Radio Check: Foster Campbell

You see him cheesing at every race, always stoked and always crushing it in the Stock Division. Friend to all, Foster is a Civil Engineer by day and has 9 Catalinas and 3 Molokais under his belt. He's also one of the core few who opts to paddle without headphones. Here's Foster!

Photo: @nickbobroff

Where do you keep your paddleboards/ gear/ quiver set-up?

In the garage.

What does your dream paddle look like?

2-3 hours long, an out and back with some glass or a slight head wind on the way up and some downwind runners with maybe a quick surf session on the way back, followed up with a big BBQ and cold beverages with friends.

If you had to listen to one song on repeat for the whole Catalina Classic (or equivalent), what would it be?

I’ve never actually had headphones or any music device while paddling. Maybe if it’s blasting from the boat, Enter Sandman by Metallica?

Something no one would believe about you?

I took piano lessons from 3rd grade until high school, and I still remember a couple of songs. My party trick song is Linus and Lucy, the song that’s always playing in Charlie Brown cartoons.

If I didn’t spend so much time paddling, I would probably be doing _______ more. 

Surfing or mountain biking, maybe snowboarding?

What/who inspires you?

My family, friends, the friendship paddle community I grew up with, and those I’ve met through racing from all over the world. I could try to make a list, but I think it would be too long because I’ve gotten to meet so many awesome people!

Who is your paddling nemesis?

Whoever is just ahead of me I’m trying to catch or whoever is just behind me trying to catch me haha. It’s also hard to have a nemesis when everyone in the paddle community is so nice.

What is an item you don’t leave home without/ pack on every trip?

A pair of boardshorts. Whether it’s for a surf trip, a hot tub, hike, workout, run, etc., you can’t go wrong with a good pair of boardshorts.

Worst paddle/ nutrition story of your life?

Nothing super bad, but the first time I tried to do a long solo paddle I didn’t understand that you need nutrition and fluids. I was paddling from Santa Cruz Island to Santa Barbara Harbor for the Friendship Paddle and decided the night before I was going to do the whole thing, and with 10 miles left I completely bonked and had no clue what was going on. Luckily, one of the boats was nearby and gave me a gatorade and a clif bar, which got me through the rest of the event.

Show us the trunk of your car?

Show us your favorite selfie:

I don’t take a lot of selfies, but I was pretty proud of this halloween costume.

Paddle scene hot take?

Paddling definitely has its little groups/cliques based on where/who you train with. But, if you go to races and places with a smile on your face, paddle hard, and keep showing up, it’s really not hard to be friends with anyone and everyone. It’s probably one of the things I love the most about paddling.

Pre or post race ritual?

Pre is to take a couple of deep breaths and acknowledge how lucky I am that I get to paddle, and post is always lots of food.

A photo of a scar or scary moment and the story behind it.

I had surfer’s ear surgery for the first time in October: I don’t know if it was super scary but it definitely wrecked me for a couple days and was out of the water for a month. This is a PSA to wear ear plugs! Especially while surfing and even paddling if it's super windy and cold.

A goal you have- big or small.

To win the Catalina Classic stock division