Paddles Ready

Dougie and Hando

Paddles Ready is your go-to podcast for everything happening in the world of paddle racing. Hosted by Dougie and Hando, the show brings you inside the sport with race reviews, real-time commentary, and conversations with paddlers from across the globe. Whether it’s breaking down major competitions, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or hearing directly from the athletes shaping the sport, this podcast keeps you connected to the pulse of paddle racing. From elite races to grassroots scenes, Paddles Ready covers it all, giving you insight, perspective, and the stories you won’t hear anywhere else. What you’ll hear: Honest race reviews and analysis Conversations with paddlers and industry voices worldwide Commentary on trends, performances, and competition results Stories from the front lines of paddle racing If you follow paddle racing or want to understand it better, this is where you stay informed. 👉 Visit paddlesready.com for more episodes and updates.

  1. 1d ago

    EP13: Rugby Took It Away. Paddling Gave It Back. - Mitch Zanstra

    What happens when the sport you've dedicated your life to is suddenly taken away? For New Zealand paddler Mitch Zanstra, rugby was everything until a series of serious injuries and concussions forced him to walk away from the game he loved. Looking for a new purpose, one simple moment changed everything when a cousin handed him a paddle. That paddle led to a journey Mitch could never have imagined.  In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with one of the world's most respected outrigger athletes to talk about resilience, international competition, and the lessons paddling has taught him along the way. Mitch shares how paddling helped him recover physically and mentally, why he immersed himself in Tahitian and Hawaiian paddling culture, and how that path eventually led to representing New Zealand on the world stage.  The conversation also explores the growing relationship between outrigger canoeing and dragon boating, why many of the world's best paddlers compete in both disciplines, and Mitch's incredible experiences racing traditional dragon boats in China. In this episode: Mitch's journey from rugby to international paddling Recovering from concussion and rediscovering purpose Training in Tahiti and Hawaii Representing New Zealand in outrigger canoeing Racing traditional dragon boats in China Why outrigger can make you a better dragon boat paddler Coaching the next generation and giving back to the sport Life lessons from elite competition Plus, Hando's Hot Take asks an important question for every club: Should the fastest paddler automatically become the coach? The boys debate whether leadership, communication and the ability to develop people are more important than simply being the quickest athlete in the boat.  Whether you paddle dragon boats, outriggers, surf skis or simply love hearing inspiring sporting stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🌏 Visit https://paddlesready.com/ 🎧 Subscribe to Paddles Ready for athlete stories, race coverage, expert analysis and conversations from across the global paddle sports community.

    EP13: Rugby Took It Away. Paddling Gave It Back. - Mitch Zanstra

  2. Jul 17

    EP12: Does Dragon Boating Even Need the Olympics? | Ben Livingstone

    Does dragon boating really need the Olympics to succeed? It's a question that's sparked debate for years and in this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie, Hando and Australian representative Ben Livingstone tackle it head-on. Ben's journey into dragon boating is one many paddlers can relate to. After discovering the sport through a corporate regatta, he quickly fell in love with the competition, camaraderie and culture, eventually earning the honour of representing Australia on the world stage. The conversation explores what it truly takes to reach the elite level, from the sacrifices athletes and their families make to the realities of balancing training, work and life. Ben also shares his passion for growing the sport through schools, youth pathways and community participation. The episode finishes with a lively debate on one of dragon boating's biggest talking points: should the sport continue chasing Olympic inclusion, or is its future stronger outside the Olympic movement? In this episode: Ben Livingstone's journey from corporate paddler to Australian representativeThe sacrifices required to compete at the highest levelWhy corporate regattas are one of the sport's greatest recruitment toolsGrowing dragon boating through schools and youth programsHow clubs can attract and retain the next generation of paddlersDoes dragon boating really need the Olympics?Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Nina from AustCham Singapore 🔥 Hando's Hot Take: Has the Olympic conversation become a distraction for dragon boating? Whether you're chasing a national jersey, coaching your local club or simply love being on the water, this episode is packed with honest insights about where the sport is today and where it's heading. 🌏 Visit paddlesready.com 🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.

    EP12: Does Dragon Boating Even Need the Olympics? | Ben Livingstone

  3. Jul 3

    EP11: Is Dragon Boating Too Obsessed With Tradition?

