{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Paddles Ready","title":"EP13: Rugby Took It Away. Paddling Gave It Back. - Mitch Zanstra","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2393,"description":"What happens when the sport you've dedicated your life to is suddenly taken away?\nFor New Zealand paddler Mitch Zanstra, rugby was everything until a series of serious injuries and concussions forced him to walk away from the game he loved. Looking for a new purpose, one simple moment changed everything when a cousin handed him a paddle.That paddle led to a journey Mitch could never have imagined. \nIn this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando sit down with one of the world's most respected outrigger athletes to talk about resilience, international competition, and the lessons paddling has taught him along the way.\nMitch shares how paddling helped him recover physically and mentally, why he immersed himself in Tahitian and Hawaiian paddling culture, and how that path eventually led to representing New Zealand on the world stage. \nThe conversation also explores the growing relationship between outrigger canoeing and dragon boating, why many of the world's best paddlers compete in both disciplines, and Mitch's incredible experiences racing traditional dragon boats in China.\nIn this episode:Mitch's journey from rugby to international paddling Recovering from concussion and rediscovering purpose Training in Tahiti and Hawaii Representing New Zealand in outrigger canoeing Racing traditional dragon boats in China Why outrigger can make you a better dragon boat paddler Coaching the next generation and giving back to the sport Life lessons from elite competition Plus, Hando's Hot Take asks an important question for every club:Should the fastest paddler automatically become the coach?\n\nThe boys debate whether leadership, communication and the ability to develop people are more important than simply being the quickest athlete in the boat. \nWhether you paddle dragon boats, outriggers, surf skis or simply love hearing inspiring sporting stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.\n🌏 Visit https://paddlesready.com/\n\n🎧 Subscribe to Paddles Ready for athlete...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/g9vPE77aj-FfxIVa0T7RvQUDWd2_aSDp2JJUloZw76A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xNjll/ODMzZTVjY2RiYWMx/ZTk1ODIxOWUzMTQw/Y2NlNy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}