Hayley Browning | From battling breast cancer to building a paddle boarding community

Hayley Browning’s journey is truly inspiring. Paddleboarding entered her life as a beacon of hope after her diagnosis of breast cancer at just 27 years old. It became her lifeline, reconnecting her with the healing power of nature that she had missed since her days living off-grid in a wooden cabin on Wolf Lake in Minnesota.

But it wasn't until she took the leap of faith, quitting her 9-5 office job and risking her life savings to pursue her dream of working on the water, that the true magic happened. Today's episode promises to  inspire you to embrace the unknown, trusting that the net will appear, just as it did for Hayley.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Overview of the Paddle Cabin

08:05
Leaving London and Starting the Paddle Cabin

15:31
Transitioning from a Nine-to-Five Job to Pursuing Outdoor Adventures

38:44
Lessons Learned from Outdoor Adventures

Instagram - @paddlecabin / @hayleyexplores
Website - https://www.paddlecabin.co.uk/

You can find this episode on iTunes, Spotify and many other podcast platform

If you have any questions or would like to suggest a guest please get in touch! You can email India via indiapearsonclarke@gmail.com or send a message via Instagram @india_outdoors / @finandflow / www.indiapearson.co.uk

~Music - Caleb Howard Almond / @oakandalmondcarpentry

Transcript

India (00:00.195)
about this software is it uses AI to do loads of stuff. So it makes you sound better. It's something I don't know how you come through in 4k. Don't ask me how it's just like, yeah, it makes all these little video snippets. Very clever. I'm going to, and this is like the first time I'm using it. As in for this series, because I was just doing it on zoom before. But yeah. So if it feels like you're jumping, you're not, it's just the way that it's recording. Oh, my legs got stuck.

Hayley (00:15.558)
I don't know.

Hayley (00:19.366)
I did not... Oh, I see. Oh, nice. Well, I hope... I hope you enjoyed this video. I hope you enjoyed it.

Hayley (00:30.176)
Okay.

India (00:30.743)
Yeah, it's just the way that it's recording. So cool. Okey dokey. So I think we're all good. Amazing. Okay, let's start. So hi, Hayley. Thanks for joining me today. Let's start our ripple.

Hayley (00:43.854)
Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited to chat with you. And it feels like it's been a long time coming with all the chats we've had.

India (00:52.831)
I know, I know. And actually it's been, yeah, it's been a while, hasn't it, since we've caught up because I feel like we are fair weather friends. We sort of go into hibernation in the winter and do other stuff. And then in the summer we come out and we are, yeah, chatting a lot more. Obviously we've been working together as well. So yeah, it's a spring is on its way, which means we're allowed to talk to each other again.

Hayley (01:21.282)
We're allowed to, we have permission. And what your listeners should know is that India works creating incredible sub yoga sessions at the paddle cabin, which is my business. And so we're very grateful to have you because you create such beautiful moments for people on the water and that's what it's all about.

India (01:23.789)
Yeah.

India (01:40.115)
Oh, and I love teaching that is such, it's just, you just guys, you just got this right set up and I think, I think what was fourth year into paddle cabin, third year.

Hayley (01:51.83)
We're going into our fourth season, which is crazy.

India (01:54.259)
Ah, that is crazy. That is crazy. Cause I remember the first time that we met in person was like off the back of lockdown 2020, we met for a paddle board and you were like, I've got this thing that could happen. I could start a paddle boarding school. I'm not sure what to call it. And now look four years down, which is.

So exciting. And of course we will be diving into that a little bit more further into our chat. But I think obviously I know lots about you, but listeners might not. So can you start by just giving us a little bit of a brief overview of who you are and how you got to where you are today?

Hayley (02:41.838)
off. So I am the founder of the paddle cabin and I guess that's what I'm most well known for. But my paddle boarding business which as we said started, I'm going to start that again, hang on, ask me the question again.

India (02:57.787)
Yep. So can we start by giving us a brief overview of who you are and how you got to where you are today?

