Paddling The Blue Podcast
Sports
About
John Chase interviews inspiring paddlers from the US and across the globe doing great things from the seat of a kayak. If you want to learn about sea kayaking destinations, trips, and personalities from the world of paddle sports, we have you covered!
Episodes
- #164 - Six Ways Around Ireland: Multi‑Craft Ireland Circumnavigations with Rob Henshall
Rob Henshall discusses his six circumnavigations of Ireland in different vessels, including kayaks and sailboats. He shares details about his minimalist gear, the 66-day journeys, overcoming challenges, and memorable encounters during his…
- #163 - 25 Years of Keeping Paddlers Warm and Happy with Chris Reed
Chris Reed shares the 25-year journey of Reed Chillcheater, detailing the creation of Aquatherm fabric and their specialized paddling gear. The conversation also touches on Reed's personal paddling experiences and community-focused busines…
- #162 - Four Years, One Canoe, One Happy Dog: The North American Odyssey of Jennifer Gosselin & Pierre Pepin
Jennifer Gosselin and Pierre Pepin embarked on a four-year canoe journey across North America with their dog, Jasmine, traversing historic routes and the Great Loop. They navigated extreme weather, portages, wildlife, and found kindness fr…
- #161 - Live from Canoecopia 2026
This episode of Paddling The Blue was recorded live at Canoecopia 2026 and includes interviews with individuals and groups involved in various aspects of paddling, including conservation, marine sanctuaries, international tours, endurance…
- #160 - Quiet Adventures 2026 Live: Adaptive Kayaks, Orienteering Worlds, River Stewardship, and more from Lansing, MI
Episode 160 of Paddling The Blue Podcast features conversations recorded at the Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing, Michigan. Topics include adaptive kayaking, orienteering, river stewardship, volunteer water monitoring, and inclusive o…
- #159 - Noatun’s Route: One Man’s Kayak Circumnavigation of Europe with Urban Heupgen
Many of us dream of adventures like circumnavigating Ireland and as far as I’m concerned, that’s a pretty lofty goal, and definitely on my list. And then there’s Urban Heupgen...Urban has unexpectedly found himself on a quest to undertake…
- #158 - Kayaking Madagascar: Chasing the Mangoky Source to Sea with Oscar Scafidi
Oscar Scafidi is a schoolteacher turned explorer specializing in Africa. Oscar joins today’s episode to share his expedition to kayak Madagascar’s Mangok River from source to sea. Oscar describes the months of planning, the grueling approa…
- #157 - How a class project packrafting in Nepal led to a kayak career with Alex Lalonde
Alex Lalonde joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast to talk about about his path from packrafting whitewater rivers in Nepal to taking over the iconic Body Boat Blade instruction and guiding company. Alex shares stories fro…
- #156 - Paddlesports Coaching and Kayaking the Bahamas with Nigel featuring Eila Wilkinson
Welcome to today's episode of the Paddling the Blue, featuring guest Eila Wilkinson In this episode Eila discusses her coaching philosophy, Paddle UK pathways and qualifications, the importance of using your feet and core in kayaking, and…
- #155 - Paddling Florida's Great Calusa Blueway: Mangroves, Mounds & Manatees with Mike Hammond
Mike Hammond oversees the Great Calusa Blueway, a nearly 200 mile paddling trail in Florida’s Lee County. Mike joins today’s episode to talk about the area’s fascinating indigenous history, its interesting utopian history, the beauty of th…
- #154 - Multi-modal solo kayaking and cycling on the US west coast and the Inside Passage with Katrin Tomanek
In this episode Katrin Tomanek describes how she moved from climbing to kayaking and developed a style of multiimodal trips that combine sea kayaking and cycling to minimize driving. She shares how she learned skills, used careful planning…
- #153 - Kayaking Dominica's Waitukubuli Sea Trail with Wes Moses
Wes Moses operates the Soufriere Outdoor Center in Dominica. Wes joins the show today to talk about the Waitukubuli Sea Trail in Dominica — a 66 km sea kayaking route that highlights volcanic landscapes, sulfur baths, sea arches, snorkelin…
