Speaking from WATER

In Episode 55 of Speaking From Water, host Sean Ruttkay welcomes special guest Tim Lane, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience in swimming, water sports, and athlete development. In this captivating episode titled "Coaching Gold and Water Speed," Sean and Tim dive deep into the art and science of coaching elite athletes. Tim shares his journey from competitive swimming to becoming a highly respected coach, providing insights into the techniques and mindset that have helped his athletes succeed. A highlight of this conversation is Tim's experience coaching Cameron McEvoy, the Australian swimming sensation who has represented his country at the 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 Summer Olympics. As the reigning Olympic champion in the men's 50m freestyle and the first Australian man to win a gold medal in this event, McEvoy's journey under Tim's guidance offers a unique look at what it takes to achieve greatness on the world stage. Tim opens up about the training methods, the challenges of preparing for Olympic-level competition, and the intense focus required to refine technique and speed in the pool. They also explore topics such as the importance of discipline, the mental and physical training required to excel in the water, and how to build resilience in athletes. Tim’s passion for the sport shines through as he discusses his philosophy on training for speed and the nuances of developing a competitive edge in the water. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories, offering a rare inside look at what goes into coaching a world-class swimmer. Whether you’re an aspiring swimmer, a coach looking for inspiration, or a water enthusiast eager to hear from a seasoned pro, Episode 55 of Speaking From Water is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Sean and Tim’s insightful conversation about the dedication, hard work, and love for the water that drives top-tier performance. #SpeakingFromWater #WaterSports #CoachingGold #OlympicSwimming #SwimFast #EliteAthletes #CameronMcEvoy #SwimmingCoach #50mFreestyle #SwimTraining

Join us on Speaking From Water EP54, featuring April O'Gorman, a dynamic force in surf lifesaving, design, and sustainability. In this episode, April shares her incredible journey from growing up by the ocean to becoming the captain of the U.S. Women’s National Surf Lifesaving Team. April discusses how her love for the water shaped her athletic career and her passion for sustainability. We dive deep into her unique path, blending surf lifesaving competitions with her work as an industrial designer focused on sustainable solutions. April touches on her time training in Australia, the growth of surf lifesaving as a sport, and the physical and mental discipline required to succeed at the highest level. She also opens up about her groundbreaking project designing biodegradable boogie boards and the need for more eco-conscious innovations in surf equipment. In addition to her accomplishments in the water, April shares how her experience as a designer allows her to approach lifeguarding and environmental issues with creativity and empathy. Whether you’re interested in sports, design, or making a positive impact on the environment, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in to learn from April’s inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and dedication to both sport and sustainability!

Join us for an inspiring episode of Speaking From Water as we sit down with BIG-wave surfer Mason Barnes in EP53. Broadcasting live from his new venture, The Bevy Market in Wrightsville Beach, Mason takes us on a journey through his life and passions. We kick off the episode discussing the inspiration behind The Bevy Market, his partners in the venture, and the unique products he offers that reflect his love for the ocean and community. As we stroll through Harbor Island, Mason opens up about his early childhood growing up in Wrightsville Beach, sharing vivid memories of the waves that shaped his path and the local surf culture that fueled his dreams. He talks about the influence of his parents and early mentors, both locally and internationally, who guided his journey into the world of surfing. Mason takes us through his first surf trips, detailing the experiences and waves that solidified his commitment to surfing. He shares his evolution from a young surfer in Wrightsville Beach to taking on some of the world’s most dangerous waves in Hawaii, and what drives him toward the thrill of surfing consequential waves. We also dive into his passion for fashion, discussing how he balances his love for style with his surf career, including his work as a top model for brands like Tommy Hilfiger. Mason reflects on his first experiences surfing the giant waves of Nazaré and his quest to ride the biggest wave ever, sharing what it takes to prepare physically and mentally for such extreme challenges. This episode is a deep dive into the life of a remarkable athlete who has carved out a unique path in both the surf and fashion worlds. Mason’s story is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to chasing dreams. Tune in to discover more about his journey, his inspirations, and what lies ahead for this BIG-Wave pioneer.

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!

Welcome to Speaking From Water, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of water sports and exploration. In this episode, titled "Running Water," we have a special guest, Tom Clifford, joining host Sean Ruttkay. Tom Clifford is a renowned coach and fitness enthusiast with a passion for teaching people how to be fit and work hard. With a background in personal training and a focus on running, triathlon, and cycling, Tom has coached multiple athletes to Olympic Trials qualifications. He credits his work ethic and outlook to God and his family, who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication. In this episode, Tom shares his insights and experiences from his coaching career, discussing the importance of hard work, dedication, and the mindset of a champion. He reflects on his early days as a personal trainer in a local gym, highlighting the impact of group training on motivation. Tom also discusses his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of believing in one's potential and working hard to achieve goals. Throughout the episode, Tom shares personal anecdotes and stories from his coaching journey, including memorable experiences with athletes and the joy of watching them grow, both as athletes and as individuals. He also touches on his diverse taste in music, his guilty pleasures like Cold Stone ice cream, cookie dough, and beer, and his admiration for people who work hard and listen well. Join us as we explore the world of running, fitness, and the power of water with Tom Clifford on Speaking From Water. Learn from his insights and experiences, and discover how his coaching philosophy and dedication to his athletes can inspire you to achieve your fitness goals and work hard towards success.

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

Surf into the essence of surfing with our special guest, legendary surfer Gavin Beschen, in this episode of Speaking From Water. Join us as Gavin takes us on a captivating journey through his life in the waves, sharing intimate details of his early inspirations, memorable moments, and profound connection to the ocean.Gavin begins by recounting his humble beginnings and the pivotal role his parents played in nurturing his passion for surfing. From a young age, he felt drawn to the ocean's allure, and his journey to the North Shore of Hawaii as a teenager only solidified his love for the sport. Listen as Gavin vividly describes the sights, sounds, and smells of his first encounter with the legendary waves of Hawaii, and the transformative experience of catching his first wave in those sacred waters.As we delve deeper into Gavin's career, he opens up about his enduring relationship with Volcom, reflecting on their unwavering support throughout his journey as a freesurfer. He shares poignant stories of his best sessions at Rockies Point, revealing the magic of those unforgettable moments on the waves. Gavin also offers insights into his current favorite surfboard and the water aesthetic that fuels his dreams.But beyond the accolades and achievements, Gavin's true passion for surfing shines through as he discusses what draws him to the sport on a deeper level. Through his words, we gain a profound understanding of the spiritual connection he shares with the ocean and how it has shaped every aspect of his life.Join us as we immerse ourselves in the spirit of surfing with Gavin Beschen, a true icon of the waves, and discover the timeless wisdom and inspiration that can only be found in the rhythm of the ocean.