Hayley (03:09.562)
So I am Hayley and I am the founder of the Paddle Cabin and the Paddle Cabin is all about connecting with people who are happiest outdoors and we introduce people to adventure on the doorstep and that's two things that I think are so embodied within me. So the fact that I could turn that into a business and a community and give me the opportunity to find my community within paddleboarding means a lot to me. So

That's kind of my what I do right now. And I, yeah, I run all sorts of stuff with lessons and trips and adventures and socials and all the rest of it. But my past before that was all around kind of working in adventure really. So I started off by working, running Kilimanjaro trips and organizing them, which was awesome. And supporting on ultra marathons and 100 kilometer challenges. And...

Yeah, I think that's where my love for the outdoors was somewhat born. I also spent the total of about four years in America living in cabins with no electricity on the border of Canada and it was the most incredible time and I think that's what gave me that spirit of community in woodlands, outdoors and doing things that you love. So yeah, that's kind of how I've got to where I am now.

India (04:32.551)
Yeah. And so can you go back to the first time you were on a paddleboard? Because obviously it is a huge part of your life now. And I always think it's really interesting. You know, you're such a pro now, but there would have been a time when you were, were not, you were a complete beginner. So what brought you to paddleboarding in the first place? And what was that moment when you kind of first stepped on a board and...

the water.

Hayley (05:04.374)
And I love this question because my answer is not what people expect. Um, so I, I booked a paddle boarding lesson because I needed a bit of adventure in my life and at the time I was working in London and commuting, I was trying to get outdoors as much as I could, but it wasn't quite, I just didn't know what I could do on the doorstep and anyway, I Googled activities to get on the water, discovered that paddle boarding was a thing.

and I booked a lesson and it was a beautiful paddle on the River Stour in Essex on the Suffolk border and there was a beautiful sunset and it was just incredible and actually the opportunity then was we had two paddle boards and two kayaks and I went with some friends and I mean I have to be honest I preferred kayaking and the reason for that is because I felt so unstable on my feet and there was this pressure to stand and I

I ended the lesson asking the instructor, how do I buy kayaks? Because I really wanted to get out on the water more. And of course her answer was that, you know, kayaks are big and bulky and you need roof racks and all this kind of stuff. And I thought, ah, that's not going to work. So he talked to me about paddle boarding. And so I was somewhat forced into getting more into paddle boarding than kayaking. So yeah, that's how I got into it.

India (06:19.419)
Wow, I really don't like kayaking, I have to admit. I really can't get on with it. I think I've done sea kayaking quite a few times, I maybe feel quite sick on the water. So yeah, I've always been very like, paddling, but I did not know that about you, that it was always just a plan B, oh, I guess I'll get this because I can fit it in my car. So what?

Hayley (06:43.03)
Yeah, and that's what I love about it, because it's so much more accessible, and that's what I adore, and that's why so many people are getting on the water now, because it is more accessible. But actually, I'm like you, I don't like kayaking, and I love on a paddleboard that you can stand, you can sit, you can kneel, you can lie on your front, on your back, and you can move around, and that's, and that I love, and that's then why I fell in love with it. But yeah, it wasn't love at first sight for me.

India (06:47.861)
Yeah.

India (07:08.092)
Yeah.

And I think that is what is quite magical about the sport is, like you say, it's so accessible. And although you might get the jelly legs at the beginning, it's not going to take you months and months and years and years to get it. It might take you a few goes. Um, so obviously getting a lesson, someone like the paddle cabin is really important, but it is possible to do. And obviously if it ignites a sense of adventure in you, that's even, even better. Um, so.

Just out of curiosity, somebody who obviously had been living in these cabins with no electricity, anything, and really thriving that environment in the States, how did you end up in London, of all places? What made you kind of go into a city to then realise you need to get out of it again?

India (08:05.171)
Yeah.

Hayley (08:29.412)
Yeah, from

that everybody was going on, all of my friends were doing, but it wasn't necessarily the right path for me. And while I had a brilliant time in London, I learned so much and I learned the skills ultimately to then run my own business. So I'm very thankful for that period and those opportunities. But at the same time, it wasn't really following true to who I was. And that's something that I've learned, I guess the hard way in that it took me 12 years to realize how I could live the life that I did in America, but live it on my doorstep.

and there wasn't anything in the area that I lived, so that's why I created it.

