Turning Setbacks Into Triumphs: A Paddle Through the Amazon with Caz Dawson

She Who Dares, Wins.

Caz Dawson is an adventurer and professional stand-up paddleboarder (SUP) based in North Wales. Known for tackling extraordinary challenges, Caz has paddled through some of the world's most treacherous waters. Recently, she made history by becoming the first woman to paddleboard a specific stretch of the Amazon River. With a background in coaching and instructing, Caz founded SUP Lass Adventures, where she instructs and guides others in the world of paddleboarding. Her robust background in fitness and endurance training empowers her to help others achieve what they might consider impossible.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the "She Dares Wins" podcast, Michelle welcomes Caz Dawson, an intrepid paddleboarder who has recently completed a harrowing yet exhilarating journey down the Amazon River. Kaz recounts the significant challenges she faced, including undergoing emergency gallbladder surgery just three weeks before her expedition. Despite medical advice against it, her mental resilience and physical conditioning propelled her to complete the journey, making her the first woman to complete this specific paddleboarding challenge in the Amazon.

Caz opens up about the rigorous twelve-month preparation leading up to her Amazon adventure and how even an unexpected medical emergency and recovery didn't deter her. She describes the daunting enormity of the Amazon River, dealing with uncharted waters, enduring the oppressive heat, and navigating around potentially hostile tribal territories. Caz details the life-changing experiences of encountering exotic wildlife, meeting remote communities, and overcoming the physical and mental hurdles that came with paddling 335 kilometers in six days. She also dives into how she turned her passion for SUP into a thriving business, offering coaching and guided adventures in varied environments, including upcoming trips to Sweden and Norway.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental Resilience: Caz emphasizes the importance of mental strength in overcoming unexpected events, such as her emergency surgery, and pushing through the physical demands of the journey.
• Preparation and Training: The episode underscores extensive training and preparation, not just in paddleboarding but also in overall fitness, to successfully undertake extreme challenges.
• Adapting to Environments: Caz shares insights on adapting to different environments, from the heat of the Amazon jungle to the icy waters of the UK, and how that shapes one’s adventure.
• Cultural Encounters: Listener gets a glimpse into the cultural richness and complexities of the Amazon, including interactions with local communities and navigating territories of uncontacted tribes.
• Empowerment Through Adventure: Caz speaks about empowering others, especially women, through accessible and affordable paddleboarding adventures, fostering a supportive community.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I was so determined that was what came and made me sort of keep really positive." – Caz Dawson
2. "We dream about these big adventures and challenges and this lovely, perfect lead-up… but I ended up having emergency surgery to have my gallbladder removed three weeks before I was due to fly." – Caz Dawson
3. "Talk about daring. I think that was me taking a dare, thinking, will it work? And if it doesn't, then, well." – Caz Dawson
4. "If you can find a way or an environment that is safe, it's friendly, and accessible, then it's a great sport to introduce people to." – Caz Dawson
5. "Be brave enough to suck at something new." – Caz Dawson

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