I'm April Voki, and you are listening to Anchored, my chance to speak with some of the most influential people involved in the outdoors today.

Join me as I sit down with my guests to learn more about their careers, opinions, history, relationships, and life both indoors and out.

Ben Sipola, also known as Benny Sip, is a New Zealand-based writer whose work is rooted in rivers, fly-fishing, and the spaces in between. A former professional footballer turned coach, he's now the author of books

like wading in jandals and a river runs. He's also a regular contributor to the flyfish

journal. These days, he's focused on writing raw, poetic prose that explores nature, identity,

and what it means to pay attention. In this episode of Anchored, we hear his story. You may have noticed me wearing squala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I've got to say, I've been really impressed with everything I've tried. I love the way they designed gear. They managed to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional, but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I'm waiting, casting, or rowing. I've enjoyed fishing in squalla apparel so much. I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We've even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that's specifically designed for women. So I'm really excited about the progress we've made.

If you haven't done so already, then go check them out at squalafishing.com and see what they're all about.

Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with squala by using the code Anchored 10 at checkout. I'm originally a Minnesotan.

I grew up in Minnesota, and that's where I learned to fly fish and all that jazz.

But I also, I was a professional footballer.

So I played in Major League Soccer with the Columbus crew and then played professionally in

Scandinavia.

And when I came to New Zealand about 12 years ago, I got a phone call.

I was playing professional football in Sweden.

And I got a phone call and someone said, would you like to come start a football academy in Wellington?

And naturally, being in Sweden, I was like, oh, New Zealand, I'm a fly fisherman.

I could, you know, if the football is terrible, at least I'll just go fishing for six months. So that's kind of what brought me to New Zealand, I'm a fly fisherman. I could, you know, if the football is terrible,

at least I'll just go fishing for six months. So that's kind of what brought me to New Zealand

in the first place. So I came over with like a backpack on with all my fly fishing gear and a pair

of football boots. And then I've been here for 12 years since then. So I came when I was about 24

and then started a football academy and that's

that brings us to the football shirts and we produced about half the New Zealand national team

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