India (09:06.919)
Yeah, and I think that's so true for many of us. I did the London thing for two years because I felt like I should have done it and I had to. And I ticked that box. And although I hated it, I mean, towards the end, I really hated it. I'm so grateful I did it because I don't have that urge. I don't have that scratch to think, oh, I wonder what it would have been like. I've experienced it. I know it's not for me. I got out. And I know that living by the sea is definitely...

where I need to be. So sometimes, although it can be hard at the time, it can be good to do the things that aren't right for you in order to pursue the things that are right.

Hayley (09:47.63)
Absolutely, and then you feel you can when you do discover the thing that is right for you You really feel like you're thriving suddenly and like I feel like I've come alive since I've discovered You know living in the countryside is much better and having a job where I can be outdoors is it's really good for me So yeah, I completely agree that if it wasn't for if it wasn't for those London days I wouldn't perhaps be grateful for what I have now

India (10:11.663)
Yeah, absolutely. And I'm sure I don't, if you don't mind me sort of bringing it up, I know that you had quite a wild health scare in your twenties as well, and I'm sure that gave a bit of a different perspective on life in general and embracing life. Would you mind sharing that with listeners if that's okay?

Hayley (10:35.434)
Of course, and it's something that I'm so happy to talk to anyone about because it's made me who I am. So I had breast cancer at the age of 27 back in 2017. And of course, having breast cancer at that age was a huge shock and something that, you know, I just had no idea was coming my way and I knew nobody that had gone through similar at my age. And so it was quite isolating.

And I went through eight months of treatment and I lost my hair with my chemotherapy and I had to have two quite large surgeries and it was an incredibly difficult time and I obviously came at the end of it feeling like a very different person but like you said of course it does make you really look at your life and am I living for how I want to live and

It was when I was in my hospital bed after all my surgery and I was probably at my polyest and my mum said to me, if you had anything you could do right now, what would you be doing? And my answer was, I'd like to be at the summit of Snowdon with all of my friends and family. And I had so many people and I was very lucky to have lots of people support me through that process. And so after the end of that time, when I was kind of getting my health back on track after all my treatment and...

I got given the all clear shortly after, which was amazing. But six months later, I decided to put a fundraiser on for breast cancer now and celebrate, you know, the journey that I'd had. And I wanted anyone that had supported me to come with me. And fast forward a few months, and there were a hundred of us on the summit of Snowdon, which was absolutely incredible. And the photo still gives me so much pride and love for the people that were with me on that journey. And

India (12:13.943)
Awesome!

India (12:19.263)
Yeah.

Hayley (12:21.646)
So I think adventure was very much a part of me. And like you said, having had my health kind of taken away from me and I couldn't do things, actually it made me realize what I need to prioritize and that was getting outdoors. And I think that was the mindset change for really throwing myself into that.

India (12:39.559)
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, if there's gonna be anything that does that, it's lying in a hospital bed, isn't it? And suddenly when you're given opportunities to do life, you know, you just, you do it and you go for it and you've 100% done that. So was the working in London post breast cancer or was that during that time?

Hayley (13:03.65)
So it was during that time and my manager at the time, I worked for the charity Marie Curie and my manager at the time was absolutely incredible, so supportive and what I realized after I had, I'm just gonna start that again, you're gonna cut that out in a sec. What did you ask me? You asked me about what was your question? I'm so sorry.

India (13:24.416)
Yeah, that's fine.

India (13:32.116)
So was working in London pre-having cancer, post-cancer during the same time, where did it kind of all fit into the time scale?

Hayley (13:43.79)
Sure, so I was working in London while I was going through treatment and it was quite interesting because coming into Waterloo Station, which was something I was very familiar with, suddenly became very overwhelming to be surrounded by so many people. And once I had finished all of my treatment, I was looking at my life just thinking, I'm so passionate about all the things I've learned around breast cancer. And I'd had quite a huge...

opportunity to spread the word and how I found my lump ended up going viral across every single country in the world, which was amazing. And I'd reached a lot of people with my message and I felt very passionate about that. And so I decided to go and work for a breast cancer charity, which was Breast Cancer Now. And I absolutely adored working for that charity because I felt that I could use the education that I'd learned through my treatment to reach others. And that's...

has become a big purpose in my life to spread those messages. But it wasn't long until that job ended up defining me. And actually, that breast cancer kind of post-it note was really stuck on my head. And I was starting to realize that perhaps it was time to put that job aside and move on to something else.

