t Hurt Me, by David Goggins John D’s book recommendation: -Relentless, by Tim S. Grover Dustin Jackson’s social links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.jackson.754/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustinezn/ Ready, Set, Goal Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/583014879474236 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-jackson-491787192 John D Chapman’s social links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndacy_?obrf=bWxsZXNtZjJmczhn&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HqbC6oHnR/?mibextid=wwXIfr Snapchat: https://snapchat.com/t/N0gEE7wo Youtube: https://youtube.com/@johndacy?si=WNxyTKGNzoxDijRO

    E74: John D Chapman & Dustin Jackson - Overcoming Adversity in the 2026 Alabama 650

  2. Oct 25

    E73: Jake Paleczny & Crispin Studer Break the Yukon 1000 Canoe Record!

    In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Jake Paleczny & Crispin Studer, two Yukon locals, to talk about smashing the canoe record in the 2026 Yukon 1000. We cover so much in this episode including how dog mushing transfers over to endurance paddling, the dangers of chasing a great race, 1000 mile race strategy, cold weather training for paddling, the Yukon Flats, ground game efficiency for sleep optimization, the importance of choosing good campsites, headwinds and hypothermia, cheese fuel, and emptying the tank. I should also mention that I massively understated Jake’s previous paddling accomplishments at the top of the show, so Jake… my apologies. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, book recommendations from guests, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. Even a $1 per month donation goes a long way to support the show. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Jake and Crispin themselves on this 73rd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Crispin’s book recommendation: -The Ultimate Canoe Challenge, by Verlen Kruger and Brand Frentz

    E73: Jake Paleczny & Crispin Studer Break the Yukon 1000 Canoe Record!

  3. Oct 22 ·  Bonus

    PSA: Help a Fellow Paddler Support a Good Cause - John Wellens & Crossing Muddy Waters

    This PSA is in support of a fellow ultramarathon paddler, John Wellens, who appeared on Episode #6 of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast. John has just published a book highlighting his source to sea journey on the Mississippi River in which all proceeds will go to support mental health awareness. Click the link below or visit www.dabblinginpaddleism.com via the Book Club tab to find his book titled "Crossing Muddy Waters." All proceeds from his book sales support the National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Note: Links below and on www.dabblinginpaddleism.com are NOT paid Amazon affiliate links) https://www.amazon.com/CROSSING-MUDDY-WATERS-PADDLE-ENDURE/dp/B0HHGBMMST

    PSA: Help a Fellow Paddler Support a Good Cause - John Wellens & Crossing Muddy Waters

  4. Oct 18

    E72: Greg Wingo's 2026 Alabama 650 Race Recap

    In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Greg Wingo to recap the 2026 Alabama 650. As you all know the 650 ended early this year due to Hurricane Isaiahs which aimed its wrath at the finish line in Fort Morgan. We cover so much in this episode from the definition of ultramarathon paddling, a brief intro to what the 650 is all about, the highs and lows of crewing the race, the solo women’s category, community race fans, weather forecasting support, the decision-making process regarding the race and an approaching hurricane, race ending terminology, and the high moments of the 2026 Alabama 650. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, book recommendations from guests, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. Even a $1 per month donation goes a long way to support the show. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Greg himself on this 72nd episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Instragram: @greatalabama650 @gregory.wingo @alabama_scenic_river_trail Websites: https://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/great-alabama-650/ https://roamprojects.com/home.html

    E72: Greg Wingo's 2026 Alabama 650 Race Recap

  5. Oct 11

    E71: Mike Malone & Ruthie Reaves - Crewing for 8 in the MR340

    In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Mike Malone and Ruthie Reaves, two of the 14 person crew team that took care of The Ocho, the OC-8 Riverhawk boat that took 1st place overall at the 2026 MR340. We cover so much in this episode from creative ways to resupply a 55 foot boat in fast moving water, saved by a VHF radio, logistics for crew safety and racer performance, in-race audibles, crewing the MR340 vs. the Alabama 650, ice socks, the importance of downloading offline maps, and barge captain heroes. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, book recommendations from guests, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, but I’ll let you hear it from Mike and Ruthie themselves on this 71st episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Mike’s book recommendations: -Bad Monkey, by Carl Hiaasen 10th Life Kayaking: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14mDpsi1xSU/

    E71: Mike Malone & Ruthie Reaves - Crewing for 8 in the MR340

  6. Oct 4

    E70: Ilia Smirnov Crushes the Solo Mississippi Speed Record - Part 3

    In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down again with Ilia Smirnov for part 3 of his solo Mississippi Speed Record adventure. We cover so much in this episode from very committing days, alligators, Ilia’s crew support Anna and Alyse, the River Angels community, navigating heavy and dangerous commercial traffic, sleep hygiene, hypothermia, relationships with alcohol, Baton Rouge to Mile Zero, and mother nature’s revenge. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, the final episode of an epic 3 part series, but I’ll let you hear it from Ilia himself on this 70th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Ilia’s book recommendations: -This Naked Mind, by Annie Grace -Never Finished, by David Goggins -The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz Ilia’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilia.capefear Business website: www.capefearadventures.com Personal website: www.uncomfortablewithin.com

    E70: Ilia Smirnov Crushes the Solo Mississippi Speed Record - Part 3

  7. Sep 27

    E69: Ilia Smirnov Crushes the Solo Mississippi Speed Record - Part 2

    In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down again with Ilia Smirnov for part 2 of his solo Mississippi Speed Record adventure. We cover so much in this episode from keeping your world small, rhabdomyolysis, crew support, paddling through 26 locks, navigating big city and barge traffic, strategies for communicating with lock masters, finding campsites, run-ins with military police, and the infamous Chain of Rocks. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, part 2 of a 3 part series, but I’ll let you hear it from Ilia himself on this 69th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Ilia’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilia.capefear Business website: www.capefearadventures.com Personal website: www.uncomfortablewithin.com

    E69: Ilia Smirnov Crushes the Solo Mississippi Speed Record - Part 2

  8. Sep 20

    E68: Ilia Smirnov Crushes the Solo Mississippi Speed Record - Part 1

    In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Ilia Smirnov, endurance and whitewater paddler and paddle shop owner originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, now living in North Carolina who just smashed the solo Mississippi Speed Record. This is the 1st episode of a 3 part epic series as Ilia and I sat down for nearly 6 total hours on 3 separate occasions. We cover so much in this part 1 episode from buying a paddle shop before he ever paddled before, leveling up to whitewater rafting and paddling, the Green River Narrows Race, kayaking the Grand Canyon solo, physical and mental training, vessel choice for the speed record, attachment to ego and controlling the mind, the headwaters of the Mississippi, how going from pristine wilderness to industrialization affects the mind as well as the land, and formidable lake crossings. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, part 1 of a 3 part series, but I’ll let you hear it from Ilia himself on this 68th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast… Ilia’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilia.capefear Business website: www.capefearadventures.com Personal website: www.uncomfortablewithin.com

    E68: Ilia Smirnov Crushes the Solo Mississippi Speed Record - Part 1
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About

The Dabbling In Paddleism Podcast is an exploration of all things endurance, adventure, and ultramarathon paddling experienced through storytelling and the celebration of athletes. We'll cover everything from mental & physical training, recovery, strategy, gear, nutrition, hydration, photo-/videography, all the way through to coming out on the other end of any paddling adventure a better version of ourselves. We aim to inspire, build community, and celebrate athletes ranging from DNFs (we’ve all been there) to record breaking performances, epic expeditions, and podium finishes.

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