Q&A with Jo Moseley
Jo Moseley by Jumpy James
Interview: Peter Tranter
Photos: Jo Moseley & Jumpy James
Her three SUP books, filled with inspiring journeys, practical tips, and soulful reflections, are a testament to her commitment. Through her adventures, Jo encourages others to discover joy, resilience, and connection. Her regular SUPM feature on ‘Paddleboarding for Good’ stories and her advocacy for the inclusion of more women in SUP are just some of the ways she is making a difference. Take it away, Jo…
Before we begin, Jo, could you please tell our readers a little about yourself, your background, and your family?
Hello, and thank you so much for inviting me to share my story with you in this special issue. I’m very honoured. So here goes: I’m 60 years old and a single Mum of two grown-up sons – Henry, 28, and Johnny, 25. I live in a tiny fisherman’s cottage on the Yorkshire coast, where I look after my 92-year-old father.
Tell us about the start of your SUP journey
I took my first paddleboarding lesson on September 24, 2016, on Derwentwater, one of the northern lakes in the Lake District. I had injured my knee at the start of the year, and on September 1, I set myself a challenge to spend 30 minutes a day being active outdoors to heal fully and get stronger. From the moment I stood up, I felt ‘like a warrior, not a worrier,’ and fell in love with SUP!
When, where and why did the idea of writing SUP books come about?
Having paddleboarded 162 miles coast to coast from Liverpool to Goole in 2019, picking up litter and fundraising for the 2 Minute Foundation and The Wave Project, I knew the joy being on the water gave me and how it had enriched my life. I wanted other people to experience that same joy, and by exploring, researching and writing about places around England, Scotland and Wales, I could open up opportunities for them to discover it too.
There wasn’t a GB-wide travel guide dedicated to paddleboarding, and I wanted to change that. I felt that as a community, we deserved our own guides that best reflected our sport. Lockdown allowed me to think about and pitch the idea to different publishers.
‘Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain – Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in England, Scotland and Wales’ was published in 2022 by award-winning Vertebrate Publishing.
Following the success of the first book, I was commissioned to write ‘Stand Up Paddleboarding in The Lake District – Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in Cumbria’, which was published in 2024 and recently won the Lakeland Book Awards Zeffirellis Guides and Places Award.
Next up is ‘Adventures on the Water – The Power of Paddleboarding to Change Lives’, which came out in 2025. (See Dale Mears’ and Natasha Sone’s reviews in this issue).
This is a ‘one of a kind’ book that brings together 25 personal essays from incredible and inspiring paddlers across various disciplines, along with scientific research on the benefits of SUP for our wellbeing, and a fantastic resource of top tips, favourite gear, locations, and snacks. It’s an uplifting, encouraging and interesting read, and I’m really proud to share the fabulous stories of people I’ve admired for many years.
What gives you a buzz from publishing?
Ooh, good question! Ultimately, it’s about creating something that will bring joy to others, provide them with helpful information, and open up new dreams and adventures.
I think there is an excitement at each stage of publishing a book – from coming up with the initial idea, working on it until it feels good enough to pitch, and getting the go-ahead to start researching. Research is always a joy – first at my desk, where I review maps, take notes, and consult with other paddlers; then out on the water around the country.
The next phase is writing up, which requires quiet time to go through my notes and photos – thousands of them!
Then comes the editing with the Vertebrate Publishing team checking every fact and reference. They are very thorough!
Finally, it’s publication and promotion – sharing the book, the stories and the places I’ve included.
Seeing my book in a bookshop or in someone’s hands is a thrill, and I’m grateful when that happens!
What are the plans regarding future book publishing, if any?
I think I’m going to pause and enjoy the books I’ve written for a while, really sharing the joy of SUP through them. I have a habit of always looking ahead to the next project, and for now, I want to take a moment to celebrate the three I’ve written in the last four years. It’s been a wild ride!
I also just want to enjoy paddleboarding! I’ve read other authors talk about making their passion their work, only to find that they didn’t then enjoy the sport or hobby they had initially fallen in love with. I love SUP and want the space to simply have fun! I also want to cheerlead other SUP books coming onto the market. It’s great to see the bookshelves growing!
Let’s see what unfolds…
You do plenty of speaking to audiences – how do you prepare, and do you ever get nervous?
I do get nervous, yes, but I also know I’m not pretending to be anyone else but me when I speak, and I know what I’m talking about, as I’ve lived it. My goal is to share the joy of the water, believing in yourself and having adventures that make your heart sing. As long as I’m professional, authentic, and focused on what’s right for the audience, I remind myself that I’ll be OK.