India (15:02.027)
Yeah. And, and, and I could totally understand that because obviously it was a huge part of your life, but it was them also must've been a part of you that thought it's time to move on now, it is, it's time to really live my life and continue spreading the message and continue educating others from your experiences. But you know, going back to that feeling that you had in that hospital bed, just wanting to be at the summit of Snowdon, living that out. Um.

So was that when you went, right, okay, let's turn these outdoor dreams into a career essentially, because that's quite a big, big leap, isn't it? Turning your hobbies, your passions into a career. So how did that happen and how did you go, okay, I'm gonna do this. I'm not gonna have a nine to five job anymore. I'm just gonna do this.

Hayley (15:59.498)
I must admit the pandemic was a huge factor in that. So I was furloughed for eight months and that allowed me to completely set everything back to square one and really adjust my life and look at what I was doing. And I went back to work after being furloughed and that post-it note of breast cancer throughout furlough had been completely taken off of my forehead. I could just be me. I didn't have to be.

Haley with breast cancer or Haley who talks about breast cancer or Haley who works in breast cancer. And actually, I could just be Haley, the adventurer who loves to go out hiking, paddleboarding and being in the outdoors. And I went back to work after being furloughed and that post-it note went straight back on my head. And I realized how defining it was. And it wasn't really something I wanted to be defined by and known by. And while I'm really happy to talk about it, I like people to know about that.

secondary to the fact that I've thrown myself into the outdoors. That's really important to me. So I went back to work and after a week I just thought, nope, this is not good for my mental health. And so I quit. I didn't have a plan. I've never done that in my life ever. And I just knew I wanted to throw myself into the outdoors. And so I did. And the first step for me was I will Google everything and

I didn't really have anybody around me that had done that before, so it was very much learning from the internet. And now I kind of wish I'd had somebody locally who could have guided me through that process. But yeah, I got my instructor qualification and then yeah, and then the opportunity of the paddock cabin came, which is a whole story in itself.

India (17:43.099)
Yeah.

Yeah. And it's a whole thing. Somebody who has quit everything before, you know, quit, quit. It was actually my London job as well. Quit my London job, moved back home with my parents, started from scratch because I knew that my soul was not being fulfilled. I needed to work out what that was. But it is amazing when you've got nothing to fall back on, you can only fall forward. And I think

Although it is petrifying because you think, oh, I don't know what we're going to do. Suddenly it does all fall into place and you become that person that's available to do the stuff that you want to do. And of course you need to get the training and the qualification sometimes behind you. But you know, you're open to it. Whereas before you wouldn't have had the time to be open to it. And, and you know, it's, I guess it's a bit like that law of attraction thing. Isn't it? Suddenly.

you were putting yourself out there as somebody who was interested in paddleboarding, outdoors adventure, you started gathering the qualifications and then, you know, the paddle coming came about at the right time and it all fell into place. And, you know, I'm sure there was a moment of, oh, sorry, Karen, yeah, go.

Hayley (19:06.286)
exactly as you just said there is I had nothing to lose at that time. And I had a saying that my I was sort of debating things and my friend sent me this card. And I still have this card to this day. And it said, leap and trust the net will appear. And I thought, do you know what, let's leap and, and know that it's all going to work out. And, you know, of course, you need to have that self belief that if things don't work out, you know, you can change your path, you can

India (19:11.531)
Mm.

Hayley (19:34.738)
change the plan, you can do whatever you need to do to make it work, but it's having that belief in yourself that you will trust the process and ultimately I think that's then what happened.

India (19:48.039)
Yeah. And obviously the paddle cabin did come about, although at the time you didn't know what was going to be called the paddle cabin, but you were given this, you know, I remember that first, you had to chat with you. You were suddenly, you were given this opportunity to start a paddle boarding club on the Medway. And with that must, you know, you're four years down the line now, turning your passion into business is incredible.

incredible and it is like the dream. But, you know, having turned a lot of my passions into side hustles, I guess, I guess you could say from teaching yoga to sort of doing this podcast, all those sort of things, that does come with the hard work that comes with it. And you know, I think that is really important to remember as well. So yeah, what the highs and lows of, of starting your own business in the adventure world.

