Episode 131
Beyond the Basics: Larry Cain on Training Smarter for SUP Racing
In this episode of the SUPfm Podcast, we sit down with Larry Cain, Olympic gold medallist, renowned paddle coach, and co-founder of Paddle Monster, known for elevating paddlers at every level with world-class coaching and grounded technique.
Join us as we discuss the mindset, mechanics, and methods that help intermediate SUP racers building on the foundations to unlock speed, endurance, and consistency.
In this conversation, Larry shares elite-level insights made accessible, including:
- The two-phase paddle stroke, and why unloading is just as important as loading
- How to train your nervous system and cadence to sharpen power without losing connection
- The four pillars of high performance: technique, aerobic fitness, strength + power, and mental resilience
We also dive into video analysis, interval structuring, and how to stay out of the overtraining trap, plus Larry’s advice on when it’s time to train in a gym—and when the jungle gym will do just fine.
Whether you're a weekend racer hungry for results or a seasoned paddler looking to refine form and build speed, this episode offers world-class coaching wisdom from one of the sport’s most trusted voices.
Get more from Larry at the new PaddleMonster website
Connect with Larry on social media:
Instagram - Larry Caine Canoe
Instagram - Paddle Monster
Paddle Monster is a global community for paddlers training for fitness, competition, or both.
They connect paddlers so they can meet up at events, share rides, buy, sell, or borrow gear, and support each other through weekly workouts, races, and paddle adventures.
Members also get access to hundreds of exclusive videos and articles on technique, training, and strategy—plus challenges like our 100/100, starting July 9th.
If you want more structure, you can add coaching, nutrition counseling, mental performance training, or 1-on-1 technique analysis from experts like Larry Cain, Travis Grant, Victoria Burgess, and Kirsty MacMillan.
No matter who your coach is, it's a great place to train, learn, and connect.
If you haven’t checked out Paddle Monster in a while, this is a completely new platform and website—it’s a huge upgrade.
Join at: https://paddle-monster.mn.co/
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who’d love it.
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on Instagram: @supfmpodcast
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Build the lifetime knowledge you need to keep safe on the water
Our comprehensive online SUP Safety Course gives you the knowledge you need, to keep safe on the water and ALL FOR LESS than the price of an hours on-water tuition (£37) £10
It's available here at https://supfm.thinkific.com/
See you on the water!
Mentioned in this episode:
Starboard
We want to thank our lead sponsor Starboard for supporting this season of the SUPfm Podcast Whether you're a seasoned racer, an adventurous explorer, or a beginner, Starboard has the perfect board for you. Choose Starboard for unparalleled quality and performance across all levels of paddleboarding
FlowForce Paddles from Oscar Propulsion
Oscar Propulsion's innovative FlowForce Paddle, dramatically enhances paddling efficiency and reduces stress through the body. Join the revolution and elevate your paddling with FlowForce from Oscar Propulsion Sport
Visit the Oscar Propulsion Website
Paddle UK
Paddle UK is the governing body for SUP in the UK and this year was awarded the ICF World Cup in 2026 in Torbay Come and join us in 2026 and also at the 2025 Super Festival event in Torbay to get ready for the 'big' one next year
