Britt Spencer paddle on the Cook Strait — *Image* © *Aimee Jules Photography*

Britt Spencer set a world record in April 2024 as the first New Zealander to cross the notorious Cook Strait, on a prone paddle board.

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In this episode I talk with Kiwi volunteer surf lifesaver Britt Spencer who is the first New Zealander and female to cross the notorious Cook Strait on a prone paddle board. After battling serious health issues and a year planning and training, the Nelson based Strength & Conditioning Coach made history with the crossing in April this year.

Get set for this one – Britt is inspiring! She talks about adapting to things that go wrong in adventure, how she copes in extreme moments of pain and challenge in what she calls ‘Dark Mode’. We hear about her joy of being out on the water, what motivates her and the surprising food and drink she fuels her endurance paddles with.

Britt’s energy is infectious, and so is her fresh outlook on life.

Join us and be inspired to challenge your own limits.

More information

Connect with Britt and support her Givealittle Fundraiser:⁠

Instagram: @brittjayspencer
Youtube: @brittjayspencer
Givealittle Fundraiser for the Nelson Surf Lifesaving Club⁠

Episode Notes | Britt Spencer

00:56 Life in Nelson
02:30 Competitive swimming
03:25 Introduction to Surf Lifesaving
06:27 Board chat
08:50 Long distance paddling
10:30 First endurance paddle
12:15 Dark mode
14:53 Injury and pulmonary embolism
22:02 Crossing Cook Strait
25:00 Weather conditions
30:00 Setting off
35:24 Support crew
38:00 Great White sharks
40:30 Surprise fuel
42:45 Hitting the wall
45:33 Best team
47:35 Land
51:40 Celebrations
54:03 Paddle X documentary
56:00 Give it a go
59:59 Future plans

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