You should have talked us through some of that.

Hayley (20:49.106)
Yeah, absolutely. And like you say, they are the highest highs, the lowest lows and every single emotion in between. And I think the biggest thing for me is, you know, my purpose is all around giving people the opportunity that perhaps I didn't have, and having somewhere to go that, you know, is adventurous in the southeast, and giving people that opportunity. And every time there's any kind of emotion, I always come back.

to that purpose that I can give that back to other people. But since doing that, you know, the highest highs are seeing people where they've just had a lesson or they've come on a trip with us or they've gone on a multi-day adventure with us. And the growth that you see in people in sometimes two hours, sometimes it's over a couple of days.

It truly is life changing. And that means so much to me that I can have that much impact on someone's world, that then they're going to carry through for the rest of their life. And that is, that is huge. And so I make a real effort to really understand and listen to people and I really care for them and therefore I go on the journey with them and I get the privilege of being on, you know, lots and lots of different people's journeys. And I absolutely adore that, you know, on the other side of the spectrum.

Like you said, you know, it doesn't just happen and the business doesn't run itself. And it's been a huge learning curve because I never thought I'd be running my own business. And so it's definitely been a journey to understand what being a business owner is all about. And of course you make mistakes along the way. And early on, I guess in, in business, you know, you take those mistakes very personally and you get very upset about them and you sometimes feel incapable and you have to.

remember that actually that's part of the process, that's my learning and all the learnings that I can take into the future. So it has been an incredible whirlwind of emotion and so much change, but actually I've learned to become incredibly, incredibly comfortable with change and flexibility and pivoting when we need to. And I absolutely adore it because I get to meet all these people. So, you know, the lows are worth the highs, but...

Hayley (23:05.014)
There is so much there and that means a lot to me too.

India (23:05.22)
Yeah, yeah.

India (23:09.111)
Yeah. I mean, they do say, don't they? The best businesses are the ones when you feel like you, you want something and it's not there, you know, and that means the chances are there's other people going, I want this too. And then it comes out of a place of real desire. Are there ever times when you go, oh man, I just wish I was the one that was just rocking up here and having a nice time.

and getting my sort of outdoor fix and not having to worry about the finances and all of that side of things.

Hayley (23:41.678)
Absolutely, and I must say in sort of our second year and perhaps a bit of our third year, there were definitely times when I wasn't doing the jobs that I wanted to do and it does make you question because I sort of was having, you know, I was having FOMO over the people that were doing stuff that I wanted to do and I was like, I wish I could be there. And actually what that's allowed me to recognise is what bits of the business do I want to do because that's really important to me to keep my passion for it.

And so I've got an incredible team and I feel so proud of each and every one of them because actually everyone is getting to do the bits that they absolutely love and that means a lot to me and we've got a bit of a saying at the paddle cabin that for those that work at the paddle cabin it should add to your life and not take away from it because I think there have been certain jobs that have taken away from my enjoyment of the paddle cabin and actually now I'm in a position to be able to have staff doing all the various bits that they do.

to allow me to free up my time to do the bits that mean a lot. And so now hopefully I've got a really nice balance of doing the things that I love and I can turn up to the Palo Cabin on a certain day and just go for, go and self launch. And that's what members do. And I feel like I'm a member of my own business now, which is really lovely. And I think that balance has now taken.

India (25:03.015)
Yeah, I think I listened to a podcast once and it was about, she was a yoga teacher and about her business and she was sort of saying it's really important to, as a business owner who's created a business out of something that was their passion is to remember what your genius is and then delegate the stuff that's not your genius to other people and it will cost you money and you know, that is part of it, but that is the way to.

thrive in a business that was once upon a time your passion because you can't be everything to everyone. I know for example, I'm horrendous at things like accounts and stuff like that. And I'm just gonna give that to somebody else always because it's not my cup of tea. So yeah, I think that all comes with learning, doesn't it? And so you're four years down the line now and I guess you're able to.

be mindful that maybe there was a year when you did lose yourself a little bit in the business and it's important to take that back. And I guess also the paddle cabin is quite seasonal isn't it? Because we are in the UK. So do you use the winter then to really kind of tap into what feeds your soul?