I also have some gorgeous slides with beautiful photos and two small films, so they provide an excellent structure for my talk.
Where did the idea of your latest book, ‘Adventures on the Water’, come about?
Having written two guidebooks focused on the ‘Where and How’ of paddleboarding, I wanted to pivot and focus my attention on the ‘Who and Why’ of SUP – why we paddle, what it does to enhance our lives, and, most importantly, share the stories of inspiring paddlers. It felt like the right time to branch out to a new type of book within SUP.
There is tremendous enthusiasm amongst women for SUP – why do you think that is?
Oh, there really is! I think there are several factors – it’s a wonderful way to connect with other people, has all the benefits of being on the water for our blue health in quite an accessible way, offers the opportunity to paddle hard or easy so we can tailor it to our energy levels on the day, there’s always something new to learn or if we wish a discipline to try.
I think because we are still a relatively new sport, there isn’t the weight of history on our shoulders telling us what a paddleboarder should look like or the things we should do or enjoy. So we are writing our own stories about what we enjoy, and there’s a tremendous freedom in that.
I think also women were really leading the way in terms of endurance paddling at the outset – like Cal Major, Fiona Quinn and Lizzie Carr – so we have fabulous role models! Look at Caz Dawson now, too!
Which brands do you work with, and how do they help you?
Red Equipment very kindly lent me a board for my second book, which is on the front cover. I love their dry bag and changing robe for sea swimming and SUP. The robe is also brilliant for the van – perfect for pottering about, cooking in the morning or evening, or even as an extra blanket! Their waterproof tote bag is so practical and I love the blue colour.
Palm also asked me to review the Riff and Tika buoyancy aids, which I love. I had been part of the research for Tika, and I must say it’s the most comfortable and practical BA I’ve ever had.
Alpkit very generously asked me to review a gorgeous blue shortie wetsuit, which is made of Yulex – a much better alternative to neoprene. It’s great for sea dipping and paddling too. I have spoken at the Alpkit Big Shakeout, which is a great weekend of adventure and fun!
I’ve worn FINDRA over many years – a Scottish female-founded company that makes wonderful merino wool clothing. I wear the base layer and leggings in the van and under my Palm two-piece dry suit. Cosy but not sweaty for winter paddles.
Whitby & Co, based in Kendal, is another excellent company that is a wholesaler of fabulous outdoor gear, perfect for camping and van life. I’ve reviewed the Selk Bag they stock in this month’s issue. Take a look!
I’ve also partnered with the Eden Rivers Trust, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, and South Cumbria Rivers Trust to share their ‘Check, Clean, and Dry’ campaign to protect the Lakes from Invasive Non-Native Species. It’s a critical issue. My friends at Biomate have been great supporters with a giveaway of their portable cleaning system.
Finally, although I don’t work with them directly, I’m a big supporter of the RNLI, The Wave Project, 2 Minute Foundation, and the Lake District Foundation.
Who are your role models, and who/what keeps you motivated?
All the people I’ve met for my three books inspire me, and I love seeing what they are up to and where they are paddling.
I think simply remembering how wonderful it feels to be on the water is the motivation. I also want to stay healthy and strong in my 70s and 80s, which motivates me. I’d like to be paddling at sunrise then, too!
Sarah Thornely is one of the most amazing role models in SUP, showing what’s possible in our 60s, and I’m proud to be an ambassador for Cal Major’s charity, Seaful.
What’s the best way to improve paddling skills?
Expert tuition, paddling with people more technically skilled and experienced than you and practice.
Your campervan looks great – how much time do you spend travelling?
It’s a bit of a juggle with looking after my Dad and work, but I try to go away every couple of weeks, even if it’s only for a night. My van ‘Summer’ is my day van so every time I go in her is like a mini adventure!
You look like a very happy and contented woman – what’s the secret to your good feelings?
Oh gosh, that’s very kind of you. These things really help: the sea, moving in the fresh air, early nights, gratitude, books (both writing and reading!), sunrises, my Red Equipment paddleboard, friends and family, dreams, and projects to work on.
One of the joys of getting older is finding myself in the sweet spot of life. I care far less about what other people think of me or what I do, and at the same time, I recognise that life is short and precious. If I have a dream, I owe it to myself to try and make it come true. It’s a real freedom!
Whether it’s writing the first books dedicated only to paddleboarding or a completely different SUP book like Adventures on the Water or making a film about a friend taking me skinny dipping for the first time at 60, it’s a really inspiring chapter of life – even with all the juggling of caring responsibilities.
If you could capture one ‘feel good’ moment in your time paddling, which would it be and why?
