Radio Check with Sydney Brouwer

You might have seen her working on the beach, logging absurdly long Strava Activities (really- Syd, are you okay?), or competing in 10'6 sprint races. From Venice, former D1 college waterpolo player Sydney Brouwer is one of the fast, and getting even faster, ladies at the front of the pack. With her first Catalina, Chattajack, and a 40 mile endurance paddle under her belt, we can't wait to see what she gets up to this season.

Photo: Tony Wodarck

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

I keep everything in the backyard, garage, and sometimes my living room when I know I am going to paddle again soon.

What does your dream paddle look like?

My dream paddle is honestly any paddle that I get to do with friends. But I definitely want to do a long adventure paddle somewhere with warm water.

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

Quittin’ Time by Zach Bryan. I really don't know why, but this song motivates me to paddle faster instead of making me want to quit. I’d rather listen to this hundreds of times than have no music at all.

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

I would probably be sitting at the beach more.

What/who inspires you?

Everyone in the paddling community inspires me to go for a paddle, have a smile on my face, and enjoy the sport. But, the people who inspire me the most are definitely the friends I paddle with who motivate me to show up for early morning (middle of the night) paddles, 40-mile paddles, and everything normal in between those.

Who is your paddling nemesis?

The R10 seals and harbor seals.

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

It's pretty rare that you see me without iced coffee. Always the most important thing when I am leaving the house. And of course, also a post paddle essential.

Worst paddle/ nutrition story of your life?

I threw up on my paddle after taking a ketone for the first time. Jalapeno chomps aren't the best prerace snack either.

Show us your favorite selfie:

Paddle scene hot take?

The day before the classic is the longest day ever. Everyone is just sitting there waiting for the next morning to come so we can paddle home, and I think time just moves slower that day.

Pre or post race ritual?

I don't really have a ritual or something I do before races, but I think one of my favorite things to do post-race is to find my friends and hear about their race.

A goal you have- big or small.

Do more races this year, paddle new places with friends, and do the classic again.