Jo has long since inspired me to clean up & raise awareness of plastic pollution on our beaches & in & around our waterways, to take care of our precious environment & to be the best stand up paddle boarder I can be. Such a great role model to have & a lady full of so much wisdom! I first became aware of Jo through social media through her #ShePaddles work as a fellow former British Canoeing women’s paddling ambassador, through her paddle pick-ups and beach cleans and through her fantastic podcast ‘The Joy of SUP Podcast’. I loved the fact that she seemed so down to earth and genuine and to meet and paddle with her was exactly that; warm, caring, inspirational, just such a wonderful lady and in my eyes pretty much a legend! I had the honour of being a guest on her aforementioned podcast followed by some wonderful paddles on Llyn Tegid, Bala in North Wales and on the River Teifi and two coastal paddles in West Wales, all towards research and content to her soon to be released book (so excited for this!). Now it is my turn to interview Jo and share a little of her life and loves with you in celebration and appreciation of her being such a wonderful human in British paddlesport!
I hope you enjoy Clare Rutter’s Paddle People: An interview with… Jo Moseley!
So who is Jo Moseley and what’s your paddling backstory?
I’m 56 (almost 57), a single Mum to two grown up sons living on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. I began paddleboarding in September 2016 after injuring my knee earlier that year, looking for something that would strengthen me without high impact. I loved it from the moment I stood up!
What’s your board/s of choice?
Bluefin 12ft, I also have a Starboard 10′ 6″ Astro Zen
What’s your contribution to or stamp on paddlesport? How or why do (or should!) we know you?
I am the host of The Joy of SUP – the Paddleboarding Sunshine Podcast and the first woman to paddleboard coast to coast from Liverpool to Goole, picking up litter and raising money for The Wave Project and 2 Minute Beach Clean Foundation. A film about my adventure called Brave Enough – A Journey Home to Joy is being screened at adventure film festivals including Sheffield Adventure Film Festival and Kendal Mountain Film Festival.
The Joy of SUP – the Paddleboarding Sunshine Podcast is all about sharing the health, happiness, friendship, adventure and possibility of stand up paddleboarding. We launched on Christmas Eve 2020 with Cal Major and are starting season 3 very soon. I really wanted to give a platform for women in SUP to share their stories and encourage others to feel they belong on the water. It’s been a joy to share the wonderful stories and the feedback and download figures have been incredible. You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher etc. or listen HERE
Tell us more about your local areas blue spaces and why we would want to go there
The Leeds Liverpool Canal is a beautiful stretch through the town of Skipton and gorgeous countryside. I also paddle on the Yorkshire Coast which is stunning.
I’m always dreaming about my next #clarerutterwherenextadventures, if you could paddle anywhere in the world, where would your #wherenextadventures be and why?
Outer Hebrides in the summer. I’m very much focussed on places I can get to without taking a plane.
If you could paddle with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Living or not, past or present, paddler/non-paddler…there are no rules here!
I’d love to paddle with Cal Major, ocean advocate, world record holder and founder of Seaful Charity. She’s been a huge inspiration and support to me. With you on this one Jo!
Most memorable paddle?
Nighttime paddle into my hometown as part of my coast to coast. It wasn’t about proving a point – I had paddled 24 miles that day – it was about experiencing the canal in all its beauty. I was accompanied by swans and geese and the towpath and canal was lit up by fairy lights! .
Your proudest moment in paddlesport?
Being the first woman to paddle coast to coast. The final moment was very memorable! It’s in the film so I don’t want to spoil it for anyone! moment was very memorable!
Your silliest / funniest / unbelievable / strange / bizarre / DOH! paddling faux pas or moment you’ve ever done, said or experienced?
I went the wrong way on the canal. How crazy is that?! It’s in the film too!
Many people paddle to aid their mental health and wellbeing, what does paddling do for you and what does it mean to you?
It gives me a space to think, be myself, test my strength, see nature, meet friends, learn about the countryside and remind myself how lucky we are and what I can do to make a difference.
Looking after the environment and playing our part as paddlers towards clean, healthy, thriving and beautiful blue spaces is really important to me, would you say that this is high on your agenda and, if so, why and how do you play a part yourself?
High! I’m an Ambassador for the 2MinuteBeachClean foundation. It’s very high!
What else do you do while paddling? Litter picking? Fishing? Camping? Yoga? Etc.
Litter picking. I’d like to camp more and do yoga.
What lessons has paddling taught you?
Creativity, courage, self belief, ageing well, understanding water.
What would be your advice to people thinking about getting into paddling, new paddlers and/or those with experience?
Have a lesson with a qualified instructor. Keep learning.
If you could restart your paddling journey, what would you keep or change and why?
I’d have taken more lessons and improver courses if they’d been available then.
What’s your top safety tip?
If in doubt, don’t go out!
Top general paddling tip?
Keep hydrated. You’ll be surprised how much you need to drink and how it can impact your performance and judgement if you don’t.
What do you pack in your dry bag?
Water bottle. Food. Money. Extra clothes. My phone is on me.
Favourite paddling gadget/item/must have lucky pants etc!
BA. (buoyancy aid)
Favourite paddling food/drink/snacks?
Water. Bliss balls. Chocolate.
Favourite websites/apps relating to paddlesport or your participation in it?
My podcast! I also love SUP fm podcast. I am a big fan of Simon’s online safety course and also WSA’s safety course. They are different and I would recommend both.
When paddling, what makes you laugh and what makes you sad?
Rubbish makes me sad.
Being with friends makes me laugh!
Seeing dolphins and seals makes me happy.
Who inspires you and why?
Cal Major. My guests on the podcast. They all inspire me!
What’s your hope for the future of paddlesport?
Safety will always be the most important thing.
Seeing more women build their confidence and joy.
More diversity within SUP.
Where can paddlers follow you? What’s your social media and weblinks etc.?
Instagram: @thejoyofsuppodcast_ and @healthyhappy50
Twitter: @healthyhappy50
Web: www.jomoseley.com
Anything else you’d like to add?
The trailer for Brave Enough
My award winning film Found at Sea
Thanks Jo!
Looking forward to welcoming you to Wales again and having some more magical moments with seals and dolphins surrounded by our beautiful Cardigan Bay emerald waters, discovering some new and exciting secluded beaches and exploring our enchanting sea caves!
Diolch yn fawr iawn Jo! Joio!
If you are or know someone who would be ideal to be interviewed for Clare Rutter’s Paddle People: An Interview with… please send a brief and the best way of getting in touch to email@clarerutter.com.