    Is Dragon Boating Too Obsessed With Tradition? Dragon boating is built on thousands of years of history, culture, and tradition but is tradition helping the sport grow, or is it holding it back? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando dive into one of the biggest debates facing the sport today. From modern coaching methods and athlete testing to purpose-built dragon boat gyms and the rise of paddle-specific training, the conversation explores how coaching and athlete development have evolved over the past three decades. Hando shares insights from his coaching journey, discussing everything from boat balance and crew selection to video analysis, biomechanics, and the growing influence of outrigger paddling on dragon boat performance. Hando and Dougie also discuss what elite athletes and coaches around the world are doing differently, how national teams are preparing for international competition, and whether the sport is adapting quickly enough to keep pace with modern expectations. In this episode: How dragon boat coaching has evolved over the past 30 yearsThe role of video analysis, biomechanics and athlete testingWhy OC1 and outrigger paddlers are influencing the sportBoat balance, trim and crew selection strategiesThe rise of paddle-specific training and performance gymsHow elite teams prepare for world-level competitionPlus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Eileen from AustCham Singapore 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Is dragon boating too focused on tradition and not focused enough on entertainment? Whether you're a paddler, coach, sweep or team manager, this episode is packed with ideas, opinions and plenty of discussion about where the sport is heading next. Visit paddlesready.com Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.

    EP11: Is Dragon Boating Too Obsessed With Tradition?

  4. Jun 19

    EP10: The Man Who Built Modern Dragon Boating with Mike Haslam

    What if one conversation could explain how dragon boating became the global sport we know today? In this special episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with Mike Haslam, founding President of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), to explore the incredible journey that took dragon boating from a handful of traditional boats in Hong Kong to a worldwide sport involving hundreds of thousands of paddlers. Mike shares firsthand stories from the early days of the sport, the creation of the IDBF, the development of the standard racing boat, and the challenges of growing dragon boating across Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond. The conversation also dives into the Olympic dream, the ongoing relationship between the IDBF and ICF, and what the future may hold for dragon boating on the world stage. 🔥 In this episode: How dragon boating expanded from Hong Kong to the rest of the world The creation of the International Dragon Boat Federation Why the standard dragon boat and paddle specifications were so important The story behind the small boat and Olympic ambitions The politics, challenges, and opportunities facing dragon boating today Mike's vision for the future of the sport Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Andreas from AustCham 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Who's stronger, a dragon boater or an outrigger paddler? Whether you're new to the sport or have been paddling for decades, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people, decisions, and moments that helped shape modern dragon boating. 🌏 Visit http://paddlesready.com/ 🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.

    EP10: The Man Who Built Modern Dragon Boating with Mike Haslam

  5. Jun 12

    EP09: Could Australia Host the Biggest Paddle Event in the World?

    Could Australia Host the Biggest Paddle Event in the World? What would happen if every major paddle sport came together for one massive international event? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando dive into one of the most exciting developments in paddle sports, the proposed World Paddle Games and Australia's bid to host what could become one of the largest paddle events on the planet.  From dragon boating and sprint canoeing to surf skis, outriggers, stand-up paddling, and more, the World Paddle Games could bring thousands of athletes together in a celebration of paddling unlike anything we've seen before. The boys discuss the opportunities this event could create for dragon boating, the impact it could have on youth participation, and why collaboration across paddle sports may be one of the biggest opportunities for growth in the years ahead. 🔥 In this episode: What the proposed World Paddle Games could look like Why Australia is in the running to host the event How dragon boating fits into the future of paddle sports The importance of youth development and school programs Why collaboration between paddle disciplines could benefit everyone👉 Dougie's Quick Dip covering Barcelona, Venice, Ireland, Hong Kong and major dragon boat events happening around the world 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Lilly from the German Dragon Boat Team 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Is technology helping dragon boating evolve or are we losing touch with the sport's traditions? This episode explores where paddle sports are heading and why the next decade could be transformational for the global paddling community. 🌏 Visit paddlesready.com 🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.

    EP09: Could Australia Host the Biggest Paddle Event in the World?

