Britt Spencer set a world record as the first New Zealander and female to cross the notorious Cook Strait on a prone paddle board.  In this episode I talk with Kiwi volunteer surf lifesaver Britt Spencer about endurance paddling, and crossing Cook Strait on a prone paddle board. After battling serious health issues and a year planning and training, the Nelson based Strength & Conditioning Coach made history with the crossing in April this year. Get set for this one – Britt is inspiring! She talks about adapting to things that go wrong in adventure, how she copes in extreme moments of pain and challenge, in what she calls ‘Dark Mode’. We hear about her joy of being out on the water, what motivates her and the surprising food and drink she fuels her endurance paddles with. Britt’s energy is infectious, and so is her fresh outlook on life. Join us and be inspired to challenge your own limits. Connect via Instagram @brittjayspencer  Youtube @brittjayspencer  Connect with Saltwater Journal @saltwater_journal Website: ⁠⁠⁠Saltwater Journal⁠⁠ EPISODE NOTES | Britt 00:56 Life in Nelson 02:30 Competitive swimming 03:25 Introduction to Surf Lifesaving 06:27 Board chat 08:50 Long distance paddling 10:30 First endurance paddle  12:15 Dark mode  14:53 Injury and pulmonary embolism 22:02 Crossing Cook Strait 25:00 Weather conditions 30:00 Setting off 35:24 Support crew 38:00 Great White sharks 40:30 Surprise fuel 42:45 Hitting the wall 45:33 Best team 47:35 Land 51:40 Celebrations 54:03 Paddle X documentary  56:00 Give it a go 59:59 Future plans