E68: Ilia Smirnov Crushes the Solo Mississippi Speed Record - Part 1

In this episode, Chris Thomas sits down with Ilia Smirnov, endurance and whitewater paddler and paddle shop owner originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, now living in North Carolina who just smashed the solo Mississippi Speed Record. This is the 1st episode of a 3 part epic series as Ilia and I sat down for nearly 6 total hours on 3 separate occasions. We cover so much in this part 1 episode from buying a paddle shop before he ever paddled before, leveling up to whitewater rafting and paddling, the Green River Narrows Race, kayaking the Grand Canyon solo, physical and mental training, vessel choice for the speed record, attachment to ego and controlling the mind, the headwaters of the Mississippi, how going from pristine wilderness to industrialization affects the mind as well as the land, and formidable lake crossings. And if you’re enjoying the show please share it, follow it, or visit dabblinginpaddleism.com to find archives, what’s coming soon, guest book recommendations, and ways to support the show through merch, memberships, and more. There’s so much more to this episode, part 1 of a 3 part series, but I’ll let you hear it from Ilia himself on this 68th episode of the Dabbling in Paddleism Podcast…

Ilia’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilia.capefear Business website: www.capefearadventures.com Personal website: www.uncomfortablewithin.com