- #152 - Kayaks, Kiviak & Ketosis: A 3,200 km Greenland Experiment with Paddling Chef Mike Keen
Paddling Chef Mike Keen shares his solo 3,200‑km kayak journey up the west coast of Greenland, where he lived on a traditional Greenlandic Inuit diet of seal, whale, fish and fermented foods while researchers tracked his health and microbi…
- #151 - Breaking Waves & Records: Billy Butler's Kayak Endurance Push
Endurance paddler Billy Butler joins today's episode to talk about his transition from rivers to sea kayaking, recent record-setting performances, and the training and preparation behind them. The episode covers highlights like the Isle of…
- #150 - Kayaking the Inside Passage single use plastic free and Yukon source to sea with Lucy Graham
Lucy Graham is today's guest on the Paddling the Blue podcast. Lucy fostered a love for outdoor and environmental education and guiding programs early on and that led her to undertake the trip of a lifetime along the Inside Passage. She an…
- #149 - Sea Kayaking Oman 3165 with Mark Evans
Today’s episode with Mark Evans is a bit backward from our other episodes. Normally we talk about a trip that has already happened. Well, this one hasn’t happened yet and is about to kick off. Mark Evans brings a vast adventure pedigree, f…
- #148 - 1,500 Miles Solo: Linking the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and Maine Island Trail with John Connelly
In today's episode, John Connolly recounts his 75-day, 1,500-mile solo journey connecting the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the Maine Island Trail, traveling by canoe and sea kayak through rivers, lakes, portages, and the tidal Bay of Fu…
- #147 - 1,000 Mile Vision Quest celebrating cultural connections on Canada’s West Coast with Ed Hill
Ed Hill joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast to share a 1,000-mile canoe vision quest along Canada’s west coast that partnered the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Indigenous communities to celebrate culture and offer al…
- #146 - Solo sea kayak slow roll through Johnstone Strait and Desolation Sound with Stuart Munson
Stuart Munson is a reformed backpacker who discovered paddling as a new way to get to great places. Today we talk about his two-month slow roll exploration of Desolation Sound and Johnstone Strait in Pacific Northwest Canada. Stuart Munson…
- #145 - London to Marrakech and New York Spare Seat with Richard Harpham
Richard Harpham has more than 14,000 miles of human-powered adventures under his belt and he’s not slowing down. Today we talk about two, London to Marrakech by kayak and bike the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way, from the…
- #144 - Creating Artwork on the Isle of Man with Stephen Marsh
Stephen Marsh joins today’s episode of the podcast. Many of you may know Stephen as the master artisan behind Big Pond Kayaks. Dive into Stephen's life as a passionate paddler and explore the coastal waters of the Isle of Man, renowned for…
- #143 - Amazon Source to Sea Adventure with Darcy Gaechter - Encore Episode
Welcome to today’s episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast! I was paddling with some friends recently and someone mentioned Darcy Gaechter. Darcy is an extraordinary adventurer and author of Amazon Woman . Darcy's journey down the Amazon…
- #142 - Justine Curgenven's Aleutian Kayaking Adventure - Encore Episode
Join us for an exciting encore episode of 'Paddling the Blue' as as we revisit a fun conversation with Justine Curgenven. Dive into Justine's incredible journey through Alaska's remote Aleutian Island chain with Sarah Outen. Learn about he…
- #141 - Best friends go midlife kayak adventuring with Andy Mullins and Geoff Cater
Join me in a conversation with adventurous paddlers Andy Mullins and Geoff Cater. Under the banner of Midlife Kayak, Andy and Geoff share their experiences, challenges, and the unique bond of friendship forged through sea kayaking. Embark…
- #140 - 32-Day Kayak Expedition Navigating Patagonia with Mathew Schweizer
