Water Borne: Dan Rubinstein’s SUP Adventure and the Healing Power of Blue Space

 What if your paddleboard wasn’t just a way to explore — but a way to transform your life?

That’s exactly what journalist and author Dan Rubinstein set out to discover in his inspiring book Water Borne. Armed with a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), he launched from Ottawa and paddled south all the way to New York, then west toward Lake Erie. Along the way, he found not just adventure, but lessons in resilience, kindness, and the deep connection between people and water.

In our latest podcast episode, Dan joins us to talk about his journey, his book, and what he calls the incredible benefits of blue space — the idea that being on the water is even more restorative for our physical and mental health than any other natural environment.

What We Cover in This Conversation:

• 📖 Water Borne: how the book came together and the adventures behind it.

• 🏄‍♂️ Getting started with paddleboarding — and why it’s more accessible than many people think.

• 🌎 Local action for global change: how protecting rivers, lakes, and streams in our own communities makes a real difference in fighting climate change.

• 💙 Stories of generosity from strangers who helped him along his route.

• 🌊 Why blue space is so powerful — and how you can tap into it, even close to home.

Dan’s story isn’t just about paddling long distances. It’s about rediscovering water as both a playground and a sanctuary — a reminder of how deeply connected we are to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

👉 Tune in to hear Dan’s reflections from Water Borne, and maybe even feel inspired to grab a paddleboard yourself.