Interview: Peter Tranter

Photos: David Marshall,
Daniel Smith,
Paul Clark,
Eloise Casells,
Roy Gibson,
Seamus Murray,
Sam Percival,
Freddie Cole,
David Armstrong,
Lianne Trendell,
Steve McKinnon,
Louis Kennedy &
Jess Phillips

Jim Miller

About Jim Miller…
I began my love for the outdoors nearly 30 years ago when being taken up mountains, onto rivers and to the sea as a child. I would regularly run ahead into the mountains, sit on a rock and admire the views and this helped me to develop a true passion for the outdoor environment. I regularly engage in all disciplines of paddlesports and have the privilege of being a national trainer for white water SUP and other disciplines as well as sitting on different discipline and technical committees.

I am a provider in different SCA/BC awards which I deliver in canoe, kayak, SUP and rafts. I am currently on the Hala and Werner (System X) SUP teams for white water paddleboarding and love pushing the limits of what is possible. I am keen to share my passion and enjoyment with as many as possible and I love being on a SUP – a huge smile just crosses my face. I hope to see you all on the water at some point!

A chat with… Jim Miller

I think it’s fair to say that Jim is one of the most complete WW paddlers we’ve interviewed. With huge experience in WW rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and now SUP, Jim has tackled a huge range of WW in many different crafts and advises both Paddle UK and Paddle Scotland on the discipline. Lately, though, Jim has concentrated his interest in WW SUP, and it was about time we had a chat. So please, take it away, Jim…

Before we start, let our readers know a little about yourself, your family, your background, etc.
I began my love for the outdoors nearly 30 years ago when I was a child, taken up mountains, onto rivers, and to the sea. I would regularly run ahead into the mountains, sit on a rock, and admire the views, which helped me develop a true passion for the outdoor environment.

I regularly engage in all disciplines of paddlesports and have the privilege of being a national trainer for white water SUP and other disciplines, as well as sitting on different discipline and technical committees. I am a provider in different SCA/BC awards, which I deliver in canoe, kayak, SUP and rafts. I am currently on the Hala and Werner (System X) SUP teams for white water paddleboarding and love pushing the limits of what is possible. I am keen to share my passion and enjoyment with as many people as possible, and I love being on a SUP – a huge smile just crosses my face. I hope to see you all on the water at some point!

When did you first start paddling, who provided the motivation, and who with?
My first paddling would have been down the Ardèche in France as a child, and I definitely remember swimming a lot! I properly started paddling when I moved up to Scotland in 2013 to start my career as an outdoor instructor. I then quickly progressed through many different paddlesports awards with the support of the company I worked for – Active Outdoor Pursuits. The motivation, to be honest, mainly came from myself constantly wanting to be on the water, and regardless of work, play or evenings, I just found myself grabbing a canoe, kayak, sea kayak, raft or sup and going for a play!

You are at the forefront of WW SUP; how did your love of SUP come about?
I must be honest: I predominantly owe my love of SUP to four people and Hala. Jim Gibson, Kirsten Petrie, Steve McKinnon and Mags Duncan. Jim Gibson saw something in me on SUP and took it upon himself to help me develop. He is responsible for the majority of my SUP development – so massive shout out! Kirsten, Steve and Mags were all kind enough to let me SUP alongside them on the first successful (every rapid stood) descent of the Pallaressa in Spain, grade 3/4(4+).

They provided kayak safety for me – to my knowledge, this is still the only successful descent and was, at the time, the largest white water paddled by any UK SUP paddler. Also, for them to be willing to even consider, let alone be so open to allowing me to SUP alongside them, was truly amazing! Because of Steve and Mags, Werner took an interest in my SUP ability!

And finally, to Hala, who have supported me throughout and are quite honestly the nicest people and company I could imagine. I paddled with loads of their sponsored paddlers last year in America. They were so open, friendly and supportive despite knowing very little about me and having never met before – my discussions with them keep me motivated, psyched and eager for more SUP daily.

I can’t wait to meet some of their staff next year when I head out to SUP again in the USA in April. I may be at the forefront of it, but you will just as likely see me take a Bimble with friends and colleagues down grade 2/3 white water as you will see me pushing the sport. I love the sport and the inclusivity of it, and I never want to forget that.

What equipment are you using?
I use Hala Gear SUPs – it depends on the trip, but the 9’6 is best for stability on big water or challenging G4 or upwards water. If I want more of a playful paddle, then I use the 7’11, which certainly spices things up. For expeditions or paddling on the sea, I predominantly use the Rado at 10’10.

In terms of paddles, this varies with regard to what I am doing; I love the Hala river paddle for big water, and the Sawyer Super Styk for its durability and lack of flex in the shaft (I have broken numerous other paddles in the shaft due to the flex in the force I water I am paddling and it is always scary when that happens) or the Werner Session when I feel I want a thinner paddle for navigating around rocks when I don’t need support strokes very much.

I love the Damx drysuits, the Jobe SUP vests, Kokatat Hustlrs and Astral footwear.