Today's episode of Paddling the Blue features a riveting conversation with sea kayaker Mathew Schweitzer. Alongside Andy Gill and Brody Duncan, Mathew embarked on a grueling 32-day kayaking expedition through the majestic fjords of Patagon…
- #139 - From Marathons to the Mississippi: Paul Mellor's Epic Adventures
In this episode of Paddling the Blue, John talks with Paul Mellor, an adventurer who has conquered marathons in all 50 U.S. states, cycled across the USA, and most recently, paddled the full length of the Mississippi River. Paul shares his…
- #138 - Finding flow through exploration in the Outer Hebrides and more with Tom Thorpe
In this episode of Paddling the Blue, Tom Thorpe discusses his experiences in coasteering, climbing, and sea kayaking, and how each sport and a thirst for new experiences has influenced his personal and professional growth. He also delves…
- #137 - Exploring the Waters of Cornwall by Sea Kayak with James Roberts
In this episode of Paddling the Blue, John talks with James Roberts, co-owner of Sea Kayak Cornwall, to explore the sea kayaking opportunities that Cornwall offers. James shares his journey into paddle sports coaching and discusses some of…
- #136 - Patrik Skovajsa - Adventures with the Danube Kayaker
Join us for today's episode of Paddling the Blue as we journey with Patrik Skovajsa as he transforms from a novice stumbling in cold waters to an adventurer on the Danube River and beyond. With tales of lost wedding rings and solo trips sp…
- #135 - Canoecopia 2025 Madison, WI - The annual paddlers family reunion
Join me as we navigate the vibrant atmosphere of Canoecopia, the world's largest paddle sports expo. Billed as the world’s largest paddlesports expo, Canoecopia features more than 100,000 square feet of canoes, kayaks, kit, outfitters, eve…
- #134 - Exploring the 2025 Quiet Adventures Symposium - Lansing, MI USA
Join this for week's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast as we take you to the 30th annual Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing, Michigan. This episode features conversations with show exhibitors and enthusiasts in the world of Great…
- #133 - Environmental Conservation and the Rich Paddling Heritage of Ireland's Causeway Coast with Robin Ruddock
Robin Ruddock is a respected advocate for sea kayaking and environmental conservation on Ireland's picturesque Causeway Coast. In this episode, we delve into Robin's extensive career, during which he has introduced over 20,000 young people…
- #132 - Living a Courageous Life as a Kayaking Nomad with Wendy Killoran
Wendy Killoran joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast. Wendy is a passionate sea kayaker and adventurer and she shares her transformation from elementary teacher to a paddling nomad, living life on her own terms. As she tak…
- Innovating and Adding Value to Everyday Kayak Gear, and fun names too - with Steve Whetman
Steve Whetman, is a renowned innovator in the kayaking world. Known for his unique approach to everyday paddling gear, Steve takes us behind the scenes of his creative and engineering process, from initial ideas to market-ready products. E…
- #130 - Building Extreme Expedition Kayaks with Rob Feloy
In today's episode of Paddling the Blue, we are talking with renowned kayak designer and builder Rob Feloy. Rob shares the intricate process of creating kayaks specifically designed for some of the world's most extreme paddling expeditions…
- #129 - Solo Kayak to Hawaii, and now the Atlantic, with Cyril Derreumaux (Replay)
Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue. Thanks for joining me for this special replay edition. I’m taking a much needed break around the holidays. This is actually my first break from releasing an entirely new episode in more than…
- Best friends, bold crossings, and bombs around Britain with Barry Shaw
In today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast, John is joined by the adventurous Barry Shaw, who takes us through his incredible journey from a novice to a seasoned paddler, making bold crossings to Ireland, St. Kilda, and even going…
- #127 - The Yukon River Quest Uncovered
