Meet Jane Paddler: Jan Farmer, Raleigh, NC

Whether she’s paddling on the North Carolina coast or around the inland waters of Raleigh, Jan Farmer knows how to have fun, is a always honing her skills, and appreciates and respects the aquatic environment.

Where you were born and where you live now?

I grew up on Lake Norman, NC and now split my time between Raleigh and Surf City, NC on Topsail Island.

What is your occupation?

Stay at Home Mom and Volunteer Extraordinaire

Where do you SUP the most?

Topsail Island

Do you have a favorite local paddleboard shop?

On Topsail Island I go to OnShore Surfshop, but the folks at Stand Up Outfitters in New Bern & Carolina Paddleboard Co. In Wrightsville Beach get some of my business too!

What paddleboard, surfski or OC do you ride most?

Mostly, I paddle my 12’6″ Lahui Kai raceboard

Do you own any other paddleboards, surfskis or OCs and what kind?

If I’m taking Penny dog with me, I paddle my trusty old Surftech Flowmaster12’6″ touring board or my Hobie 12’6″ inflatable if I’m inland.

What paddle do you use?

Mostly my Kialoa Insanity carbon fiber blend, but I sometime use a Kialoa Hapa Adjustable. On rare occasions I will also paddle the Hobie 3 piece carbon paddle that came with my inflatable.

Have you changed boards/paddles/equipment since you started? If so, why?

Not so much changed as added to my “fleet”. What I paddle all depends on what I’m doing. If I’m going to be carrying the dog or picking up trash, I’ll paddle the touring board. Generally when I’m in Raleigh or traveling, I use the inflatable. I like having options.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world to paddle, where would you go?

Somewhere in the South Pacific where the water is warm, clear and full of tropical sea life. Also, the SUP 11 cities tour in Europe is pretty high on the list.

Best piece of SUP advice you’ve ever received?

Someone,(April Zilg) once told me to pretend I was a fembot and imagine rotating my torso around enough to shoot a person standing next to me. That has really helped me visualize proper rotation. Also, a shop owner (Charlie Lewis) told me my Sup would never looks as good as the first time I put it in the water, so relax about the little scuffs.

Weirdest thing that’s happened to you while paddling?

My husband has way better stories than I do. His involve alligators, bobcats & cobia rides. I think the weirdest thing I have encountered was a downed weather balloon in the marsh near our house or maybe the time we saw a bald eagle and an osprey fighting over a big fish.

Favorite SUP nutrition? (During races/ during a long haul)

Water and Trader Joe’s PB protein bars. I know that’s not the best, but it’s what I like. I will have to up my game in that area to do Chattajack.

Goals for this next year?

Mostly, just have fun, but I’m always looking to improve my stroke efficiency.

Favorite post-paddle nosh (snack/beer/recovery drink)

Margaritas and/or fruit smoothies

Your favorite non-paddle thing to do.

When it’s warm, relax on the dock with a cool drink and a good book. When it’s cold, same thing, but inside with a warm drink. I also spend a lot of time walking around Raleigh with Penny.

What piece of SUP gear do you wish someone would invent?

A better way to attach a GoPro to a SUP or paddle.

What’s your biggest challenge with SUP?

My husband says I use my arms and shoulders too much and my hips not enough, so I’m working on that. Also, my toes go numb when paddling longer than 2 hours. What’s up with that?!

What is your proudest moment in a SUP race or event?

My proudest moment was watching my daughter finish the Harbor Island race at the Carolina Cup last year. The wind kicked up near the end and she had one hell of a paddle crossing the channel to the finish line. I finished with a good time, but her finish, while at the very back of the pack, was hard fought for and amazing. Proud momma!

Tell us about the best friend(s) you made through SUP.

Oh my, that’s quite a list. I have meet so many wonderful people through the 100/100 challenge group on Facebook. Some of them I see more often locally, but some only rarely or never and still feel a common bond. We speak the same language, if you know what I mean.

What was your best SUP travel trip?

We haven’t taken many SUP travel trips since we can paddle so easily out our back door, but we did go to Key West and Crystal River in Florida last year. This summer we will be paddling in Venice and Amsterdam. I’m so excited for both of those!