Inside the rising culture of multi-day SUP exploration: With Caroline Dawson & Yster SUP’s outdoor venture in Sweden

Could adventure SUP be an emerging counterpart to run clubs? A space where community, knowledge-sharing and pure outdoor joy come together on the water? From micro-adventures to full multi-day SUP expeditions, adventure paddling is experiencing a rise. More and more established coaches and endurance SUP racers are turning to this leisure discipline to blend training, long-distance paddling, and the spirit of off-grid exploration – all while building genuine community along the way.

Serious paddlers are shifting toward multi-day SUP, and the movement is gaining real momentum. To understand this phenomenon, TotalSUP caught up with Caroline “Caz” Dawson.

Caroline is an all-round waterwoman, adventure foodie, Founder of SUP Lass Paddle Adventures and qualified Paddle UK SUP Coach and Guide. Based in North Wales, she has travelled across the country creating a highly supportive environment for women paddlers, developing tailored SUP adventures that blend skills, confidence, and camaraderie. In 2024, she also became the first woman to stand-up paddleboard over 300 km down the mighty Madre de Dios—a main tributary of the Amazon River – further cementing her reputation as a true pioneer in adventure paddling.

She is also a returning Coach and Guide for SUPdriven Expeditions – an outdoor company co-founded by Leah Richardson and Per Vallbo, offering guided SUP journeys through Sweden’s spectacular wilderness. These expeditions are powered by Yster SUP gear, the premium Swedish brand based in Malmö, with a dedicated quiver for these adventures consisting entirely of Yster iSUP 14′ × 28″ boards, renowned for their exceptional performance and proven track record in some of the toughest ultra-endurance races, including the legendary Yukon 1000.

With two new 2026 dates now open – Lake of 1000 Islands (18–25 July 2026) and the Archipelago Expedition Masterclass (2–9 August 2026) – we caught up with Caroline to dive deeper into the rise of adventure SUP, and what this growing movement means for paddlers today.

Hi Caroline, welcome to TotalSUP! You’re one of the most prominent SUP coaches in the UK. How have you seen the SUP scene evolve over the years?

I’ve personally witnessed the UK SUP scene undergo a dramatic transformation. It has rapidly evolved from a niche watersport into one of the country’s fastest-growing mass participation activities.

Crucially, I’ve observed a significant maturation towards adventure-style paddling. There is a noticeable and increasing appetite for multi-day trips and long-distance touring across the UK’s incredible waterways—our rivers, canals, and lochs—moving well beyond simple day paddles. This adventurous mindset is also driving a strong interest in overseas expeditions.

As a direct result of this shift, many paddlers have naturally upgraded their paddle gear, opting for longer, more efficient touring-style boards as they actively seek to expand their boundaries and capabilities.

Caroline with the squad in Sweden and Leah Richardson, Co-Founder and Guide at SUPdriven.

What role does community-building play in your coaching philosophy and the SUP Lass Paddle Adventures initiative?

Community is everything. The growth of SUP Lass Paddle Adventures has been highly collaborative; we focus on evolving the offerings alongside our clients to provide the products and experiences they genuinely want

It’s been a wonderful journey to share the water with clients at every stage – from their very first taster session right through to undertaking their first multi-day Swedish wilderness expedition. Given that most of our clients are female, I find that they thrive best from a highly customised and supportive approach that directly addresses their specific paddling needs, builds their confidence, and aligns with their adventure goals.

What first drew you to expedition paddling and coaching?

My passion for the outdoors is deeply ingrained, stemming from my childhood growing up in rural North Wales. I spent my younger years immersed in nature, whether building dens or disappearing up the mountain with my pony, armed only with a map and a thermos flask.

This lifelong dedication to exploration translates perfectly to SUP. For me, it’s an incredibly versatile craft, and while I enjoy all its disciplines, I have naturally gravitated toward the logistical and physical challenges presented by expeditions and multi-day trips.

Through my business, SUP Lass Paddle Adventures, my goal is to provide comprehensive ‘SUP and more’ experiences by blending essential paddling instruction with vital camp craft and outdoor cooking elements. Above all, I am passionate about finding innovative ways to make challenging and rewarding paddle adventures accessible to everyone.

You’ve been part of the SUPdriven guide team and are returning for the 2026 expeditions in Sweden – what has the experience been like so far?