Hayley (26:20.206)
Absolutely. The winter is a time to, I like to think of it as getting a brand new white canvas in front of me and somewhat starting again and looking at the year ahead just thinking, right, this is a blank canvas. I could do anything. How do I want to fill it? And I think I'm only just getting to realize that, you know, you can change things in a seasonal business year to year and you have to trust the process that your community are going to come with you and trust that whatever ends up happening the following year.

it's going to completely live the values of the paddle cabin. It's going to give them the experiences they love. It's going to fill all of their purposes of getting outside and it's going to bring together the right kind of people. And so ultimately it's around, you know, working out the feeling and as long as whatever you're planning is creating that feeling, what a lovely opportunity to get to kind of start again each year. So, of course, there's so many learnings you can take into the following year. And...

I love that opportunity to just sit back and reflect because in the summer when it's so busy, it's incredibly difficult to do that. But also it gives me the chance for my adventures and I went on an incredible trip to Scotland last autumn and I went on my own and I had an amazing time, solo world camping in various mountain ranges up there and it was just an amazing experience.

India (27:43.327)
Well, I know you weren't completely solo, were you?

Hayley (27:46.542)
Well, I did have my dog Barley, yes, absolutely. He was my guard dog, absolutely.

India (27:49.921)
Yeah. Hey.

India (27:54.36)
Yeah! You're a trusty companion.

Hayley (27:58.59)
Absolutely, I mean an adventure without a dog, you know, is it even an adventure?

India (28:03.539)
Exactly, totally with you there. But yeah, that looked absolutely amazing. And I guess that's about, isn't it, filling your cup up and also being that inspiration to your community because I'm sure a lot of people come to the paddle cabin with this sort of urge to get outside, not really knowing where to start and then being able to see you who

started the business going on these kind of mega adventures, it kind of makes them think, okay, I could do that one day. This is where I'm going to start here and then build up. And I know that you do paddle trips outside the cabin. You've taken people to Wales and all over the UK. Have you gone international yet?

Hayley (28:54.486)
We have, yeah, we've got a trip to Estonia, yeah.

India (28:56.416)
You're a-

India (28:59.851)
so cool. Yeah. So this is what is so, so great. And, but I guess those lived experiences from you doing it for yourself is what will make people trust you and the community follow you, no matter how you change it year by year. Which I think is, it is the most important thing, isn't it? To stay authentic and to live by your values when you can, because that is, that is how to build a community around you that

that do trust you and so they think, oh, yeah, she knows what she's doing, it's all right.

Hayley (29:34.314)
And I think that's the probably as I look ahead with the paddle cabin, that's something that I want to really try and prioritize. So at the moment, you know, I am so committed to the community. And of course, that means that I have to be here for them. And I love seeing them. And I love, you know, I love the paddle cabin. I love going there. It's such a special place. And many people say it's a happy place and it's a lovely atmosphere. But of course.

in order for me to keep inspiring, you know, I need to go off and do all these adventures. But of course, that's time. And I would love to get to the point where I can perhaps go on a little a little more of my own adventures to keep pushing my boundaries. And that's really important to me. But it's time, isn't it? And hopefully at some point, I can make that shift to do a few extra adventures during the summer when it's a really nice weather and go and do some awesome stuff.

India (30:18.28)
Mmm.

Hayley (30:27.554)
I have some plans in the pipeline, which I won't share this yet, but yeah, I'm excited for things like that.

India (30:34.619)
Yeah, absolutely. Well, no doubt that you'll definitely be doing them. So this summer, what have you got lined up then at the Paddle Coming? If somebody was thinking, oh, this sounds good. This sounds like my street. What type of things have you got that people can get involved with? Because I do feel that community is your strongest, one of your strongest assets. And it's an incredible community you've built there. So if anybody is thinking, should I go along? I would recommend it. But yeah, how can you entice people in further?