How do you see WW SUP development? Would it be fair to say that it is riding a wave now (no pun intended), and do you see any drawbacks?
I see WW SUP development as an ongoing thing. We currently have so few people pushing the sport and paddling at the top ends of the grade brackets, but it is still relatively new. I feel that many top-end paddlers have yet to emerge within the sport.

I know for a fact that there is someone in Scotland who, if he committed to paddling SUP as opposed to the career he is going into, would be better than me within a few months and likely better than Chris Morgan within a year (but alas not his chosen career path and you have to respect that)! Many people certainly share the same feeling on leashes within Paddle UK, so it is certainly riding a wave on that front, but I won’t go into that as it will spark a whole debate that has been had a million times over already.

I think the biggest drawback for WW SUP development is still its awareness – so many people chat with me not knowing anything about the sport and are always amazed that people can stand going downriver on a SUP. I would love to see the awareness of the sport developed further!

Before heading into WW on a SUP, what essential safety precautions should one always consider?
Choosing an appropriate board to minimise swims and one you know you can get back on. A buoyancy aid, helmet, a team of people (I would rarely, if ever, paddle on my own, and when I do, I ensure I have regular coms with people throughout the day), whether or not to wear a leash in regards to the risks of entanglement, entrapment, flush drowning etc – this depends on the type of river you are paddling and the obstacles that might present a danger.

What are the most common mistakes beginners make when they start WW SUP?
Other than holding the paddle the wrong way around! Not understanding how to use a leash safely would be one for sure! Pushing their grade too hard too soon and kneeling on one or both knees in the wrong style of water (contrary to what most people’s subconscious might tell them, kneeling is not always safer – it is sometimes and sometimes does reduce the risk of falling, but sometimes it increases it instead (something that will be explored in another article – stay tuned!)

What are the most critical skills to develop to progress from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels in white water SUP?
From beginner to intermediate, for me, it is all about gaining efficiency on the board. This includes your ability to move on the board forward, backwards, and up/down, as well as the ability to have a short, efficient paddle stroke on both sides of the board that does not turn the board very much, if at all, utilising your hips and core to paddle forward efficiently.

What strategies do you employ for managing fear and staying calm in challenging WW situations?
Honestly, don’t panic; trust the people you are with more than anything else and ensure you paddle with people you trust! If you relax in the water and consider your breathing, then that helps a lot, particularly in some of the huge water I have paddled, where frantic breathing could be horrendous! If in doubt, look at the rapid from the bank. If still in doubt, watch someone do it or follow someone down, and if you are not sure, then walk the rapid – trust your subconscious!

So before WW SUP, what other craft did you paddle?
I have paddled rafts, canoes, kayaks, and sea kayaks, and I am certified in them all. I am also a canoe and kayak coach in different disciplines/environments of the sports and an advanced leader for canoeing and kayaking. For rafting, I am the current national trainer for Scotland. So, I also have a fair bit of experience in other crafts, which I think really helps build the holistic skills required to paddle.

In terms of advanced paddling, it comes down to working the river, analysing waves in a quick response to know where to hit them right, what angle you need to be at, where your edge control on the board has to be, and your weight in the correct position. SUP is the easiest of all the paddlesports as anyone can jump on one and, by a mile, the most technical (in my honest opinion). Do you need speed for this feature, or do you need to brace instead, and if so, why? Which direction should your speed be taking you? If you fall off while travelling in that direction, where will you end up? Do you have time to recover before the next feature and moves you must make? These are skills that come with time, practice and a lot of paddling of different rivers – variety is key to getting skilled!

How do you handle emergencies, such as equipment failure or separation from the board, while navigating WW?
I have had to deal with a few things from SUP and been on the river for plenty of incidents, accidents and other things, but honestly, stay calm; if you panic, then the situation only gets worse and takes longer to deal with. Analyse the problem and try to deal with it calmly and effectively – best case the person can deal with it themselves or only need minor support from yourself.

Equipment failure can happen – I have broken paddles in the middle of grade 4s, +s and 5s and it, for lack of a better word, sucks when that happens because your only option now is to hand paddle or swim (neither good option in those grades of water). Because SUP is so versatile, you can easily rescue another person and get them onto your sup or paddle them to the side, empty boats with ease, pick up paddles and even beach yourself on obstacles with minimal risk compared to other crafts.

Are there any specific certifications or qualifications someone should seek if they aspire to become a WW SUP instructor?
In my mind, the SUP WW Leader or SUP WW Coach would be the two best qualifications you can gain to help people in the sport, but there are multi-disciplinary ones like the Paddlesports Touring Leader as well, which will certify you up to G1(2) and open water SUP paddling.

So before WW SUP, what other types of craft did you paddle?
I have paddled rafts, canoes, kayaks, and sea kayaks, and I am certified in them all. I am also a canoe and kayak coach in different disciplines/environments of the sports and an advanced leader for canoeing and kayaking. For rafting, I am the current national trainer for Scotland. So, I also have a fair bit of experience in other crafts, which I think really helps build the holistic skills required to paddle.