It has been a genuine pleasure being involved with the SUPdriven story since the very beginning. Over the last few years, I have developed a deep affinity for Sweden, visiting the country numerous times to pursue my own paddling adventures. The more I visit, the more I fall in love with its vast wilderness, its pristine waters, and, of course, the obligatory sticky cinnamon buns!

I particularly enjoy adding my own unique twist to these expeditions, especially through open-fire cooking and camp craft, and I love encouraging the clients to get hands-on. I’m constantly looking for new, creative ideas to test out—for instance, last year’s trip featured the inaugural ‘Swedish Apple Peeling Championships’, which added a fun, memorable element to the camp experience!

Can you share a standout moment or lesson learned from one of the SUP Driven expeditions that has shaped how you guide others?

The standout moment is the ritual of Fika – the traditional Swedish coffee break. We take this one step further with the Floating Fika, transforming the coffee break into a relaxing moment enjoyed right on the water.

It’s a chance to stop, kick back on your board, and truly savor a freshly brewed coffee, traditionally served with a cinnamon bun. Every Fika on a SUPdriven expedition is memorable because it provides an opportunity to pause in a beautiful, new location and truly take in the surroundings.

As a guide, the lesson is the importance of these moments of intentional rest and appreciation; I always challenge myself to find even more picturesque and secluded locations for our next Floating Fika, ensuring each break is unique and unforgettable.

SUP Driven expeditions are powered by Yster SUP boards and gear – what was your personal experience like paddling with their equipment during the journey?

I’ve used the Yster 14’x 28″ Linear touring inflatable boards for the past two seasons, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with their performance. Per Vallbo, one of the founders of SUPdriven, is also behind the Yster brand.

These boards offer an excellent balance of speed and stability. A highly valuable characteristic of the Yster is that it actually handles better and gains stability the more it is loaded, which makes it an ideal, reliable platform for multi-day expeditions where carrying substantial gear is essential.

How important is it for adventurers and coaches to have the right gear?

For any multi-day expedition, the importance of having the right gear and ensuring it is thoroughly tried and tested cannot be overstated.

I strongly encourage paddlers to test their kit list well in advance – a list is provided by SUP Driven. This means running a test session on shorter paddles or even practising a camp-out to check equipment functionality. It is essential to confirm that every item performs its intended job, is comfortable to use, and that you know how to operate it quickly and efficiently – especially when faced with challenging weather conditions or in the dark.

Dry bags are the single most important piece of gear, as they protect your kit (shelter, sleeping bag, electronics, etc.) from getting wet. SUPdriven supplied some excellent dry bags for the expedition, highlighting their commitment to reliable gear.

How do you tailor your coaching approach when preparing paddlers for multi-day expeditions versus day trips or shorter sessions?

When preparing paddlers for their first multi-day expedition, my coaching approach shifts to prioritise endurance, efficiency, and preparedness for prolonged effort whilst carrying gear. Many paddlers seek support to ensure they are fully ready for the unique challenges of a loaded, long-distance trip.

I like to teach a highly sustainable and efficient stroke designed to minimise fatigue and prevent injury over multiple days. The emphasis is on generating power primarily through core engagement and hip rotation, rather than relying solely on arm and shoulder strength.

We work on finding the paddlers “all-day” or “plodding” pace – a sustainable rhythm that can be maintained consistently while paddling a fully loaded board. This typically means training the athlete to paddle comfortably in their Zone 2 heart rate, which is essential for maximising aerobic endurance.

Crucial practice involves paddling, maneuvering, and executing board remounts while the board is fully loaded with expedition gear. This addresses the fact that weight alters the board’s dynamics and stability, requiring different balance and muscle memory.

What advice would you give to paddlers who want to move beyond casual SUP into more serious adventure and expedition paddling?

My advice is simple: start with ‘micro-adventures’ – then think big! Don’t feel you have to book a two-week epic immediately. Start by simply paddling further than you usually do, packing a proper lunch, trying a new waterway, or even just doing an overnight camp-out close to home. Build your competence, confidence, and gear knowledge incrementally. This foundational preparation is the safest and most enjoyable way to transition into serious adventure and expedition paddling.

New 2026 SUPdriven expedition dates:

• Lake of 1000 Islands: 18–25 July 2026
• Archipelago Expedition Masterclass: 2–9 August 2026

Find out more about SUPdriven here.

Explore Yster SUP quiver at www.ystersup.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow Caroline on Instagram and Facebook.

*Images courtesy of Caroline Dawson, Yster SUP x SUPdriven.