Step into “Speaking from Water,” where host Sean Ruttkay engages with aquatic legends – from daring big wave surfers to skilled water photographers and surf lifesaving champions. In each immersive, long-form interview, uncover captivating life stories, unique methodologies, and boundless inspiration. Join us for compelling conversations that explore the depths of their experiences and the thrill of their expertise.
Join us on this episode of Speaking from Water as we dive deep with Lachie Lansdown, an elite surf lifesaver and endurance athlete from Australia. Lachie shares his inspiring journey, from his early days at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club to becoming a dominant force in the world of surf lifesaving. In this episode, we explore Lachie’s early life and passion for the ocean, and how he got involved in the sport of surf lifesaving. We delve into the fundamental moments and milestones in his career and gain insights from his top coaches, including Scott Thompson and Jim Walker. Lachie opens up about the mental and physical preparation required for high-stakes competitions, emphasizing the importance of fitness, training, and recovery for endurance athletes. Lachie discusses his philosophy on competing, breaking down and building up the body, and the nuances of competing in surf lifesaving. He shares how he structures his training regimen and diet, his views on hydration and its importance in endurance sports, and strategies for mental toughness and handling competition pressure. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Lachie talks about balancing his passion for the ocean with his academic pursuits in mathematics and computer science. He recounts his journey to winning the Molokai to Oahu prone paddleboard World Championship and shares his future goals and aspirations in the world of surf lifesaving and beyond. Lachie’s dedication, hard work, and love for the sport shine through as he shares his story. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or simply love hearing about extraordinary journeys, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights. Tune in to learn more about Lachie Lansdown's path to becoming a world champion and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the water.
Join host Sean Ruttkay in this episode of Speaking from Water as he welcomes Charlie Verco, the Moloka'i 2 O'ahu Paddleboard World Champion. Charlie shares his journey from his early days in surf lifesaving to becoming a world-class competitor. He discusses the key moments that fueled his passion, the invaluable lessons from his coaches, and the rigorous training and recovery strategies that keep him at the top of his game. Charlie also reflects on the support from BOS Oceansport, his academic pursuits, and his future goals, offering a comprehensive look into what it takes to excel in the demanding world of surf Ironman events. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the sport's brightest stars.
Join host Sean Ruttkay for an exciting episode of Speaking from Water, where he sits down with renowned big wave slab surfer Zac Haynes from Western Australia. Known for tackling some of the world's most dangerous waves, Zac shares his incredible journey and experiences in the world of extreme surfing. In this episode, Zac dives into his latest surf film "Cold Brew," shot over the winter in Europe with his friend and videographer Cian Salmon. Hear about the inspiration behind the project, memorable moments from filming, and his epic sessions at Mullaghmore, one of Ireland's greatest big wave slab surf spots. Zac explains the unique challenges and thrill of slab surfing, where waves break on shallow shelves, causing the ocean swell to jack up quickly and go "square." Learn about the safety measures he takes, his mental and physical preparation, and the sheer adrenaline of riding these monstrous waves. Travel with Zac as he reflects on his adventures surfing the famous slabs of Tahiti, Ireland, and his home in Western Australia. He compares the unique characteristics of these waves and shares standout experiences from his trips. Discover how Zac's early life and influences shaped him into the world-class surfer he is today. From his first memory of surfing to the key mentors who guided him, Zac's journey is filled with passion and determination. Dive into Zac's fitness and training regimen, where he balances intense workouts with recovery to stay in peak condition. Learn his strategies for maintaining endurance and strength, even during the off-season. Explore Zac's surfing philosophy, his approach to the mental pressures of extreme sports, and his advice for aspiring big-wave surfers. He also shares his future goals and aspirations, including new surf spots and upcoming projects. Tune in for an inspiring and action-packed episode that delves into the heart of big wave slab surfing with one of the best in the world. Don't miss this chance to hear from Zac Haynes as he talks about his incredible journey, thrilling adventures, and the passion that drives him. Subscribe to Speaking from Water for more episodes featuring fascinating guests from the world of water sports. Follow Zac's adventures and stay updated on his latest projects by tuning in to this must-listen episode!
In episode 48 of Speaking From Water, join us as we delve into the life and experiences of Kirvan Baldassari, a world-class photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of the ocean and its surroundings. Kirvan shares his journey from growing up in the enchanting islands of French Polynesia to becoming a renowned photographer, specializing in surf photography. Kirvan takes us through his early life in Tahiti, highlighting the cultural richness of the island and its influence on his work. He then recounts his time in Los Angeles, where he honed his skills in film photography, eventually becoming the official presidential photographer for the president of Tahiti for five years. With a deep love for surfing and photography, Kirvan has traveled the globe, capturing stunning images from exotic locations such as Thailand, Turkey, Oman, Australia, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Colombia, and Mexico. He shares his favorite experiences from these travels, painting a vivid picture of the diverse landscapes and waters he has encountered. Kirvan's photography is renowned for its exquisite colors and composition, capturing the essence of each location in a unique and mesmerizing way. Join us as we explore the world through Kirvan's lens and discover the beauty of the ocean and its surroundings like never before.
In this episode of Speaking From Water, we are honored to host Andrea "Tink" Niebel, a remarkable individual whose journey embodies the spirit of resilience, dedication, and service. Join us as we delve into Tink's early life and her discovery of a passion for swimming, the influences that shaped her love for competition, and the pivotal moments that led her to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Tink shares heartfelt reflections on her time at UNCW, where she excelled both in the pool as a swimmer and outside as a leader and role model. She provides insights into the challenges of balancing the demands of swimming with academic responsibilities and how she found inspiration and support along the way. As a member of the Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Team, Tink's commitment to serving her community and her dedication to excellence are evident. She discusses the demanding nature of her role and the lessons learned from being part of a team that works tirelessly to ensure the safety of others in challenging ocean conditions. Tink's decision to enlist in the USMC and attend TBS (The Basic School) reflects her unwavering commitment to service and her desire to make a difference. She shares her experiences from basic training and the surprising lessons she learned about herself and the Marine Corps. Throughout the episode, Tink's passion for swimming, her deep respect for the ocean, and her profound sense of duty to her country shine through. Her story is one of inspiration and serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, courage, and selflessness. Join us as we honor Andrea "Tink" Niebel's journey and gain valuable insights into the life of a dedicated athlete, student, and marine on Speaking From Water EP47. #SwimmingPassion