Flying Fish’s Newest Team Member Cam Carney Rising Above and Beyond at Lowcountry Paddle Fest

Earlier this month Cam Carney had an incredible performance at John and Alice Batson’s race, the Lowcountry Paddle Fest in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina beating 2 x USA National Champion Jake Portwood in the technical races on the final day of competition. Cam has turned many heads this year as he has recently announced his partnership with the Flying Fish Board Co team. Today on TotalSUP we caught up with Cam to find out more about his racing season this year, and his thoughts on joining the powerhouse team!

Hello Cam! Welcome to TotalSUP today! We’re so stoked you’re here! Congratulations on an incredible racing season so far! How did you get connected with Flying Fish, and John Meskauskas? What was your first interaction like with them?

My first time meeting John and his crew was at the USA SUP Nationals in Detroit earlier this year. They were respectful competitors, aggressive on the water and genuine off the water.

How did it feel to compete in the Lowcountry Paddle Fest for the first time as a member of Flying Fish Board Co?

It was great. John and Alice Batson and their crew did an amazing job hosting the event. I would definitely recommend and will be back. The Flying Fish crew were a big part in making this event accessible for me. Taking care of my every need like covering meals, a room in the house, and having a board made custom to my preferences, a 14×20.5 Freedom. I developed my skills for strategy and racing techniques during pool side discussions with the boys. Jake Portwood and Steve Miller have unlimited tricks up their sleeves. I was very comfortable with the group and settled in well. I felt at home and supported.

We’re so happy to hear you felt so comfortable with the boys! What was the most challenging part of the races, and how did you prepare for them?

The most challenging part was managing the countless variables present. It was very easy to find excuses if I didn’t do well on race day. Happy I was able to excel with a new board I’ve never trained or raced with, and in temperatures and climates l’m no where near used to. It was difficult but definitely possible. The board felt stable under my feet and was incredible in the side drafts.

Can you share your favorite moment or highlight from the Lowcountry Paddle Fest?

From a competitive standpoint I was really happy with my come from behind in tech final. Likely my worst start I’ve ever had and in such a short race, it’s difficult to make up lost ground. I was able to take advantage during the running stages, firstly around the flag then the beach run finish.

It was so much fun to watch your comeback in Hilton Head! Congratulations again! How did your training lead up to the Paddle Fest, and did anything specific help you perform well during the race?

I’ve trained consistently with Booth Training and had specific sessions the week leading up to the event and a warm up for each race. Micheal Booth has lots of race knowledge and the most unique and valuable part of Booth Training is its applications to race day. especially in-person, he has been huge for progression and preparation during events. The week leading up, my nutrition was clean but simple, typically at the mercy of whatever Blake Carmichael was already cooking. I flew down solo with a backpack and paddle, so didn’t have space for a water pack, or any supplements. I was able to score both from Blake as well. What a nice guy. Thanks to Blake’s parents, Robert and Robin for driving me up from Florida to race.

How has joining the Flying Fish Board Co team impacted your paddling and competitive experience?

Having access to insights from experienced racers like Jake, Steve, and Blake was very beneficial in not only my race strategy, but also made it easier to predict and understand other racers moves allowing me to take advantage.

That’s great Cam! Were there any surprises or unexpected lessons you learned from the races in South Carolina?

You can always get more out of yourself… and oatmeal tastes exactly how it looks…

You’re definitely right about both of those… We’d love to know more about your experience in South Carolina! How did the South Carolina coastline and environment influence your paddling experience there?

The tide was an unexpected difficulty. There was also an alleged shark sighting on the course which was motivating to stay on the board.

Oh wow! Glad you didn’t run into any sharks! What are your goals moving forward, both with Flying Fish and in competitive paddling?

Some goals for me are to continue racing and work my way closer to Qualifying for Team Canada at the 2027 Pan-American Games. Likely tour down south to train with the flying fish crew during winter to keep my conditioning up. I would like to continue my relationship with Flying Fish as they continue to support me.

Those are great plans Cam and we hope everything comes to fruition! Last question before we let you go today… Would you recommend the Lowcountry Paddle Fest to other paddlers, and why?

Yes I would recommend as it’s a very professional race, well organized, accessible, and a great group of people. I would really like to say thank you to all of the people back home supporting me while I continue to compete internationally. West Shore and the Husky Boys, Ash, Mike, Jake, Shawn, Matt, Fraser, Dariusz, Brett, Lusky, Dan Miller, my parents, and so many others that reached out with support and good wishes, you know who you are. Thank you!

Thanks for joining us on TotalSUP today Cam! We wish you nothing but the most success for the rest of your racing season and for your future in this sport! It’s definitely bright.