The Long Current is a 28-week ultra-distance paddle training plan designed for athletes racing 20+ mile events and day-long or multi-day races in Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and Outrigger Canoe. Built on four intentional sessions per week, this program develops the aerobic engine, sustainable power, technical efficiency, and mental resilience required to paddle strong for hours, not just start fast.
The plan consists of paddle-specific aerobic cardio only. Use my training plan library to add strength modules to this plan for your land-based training! For help picking which strength modules to add and in what ratios join the Punk Paddler group at PaddleTraining.com
Your paddle sessions each week include speed development, aerobic capacity, aerobic power, and race-specific or technique-focused work, ensuring balance between physiology and skill. Rather than chasing fatigue, the plan emphasizes economy, rhythm, and flow, allowing athletes to improve endurance without burnout.
This program is ideal for paddlers targeting ultra-distance races, long crossings, expedition-style events, or simply wanting to feel controlled and capable deep into long efforts. Structured yet flexible, The Long Current teaches you how to go far and finish well.
April Zilg is a 3x World Champion, a gold medalist in the Pan American Surfing Games, 2x Carolina Cup Graveyard Champion, Gorge Downwind OC1 Champion and APP World Tour World Champion. After training and competing for the better part of the last decade, all of her hard work learning how to train and properly fuel finally paid off and now she wishes to share all she's learned on her route to success.
Check out her current projects!
AprilZilg.com/Projects