·S6 E20
She Was Terrified of Capsizing. Now She Teaches It. Trina Hahn at SSTIKS 2026
Episode Description
What turns a paddler who’s terrified of capsizing into an instructor who loves rough water? For Trina Hahn, it starts with a Greenland roll—and a community that believes in her.
Recorded at SSTIKS 2026 on the banks of the Columbia River, this episode finds Dubside talking with Trina about her rapid journey from nervous beginner to passionate kayak instructor. She shares how learning to roll changed her relationship with fear, why Deception Pass is her favorite place to paddle, and the unforgettable whirlpool encounter that earned her and a friend matching “But did you die?” keychains.
But some of her biggest thrills come from watching her students find their confidence. From rubber-duck kayak games to the women’s rough-water gathering Surf Sirens, Trina explains how play, patience, and supportive coaching can turn “I hate kayaking” into “Can I try that again?”
It’s a conversation about getting scared, getting back in the boat, and giving back to the people who helped you get started.