The Power of Mental Performance in SUP

I’m so excited to share this latest SUPjunkie guest blog with you because it really taps into something we don’t always talk about enough in paddleboarding – the mental side of our sport. 

Our guest writer Kirsty MacMillan takes us on a journey from discovering SUP just 10 years ago, to lining up at the ICF World SUP Championships in Sarasota 2024 and feeling more calm, focused, and present than ever before. Not because of a new board or training plan, but thanks to something far more powerful: mental performance coaching. 

What I love about this piece is that it reminds us paddling isn’t just about physical training or technique. The tools we use to shape our mindset – awareness, focus, confidence, visualization, and good habits – can change everything. Whether you’re racing, coaching, or just out for a paddle after work, your mental game has a huge impact on your performance and your enjoyment on the water. 

This guest blog highlights the 7 Skills of Mental Performance, shares how learning from coaches like Larry Cain, Brian Cain, and Susanne Lier shaped the author’s journey, and shows how these tools are now being passed on to paddlers around the world through Paddle Monster and upcoming SUP camps. 

It’s a brilliant read for anyone who’s ever felt nerves on the start line, struggled with self-talk, or just wants to get more out of every paddle. 

Here is an excerpt to whet your appetite before heading over to read the full blog on our website: 

Back to the beginning…  

As someone who hasn’t been a paddler all my life, the last 10 years since I discovered SUP have been so incredibly fun! Truly one of the best things to ever happen to me. It didn’t take long for me to realize that paddling technique is complex, and the brainy side of me wanted to learn as much as I possibly could. So, imagine when I found out that THE legendary SUP coach Larry Cain lived in the same city! I’ve been coached by Larry ever since, and my improvements in paddling and racing can all be traced back to him. I’m also an Anesthesia Assistant here in our local hospital.  Everything at work changed for me during the covid pandemic, and SUP literally saved my sanity by giving me an active outlet for my anxiety and mental stress.  Fast forward to today – I am an advanced certified Paddle Canada SUP coach and love sharing the knowledge that I’ve been so lucky to have received. I’ve done the Carolina Cup Graveyard twice, competed at the ICF World Championships in Poland (2022), Thailand (2023), and Sarasota (2024).  

Back in January (2024) I decided to travel to the Canary Islands to train with my friend Susanne Lier, multiple World Champion, who I’d met at a dinner in Thailand during the ICF World Championships. I knew learning to paddle in ocean conditions from her would help me improve, it’s also great fun and as a coach I always love learning from other coaches. When I got home from this trip, my mind was searching for something more that I could learn and offer to people I coach. Deep down inside I think I was meant to be a teacher, and I wanted to be able to coach more. 

You can read the full blog here: Kirsty MacMillan BLOG and please do subscribe to our own Newsletter for more content. 

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