Paddling Your Path to Happiness

This has always been true for me. Reflecting on a lifetime of paddling adventures, I’m flooded with a myriad of memories—some tied to challenge, others to friendship or calm. But each one, in its own way, left me feeling mentally and physically reset; always in a better place than when I started. Stepping into my kayak has long been my personal path to happiness, supporting me in all that I do.

I’m fortunate to enjoy time on the water through both play and work, but whatever the setting, I try to follow a simple mantra that keeps me on my path: to go to good places, with good people, to do good things. That simple approach has guided so many of my happiest moments—and continues to shape the journey. To make sure this mantra delivers the experience I need, I take time to reflect on what ‘good places,’ ‘good people,’ and ‘good things’ really mean to me. That understanding has evolved over the years, and I’m happy to share what leads me along my own paddling path to happiness.

Good places – When heading off for personal paddling, a good place for me is one where I can truly escape and immerse myself in a remote, dramatic landscape—with only the wildlife for company. If it’s somewhere I’ve never visited before, that added sense of exploration makes the experience even more rewarding. It no longer needs to be ‘gnarly’ or adrenaline-filled; these days, I prefer the tranquility of calm seas and perfect conditions that allow me to soak in the remoteness of the surroundings. If there happens to be a clean surf wave for a bit of fun along the way, that’s a bonus—but not the main focus anymore.

When coaching, I often seek out more ‘challenging’ environments, but only to use those conditions as a tool for helping others build their confidence and skills. In that setting, the ‘good place’ is one that supports someone else’s paddling journey.

Good people – This is the most important element for me—and the most powerful part of any paddling memory. On personal trips or days off, I gravitate toward small groups of long-time friends who share similar aspirations and quietly support each other to make the trip a success. Often, that means paddling with my wife Lara. We’ve had countless memorable adventures together, and sharing those moments always feels special. At times, it’s just me. I value solo paddling for the chance it gives me to be completely self-reliant, to make decisions solely for myself, and to fully absorb the landscape and the moment—with quiet confidence in my own skills.

When coaching, good people means small groups of motivated individuals, keen to learn. My role is to help create a positive and empowering experience for them—one that strengthens their independence and enjoyment of paddling.

Good things – For me, it’s now all about quality over quantity. I look for experiences that offer exploration, remoteness, dramatic scenery, and wildlife. Whether shared with a trusted few or experienced solo, I want the time and space to just be present—to slow down, absorb the moment, and feel a deeper connection to where I am. It’s not about distance or difficulty anymore. Conditions well within my comfort zone allow me to relax, observe, and enjoy the journey most fully—and that’s exactly what I seek out.

When coaching, good things are about finding that ‘sweet spot’—where the experience gently stretches someone’s ability and confidence, but always in a safe, supportive, and fun way. It’s about growth, enjoyment, and helping people get the most from their time on the water.

What is your path to happiness?

If you are still reading, chances are getting in a sea kayak is what you do to seek out your own path to happiness. But what’s your mantra? And how do you ensure that your time out paddling is as impactful as it can be? Time is precious, and every paddling opportunity is valuable. By taking time to reflect—and shape the experience that matters most to you—you can ensure every journey keeps you firmly on your path to happiness.