You’re the owner of Highland Outdoor Adventures; how did that start?
Good question. Honestly, I gave up my previous career managing the last outdoor company I worked for from 2013-2023 to set up Highland Outdoor Adventures with the dream of really focusing on providing quality outdoor experiences to all, in particular for white water SUP and climbing in both summer and winter environments. I started it up in 2023, and it has been a wild, busy ride over the last year, but I have loved every second of it; the people who book onto activities are just awesome and providing them with the skills they want, i.e. entry level through to advanced level coaching and training/assessing instructors is a true and honest pleasure/privilege.

It’s a tough call with all your expeditions abroad – does one pop up as your favourite?
For me, it simply has to be where it all began—despite many expeditions since and paddling in more spectacular places on more beautiful water with harder rapids. The two-week Pallaressa trip in Spain simply has to take the win because it is where I realised, and many others as well, that the harder grades are doable on a SUP, and the sport can develop further. And the trust of my fellow paddlers to be willing to safety boat me on something that had never been done successfully was just incredible!

What other watersport companies/businesses are you involved with?
I do a bit of work for Glenmore Lodge, Outfit Moray, and Active Outdoor Pursuits, but I am also one of the company directors for Paddle UK and Paddle Scotland and sit on different technical boards and committees, respectively, so I do a lot…

What is the primary key to Highland Outdoor Adventures’s success?
Wow, now that’s a tough question to answer! In truth, I guess I was helped by the support and belief from my friends and family that I could do it and make it work. And now that it is working, the clients and people working for the company make it awesome!

With important positions within Paddle UK and Paddle Scotland, plus your training and business activities, how do you make time for other interests in life?
That’s a good question. To me, the most important thing in the world is a love of the outdoors and spending time with friends and family. I’m not going to lie. I struggle on occasion to find time to do everything that I love to do, and I would say I don’t really have the time for other interests. I certainly couldn’t take on anything more than I already do without giving stuff up!

What type of fitness training do you do to keep yourself tip-top?
Honestly, I don’t; I am always on the river, the sea, the lochs, the crags, the mountains, and the sports keep me fit!

With your busy schedule and physically demanding day, how do you fuel yourself and with what?
Breakfast varies; usually, I eat muesli with fruit. If I feel adventurous, I eat eggs and bacon. Lunch would be more fruit, maybe some home baking, and homemade sandwiches with homemade bread. For dinner, I try to cook as much as I can but often find that I bulk cook and then freeze things for busy days, so quite often, it is reheated meals.

If you could head anywhere in the world to paddle, where would it be, and what would appeal about that location?
The Grand Canyon – do I even need to explain why? I mean, wow, just wow. A few people have already SUP’ed it, so it is doable. What a location in the world it is!

When preparing for a day on WW in remote locations, what qualities do you look for in a fellow teammate paddler?
Mutual trust is the first – do they trust me, do I trust them? Their skill personally and with rescues, the ability to know when someone needs help and the willingness to help if required to do so. But above all else, good banter!

Quickies…

If you could paddle with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
My Cousin Seamus is brilliant in a kayak, an amazing person, and has been nothing but supportive of me in the outdoors! Given that he now lives in New Zealand, we don’t get many opportunities to paddle together anymore.

Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film?
Honestly, I don’t watch that many films – I am predominantly outside, so I’m just going to go with the only famous person I’ve ever been told I look like (I totally disagree): Channing Tatum (apparently by one person).

Which one sportsman/woman has inspired you?
Chris Morgan (a USA SUP boarder involved with Hala as well) is out of this world good on a SUP (probably the best in the world and certainly far better than anyone I have ever seen or paddled with – I don’t even come close to his level of good!). He is so welcoming, friendly, down-to-earth, supportive, and chilled out.

An ideal night out for you is?
Any night with friends having a climb, paddle or social catch up.

What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
Besides a surf SUP, of course, I might have a Dalmore Whisky as I sit and enjoy listening to the waves and looking out at the sea.

What would I find in your fridge right now?
Tons of grapes and blueberries I love those!

What would you prepare for us if we came to your house for dinner?
That would depend on dietary requirements, but maybe a Risotto for the main and a carrot, banana, and walnut cake for dessert.

If you could be a superhero for one day, what superpower would you choose and why?
The ability to breathe underwater allows me to try gnarlier water without as much trepidation at the swims!

What is your favourite sports team?
Honestly, I don’t watch much sport on the TV as I’m normally outside day and night enjoying the outdoors. I guess maybe if I had to pick something, then perhaps the Irish rugby team.

Who are your paddlesport mates?
Honestly, anyone who wants to paddle with me has far too many to count or put on paper! But to name some: Jim, Kirsten, Steve, Mags, George, David, Adam, Sam, Cameron Jess, Emy, Will, Chris… the list goes on. Honestly, I could write pages on this question…

Are there any final shout-outs?
Obviously, to you guys at Paddler Magazine for taking the time out to chat, email, and help the sport of SUP. To all my mates for being amazing – see you on the water next time. To anyone who ever wants to paddle, just drop me a message. To my sponsors and the companies who support me, I couldn’t do a fraction of what I do without your help. You are awesome!