Welcome to today's episode of Paddling the Blue. In this special feature, we dive deep into the world of the Yukon River Quest, an exciting race set in the stunning landscape of Canada’s Yukon territory. Four veteran racers, Thomas Schilli…
- #126 - 189 days around the UK and Ireland by Kayak with Felipe Behrens
Felipe Behrens joins todays thrilling episode of Paddling the Blue , fresh from his incredible 189-day kayaking journey around the UK and Ireland. Felipe shares the story of his ambitious expedition, highlighting his meticulous skill-build…
- #125 - Exploring Ireland's East Coast, RNLI, and the challenge of going solo with Caoimhe Connor
In this episode of Paddling the Blue, host John Chase welcomes Caoimhe Connor to discuss the hidden treasures of Ireland's East Coast. Caoimhe shares her insights into the often-overlooked paddling opportunities in this picturesque region,…
- #124 - Martin Rickard - Greenland Calling: Respecting and Paddling Through History and Ice
In this episode of Paddling the Blue, Martin Rickard shares his deep connection to Greenland and his love for the county and its people while following the legendary paths of explorers Gino Watkins and Freddie Spencer Chapman. Discover how…
- #123 - Finding your Coastal Spirit paddling Mediterranean & UK Waters with Roger Chandler
Join us on this exciting episode of Paddling the Blue as we dive into the fascinating world of sea kayaking with Roger Chandler, a seasoned coach and guide from Anglesey. Roger shares his adventures paddling through stunning locations in t…
- A Journey Down the Ganges (Ganga) River with Rency Thomas: 2,750 Kilometers of Adventure on India's most sacred river
Rency Thomas joins us to recount his incredible 2,750-kilometer solo journey from the source to the sea of India's Ganga (Ganges) River. Starting at the foot of a glacier and ending at the ocean, this expedition was the culmination of eigh…
- #121 - Coaching Insights and Tierra del Fuego with the Kayak Waveologist Greg Paquin
In this episode of Paddling the Blue, host John Chase speaks with Greg Paquin about his extensive involvement in British canoeing and his passion for paddle sports coaching. Greg shares his inspiring journey from civil engineering to becom…
- #120 - Riding the Waves: Finding flow surf kayaking the Great Lakes with Keith Wikle
Welcome to today's episode of Paddling the Blue. Our guest, Keith Wikle, is a prolific surf kayaker and coach from the Great Lakes region. In this episode, Keith shares his journey into the world of surf kayaking, his mentors, and his expe…
- #119 - Jim Tibensky - Racing kayak slalom, chasing birds, and a lifelong love for volunteering
Jim Tibensky joins today’s episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast. Jim is a legend in the US slalom racing community and a selfless volunteer for many organizations. Today we talk about Jim’s ongoing racing career, how water makes a posi…
- #118 - Donal Dowd - Experiencing Irish Islands, Lighthouses, and Wallabies
Today I have the pleasure of talking with Donal Dowd. We cover quite a few topics, including his love for Irish islands and lighthouses, 40+ years pioneering outdoor education, and the home of Ireland’s wallabies. Thank you to Jon Hynes (…
- Jon Dawkins - Searching for Kayak Bill and exploring the Outer Coast of British Columbia
Jon Dawkins received some advice from a friend that may surprise you that has led him to some of the best places on the outer coast of British Columbia as he explores the region one segment at a time. Along the way, he is also searching fo…
- Cristi Manea AKA Lownlee Kayak - Building and learning from an online kayak community
Cristi Manea is someone you probably know, but whose name you probably haven’t heard. Cristi started his paddling journey four years ago and in that time he has learned a lot from the online community and stepped up to build one of the lar…
- #115 - Eileen Murphy - Leading the way through slalom, marathon racing, and sea kayaking
Today I have the pleasure of talking with Eileen Murphy for a fascinating conversation. Eileen has led an incredible paddling career through many phases, from hitchhiking across Europe for slalom races, to marathon racing in Australia, to…