I think sunrises and sunsets are my favourite feel good moments. Runswick Bay at sunrise never fails. I experienced the most incredible sunset on the southwest coast of Scotland with Linn van der Zanden, who shares her story in the book. We saw dolphins across the water and slept on the beach. Perfection!
Which paddling locations in the world would be on your bucket list?
I’ve seen many great photos from Caz Dawson in Norway and Slovenia with Suzanne Patterson, which look wonderful.
What’s the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife that you’ve had whilst paddling?
Dolphins and porpoises in Wales and Scotland were very special.
Do you have an eco-message for fellow paddlers?
I think if we can each take just two minutes on every trip to pick up litter, that would be great. A #2minutebeachclean can have a significant and positive impact if we all did it!
Also, take a couple of minutes to check, clean, and dry our boards, kit, and ourselves to ensure we don’t carry invasive non-native species (INNS) from place to place, as they can be very damaging. Washing your board with a Biomate brush and water bottle really can make a huge difference, but takes no time!
A big question – how does SUP keep progressing in your opinion?
Good question! Well, I hope my books will play a small role in showing beautiful places and wonderful people in paddleboarding as we progress! I believe that sharing the message that everyone is welcome and has a place to thrive is essential. Of course, we need to keep reminding people of the safety message so that new paddlers feel and are safe on the water.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to: Adventures in my van named Summer, to lovely new and favourite familiar places near the water. I’d love to return to Scotland.
Speaking at different festivals about my books and finding places to paddle nearby.
I’m looking forward to new SUP books being published – especially Anu Ladin’s book about London with Bloomsbury Publishing, and there’s another fabulous one in the pipeline that friends of mine are writing that I’m excited about!
OK – life isn’t all about SUP – so what else interests you when you get the time?
I’ve started rowing with friends, which is lovely, and we have set ourselves a new goal – rowing to Denmark in summer 2027! We are @saltyseasisterswhitby on Instagram and Facebook. I swim in the sea, enjoy saunas on the beach, and love simply being with friends and family. One of my favourite things when I’m not writing is reading and listening to new books on a walk.
We’ve heard you’re making a film – what is this about?
The film, with author Sara Barnes and debut filmmaker Emily Cartigny, is called Skinny and shares the joy of skinny dipping in a Lake District waterfall – something I never imagined I’d ever do! We have already submitted it to a film festival.
Quickfire fun questions:
Who would it be if you could paddle with anyone, dead or alive?
Paddling with Cal Major was a joy, so that would be lovely again, and Sarah Thornely properly for a full day out, after our short paddle for TV.
If your board had a name, what would it be?
The board I paddled coast to coast on was called Grace – after Grace Darling, the RNLI heroine. Ooh, she’d be very interesting to SUP with. A brave young woman!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen floating in the water?
A pork chop in a plastic box on the Leeds Liverpool canal. Also, I once found a box of lovely jewellery in the canal.
If you could only paddle to the beat of one musical track, what track would you choose?
Ooh gosh, I love Dolly Parton’s Try and Gary Barlow’s Dare. I don’t listen to music or podcasts on my Paddleboard, so this would be very new to me!
What essential gear do you always bring with you?
Buoyancy aid, leash, dry bag with extra clothes, cagoule, a flask of tea or water, snack and my fully charged mobile phone and case.
If your board could talk, what would it say about your paddling skills?
Oh gosh, keep having fun, Jo, I think!
If you could only bring three items on a SUP trip – what would they be?
Buoyancy aid, leash and a fully charged mobile phone.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever tried to transport on a board?
I once found a large green plastic chair on a more isolated beach and brought it back on my board, along with lots of other litter.
What’s the oddest snack you’ve ever eaten while paddling?
I can’t think of anything odd, although I do love a Marmite and cottage cheese sandwich, and that can divide opinion!
What’s your most unusual board ritual or superstition?
I don’t have any – other than just checking safety things are all there. About 100 times!
What’s the ultimate SUP superpower you wish you had?
I’d be able to see all the wildlife under the surface around my board and marvel at what’s there!
Finally, any shoutouts?
I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to my books in various ways, including my publishers at Vertebrate Publishing, Sarah Thornely, Emma Love, Dale Mears and the team at SUP Mag UK, especially Peter Tranter and Anne Egan. And all the wonderful readers who message to say they love my books. That’s the most special feeling!
You can find me on Instagram @jomoseley @thejoyofsuppodcast_ or Facebook Jo Moseley or @thejoyofsuppodcast or email jomoseley@yahoo.com www.jomoseley.com
Huge thanks, Jo, for taking the time out for this.
SUP Mag UK 
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