Hayley (31:05.358)
Sure, I think, I mean, overall, we are just putting on so many different events and trips and adventures and learning for every kind of person. So we always say that if you're somebody who is happiest outdoors, that doesn't have to be on the water. It might be that you enjoy walking your dog. It might be that you enjoy going to the seaside or just being outdoors. Then you are the kind of person that would

just adore the community we've got because every single person there just likes the outside and there's varying different sort of levels of adventure within those people. Some people, you know, it's a huge adventure to go on a two-hour lesson and learn how to paddleboard and we support you in that and we will be your biggest cheerleader for all the little moments and that means a lot to me versus, you know, some people are, you know,

already doing some big adventures, but there's a place for them too. And we have lots of adventures that are tailored for more experienced paddlers. So we really have something for everybody. And that is also, it doesn't matter what your background is, what your age is. It just, it really is available to everyone. And I feel really proud that, that we are welcoming to anyone that's just got that little itch for adventure and we can help guide you through that. So, yeah, this year.

Personally, I'm particularly excited for one of our trips, which is a fire and wild camp weekend. So we're kind of going into the wilderness and it is only local, but it is very, very remote and teaching people fire lighting and stuff like that, which I'm so excited about. And then in two weeks time, we're off to the Lake District to run a paddle boarding trip up there, which is awesome. And then we've got a river Y expedition. So there's so much variety.

I truly believe that there's something for everyone as long as you are happiest outdoors.

India (33:03.775)
Oh yeah, and I think that is what is really cool about what you've created the paddle cabin because actually when you drive to the paddle cabin, you think, this is not an adventurous place. I am just, you know, after, what is it on the, well, I come off the M20 when I come to it. You're in the middle of an industrial estate, essentially. You come off the motorway, you're going, where is this taking me? This doesn't.

seem like I'm going to a cabin by a river. And then suddenly you create this world and it's so accessible, like you say, to everybody. And I think, you know, we are, I guess, so passionate about being outdoors. We know how good it is for our mind and our body. And it's, you know, we've kind of really embraced that. But I'm really a firm believer it's good for everybody. And...

I guess what I just think you guys do incredibly is it is for everybody. You know, it doesn't matter what standard, what level. It doesn't matter if you don't want to stand up on a paddleboard, even if you just want to sit and just poodle. It's okay. And you'll get something out of it.

Hayley (34:12.942)
Absolutely. And some of my best paddles have been paddling, you know, literally round the corner to drink my cup of tea on the board, sit in the sunshine, maybe take a croissant if I'm lucky, and chat to a friend and actually having that time on the water and being in that environment, I think it brings out our most raw form of us and therefore we can be just completely honest and vulnerable. And that's a really huge strength. And I think

friendships form so beautifully when you're doing things like a walk or if you're on the water because there's no distractions. You can't actually easily get to your phone because it's in your dry bag or it's in your buoyancy aid and I absolutely adore that and so I feel like I get really meaningful conversations out of being on the water and yeah, and I love that.

India (35:05.443)
Yeah. And that's what must be so cool for you to see is seeing these little relationships pop up, these friendships pop up, seeing people's confidence grow as well. And seeing, I guess, maybe yourself, that Haley that took a paddle boarding lesson once upon a time in Essex and has got to where you are now, you must see little versions of yourself and people when they start the cabin.

Hayley (35:31.846)
Oh, hugely. And do you know, I wish that the cabin had existed when I was learning, because I would have loved to have somebody by my side who was my cheerleader, who could make sure that I was safe, who could, you know, inspire me to do different things, and would, you know, introduce me to like minded people. And when I was, you know, I'd moved back to Kent, there was no community of paddleboarders that I kind of felt was right for me. And

There was only two quite small clubs when I joined here and the culture wasn't right. And I just thought, well, if I want something different, then other people must. And I kind of wish I could relive my life now and go to the paddle cabin for that first lesson and have that experience because it would have meant so much to me. And so I think that's why I've created what I have, because I know what was missing for me. And therefore, I just needed to create it for others.

India (36:26.971)
Yeah, yeah. And you've a hundred percent done that. And, you know, I mean, I sort of drive, what is it over an hour to get there just to teach that because I think it's such an awesome place. So yeah, for anybody.