  6. Jun 5

    EP08: The Perfect Dragon Boat Start? Hando Breaks Down 30 Years of Race Starts

    What makes the perfect dragon boat start? Is it power? Technique? Timing? Or is it something else entirely? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie sits down with Hando to unpack one of the most important and most debated aspects of dragon boat racing: the start. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience as a paddler, sweep, coach, and race strategist, Hando breaks down how starts have evolved over the years, the differences between Asian and Western approaches, and why a great start can set the tone for an entire race. From 200m sprints to 2000m turns, this is a masterclass in race starts from one of the sport's most experienced voices. 🔥 In this episode: How dragon boat starts have evolved over the past 30 years The difference between 200m, 500m, 1000m, and 2000m race starts Why Chinese and Asian starts are influencing crews around the world The importance of boat trim, timing, and synchronization Technique versus power: which matters most? Plus: 👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Leonard from Singapore's Dragon Boat Nursery 👉 Hando's Hot Take: Can Australia's dragon boating federations work together if the World Paddle Games come to Australia? Whether you're a novice paddler or a seasoned veteran, this episode will make you think differently about the first few seconds of every race. Visit paddlesready.comSubscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community

    EP08: The Perfect Dragon Boat Start? Hando Breaks Down 30 Years of Race Starts

  7. May 29

    EP07: The Race to Catch China: Inside USA Dragon Boating’s Rise with Tommy Leonardi

    Can the USA catch China in dragon boating? That’s the question at the centre of this episode of Paddles Ready, as Dougie and Hando sit down with Tommy Leonardi for a deep dive into the rapid rise of USA dragon boating on the world stage. With over 30 years in the sport, 52 world championship medals as both a paddler and coach, and leadership roles across some of America’s most respected dragon boat programs, Tommy shares what’s driving the USA’s growth and why the next era of the sport could be its most competitive yet. From OC1 crossover athletes and evolving race strategies to youth development and club culture, this episode explores how dragon boating is becoming faster, more professional, and more globally competitive than ever before. 🔥 In this episode: Why USA dragon boating is improving so rapidly The rise of OC1, outrigger, and crossover athletes entering the sport How the USA structures club crews and national team pathways Why Club Crew World Championships may be the best event in dragon boating The evolving battle between China, Canada, USA, Australia, and emerging nations Plus:👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Mark Slater from Brisbane River Dragons 👉 Hot Take of the Week: Are there too many dragon boat world titles? This episode is a fascinating look into the evolution of modern dragon boating and the nations trying to push the sport to the next level. 👉 Visit https://paddlesready.com/ 👉 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community

    EP07: The Race to Catch China: Inside USA Dragon Boating’s Rise with Tommy Leonardi

  8. May 22

    EP06: How Canada Became a Dragon Boat Powerhouse with Julie Robitaille

    How did Canada become one of the strongest dragon boat nations in the world? In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with Julie Robitaille, President of Dragon Boat Canada, for a deep dive into the rise of Canadian dragon boating on the world stage. From youth development and elite coaching systems to Olympic ambitions and international success, Julie shares what has helped Canada become one of the sport’s true powerhouses, all while balancing participation, inclusivity, and high performance. 🔥 In this episode: How paddling became part of Canada’s sporting DNA The systems and coaching structures behind Canada’s international success Why youth development is critical for the next generation of paddlers Canada’s vision for the future of dragon boating and Olympic inclusion The balance between elite racing and participation across 100,000+ paddlers nationwide Plus:👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Aiden from Brisbane Typhoon 👉 Hot Take of the Week: Are dragon boating teams starting to attract elite athletes from other paddle sports? This episode is a fascinating look at how one nation built a world-class dragon boating program and where the sport could be heading next. 👉 Visit https://paddlesready.com/👉 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community

    EP06: How Canada Became a Dragon Boat Powerhouse with Julie Robitaille
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About

Paddles Ready is your go-to podcast for everything happening in the world of paddle racing. Hosted by Dougie and Hando, the show brings you inside the sport with race reviews, real-time commentary, and conversations with paddlers from across the globe. Whether it’s breaking down major competitions, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or hearing directly from the athletes shaping the sport, this podcast keeps you connected to the pulse of paddle racing. From elite races to grassroots scenes, Paddles Ready covers it all, giving you insight, perspective, and the stories you won’t hear anywhere else. What you’ll hear: Honest race reviews and analysis Conversations with paddlers and industry voices worldwide Commentary on trends, performances, and competition results Stories from the front lines of paddle racing If you follow paddle racing or want to understand it better, this is where you stay informed. 👉 Visit paddlesready.com for more episodes and updates.

Information

  • Creator
    Dougie and Hando
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Paddles Ready

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