Hayley (36:41.626)
I love your presentation, it means so much because we've obviously when we were chatting and you're like, oh, it's quite far away from me. And then you came down to look at it. And I just remember you just being like, yeah, I love it. I love it here. And you can tell that you're so comfortable in your teaching and you can bring your nature into your sessions. And yeah, and I love seeing that too. It's not just about, you know, our members or our people or people that come down for their first lesson. It's also the crew. And I just want everyone to just...

feel really comfortable and content there. And yeah, I see that on your face, which is so nice.

India (37:12.512)
Mm-hmm.

India (37:15.799)
Yeah, oh, a hundred percent. Oh yeah, I mean, if I lived closer, I would be there all the time, but I still get, I've got to enjoy it. Maybe not this summer quite so much, with maybe on the way, but there's always next summer. Yeah.

Hayley (37:25.781)
No.

Hayley (37:30.166)
We'll still be there. The Capitol itself, so it's actually just a modular building and then we cladded it with the wood that was, trees that were fallen from the wood on site. And we put it together with our own hands and we had some friends help us. And we always wondered how long it might last, but it's still very sturdy. So I'd love to say with confidence, we'll still be there. Yeah, next year.

India (37:50.431)
Is it stupid?

I mean, and it has withstood some horrendous flooding, let's be honest. Ha!

Hayley (37:59.506)
Absolutely. I wouldn't say I'm a particularly spiritual person, but there's something about that cabin being the roots of everyone's sense of adventure. It's reliable that cabin will be there for people. I really love that. That's carried me through a hard winter of terrible weather, but that cabin has been there. There's something in that it's rooted, which I love.

India (38:01.104)
It really has.

India (38:25.655)
Oh, yeah. It's an energy, 100%. So the question that I ask everybody towards the end of the podcast is looking back at the ripples you've made in your life, what are the biggest lessons that you've learned in your time outdoors for keeping your mind and body healthy?

Hayley (38:44.526)
Great question. I think for me, it's all about the little things. And I truly believe that if somebody doesn't take that first step into their first lesson, or even their first walk along the river to suss out if it's even something they want to do, or maybe you're planning, you'd love to go and do, I don't know, a big hike. If you don't do that walk, you know, around the block, or if you're wanting to do a big camping trip, and you don't go and do a local camp.

in a campsite that's really safe to you, you're never gonna be able to piece those little bits together to create an adventure that's even bigger, that maybe at one point you wouldn't even dream of even attempting. And so I think it's really important for people to not just focus on the big stuff, the big adventures, and actually really embrace those adventures on our doorstep that can be your everyday. And actually all of those learnings, all of those little pieces can...

come together to grow us as human beings. And that's what I see every single day. I see that glimmer in people's eye, that sparkle where they've achieved something. And it's got to be made up of little things because that's the only way to get there and that's how we grow. And I think that would be my biggest learning is don't just focus on the big stuff but really embrace and value the little things because they matter too.

India (40:08.143)
Yeah, definitely. It is all about the little things and eventually they do lead to the big things, but yeah, not being overwhelmed by just seeing the big picture, I guess, and it's remembering small steps. Yeah, and you know, when you look back at what you've done, you've done just that, you know, you've built up and, you know, Hayley in London with jelly legs on a paddle board would probably never have dreamed of where you are now, but it's really, really cool.

Super inspirational and yeah, I can imagine where you're gonna be in another five, 10 years, who knows, but I've got very, I don't know what to say. High expectations is not the right word, but yeah, big dreams for you, I know, I know. So really, really cool. Well, thank you so much, Hailey, for chatting to me today. And if anybody wants to find out more information about you or the paddle cabin, how can they do that?

Hayley (41:07.126)
They can go to social media, they can go to our website. So www. or our handle is just Paddle Cabin. And yeah, we'd love to see you there. And if anybody wants to follow my personal journey, then that's at the handle, Haley Explores.

India (41:26.732)
Thanks so much, Hayley. And I will let you get off because I'm sure, seeing as it's the beginning of the season, it's the busiest time. You've probably got a list as long as you're around with stuff that you need to do.

Hayley (41:36.323)
That's never going to go away, but thank you so much for having me. Honestly, it's meant a lot that you asked me and it's been a pleasure to talk to you.

India (41:42.943)
I'm worried. What do you think?