Get your hands on the latest Paddling the Blue seascape logo goods!

Paddling The Blue Podcast

John Chase interviews inspiring paddlers from 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 paddlesports, we have you covered!

Recent Episodes

March 25, 2024

#109 - Quiet Adventures Symposium - Lansing, MI

Today’s episode comes from the 29th annual Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing, MI. As paddlers, when we hear symposium we often think on-water education and experiences. This is different. It’s more like a trade show with…
March 11, 2024

#108 - Ken Whiting - Whitewater Kayak World Champion to Media Star

Ken Whiting is a former world champion whitewater kayaker, author, television host, and owner of Heliconia Press, one of the world’s leading media production companies in the outdoor and travel industry. You’ve seen Ken Whi…
Feb. 26, 2024

#107 - Mark Spitzer - 7 months on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers

Mark Spitzer shares a detailed account of his 7 month canoe trip down the entire length of the Missouri River and continuing down the Mississippi.  He was joined by his dog, Groucho, who had some adventures of his own.  It’s…
Feb. 12, 2024

#106 - Tom Daly - The first Ireland solo that almost got him kicked out of canoeing

Tom Daly completed the first solo Ireland circumnavigation by kayak in 1979. In today's episode, we talk about the adventure itself, the gear, the freedom, and how this trip almost got him kicked out of the sport. It was a f…
Jan. 29, 2024

#105 - Nicky and Kevin Mansell - Kayaking Jersey and the Channel Islands

Today we head out to Jersey.  For those in the USA, we’re not talking about the state of New Jersey, we’re talking about the Channel Islands.  Every episode gives me something else to add to the bucket list. This island arc…
Jan. 15, 2024

David Walsh - Oileain - Kayaking all the Irish islands

David Walsh is the force behind Oileain, the definitive guide to the islands of Ireland.  We will talk about his journey to catalog and detail each of the islands, which have been his favorites, which have been the hardest, …

About the Host

John ChaseProfile Photo

John Chase

Host / Producer / Paddler / ACA Instructor / Guide / Speaker

My name is John Chase and I’m a paddler just like you. I enjoy being on the water and making every outing an experience.

When I first started paddling, I used to listen to Simon Willis' podcast titled Sea Kayak Roots (later Sea Kayak Podcasts). Simon stopped recording the podcast in 2015 and for five years I kept hoping someone would bring it back. One day in late 2019, I decided that "someone" needed to be me and Paddling the Blue was born.

Paddling the Blue's first episode was released in February 2020. The group has been phenomenal and we've got listeners in 103 countries across the globe. Thanks to each of our guests for sharing their stories and thanks to you for listening!

In addition to Paddling the Blue, I also maintain the website PaddlingExercises.com, dedicated to helping you become a stronger and more efficient paddler. Visit to learn more about my book, Power to the Paddle: Exercises to Improve Your Canoe and Kayak Paddling. You'll also find a list of my paddlesports training classes, trips, and speaking opportunities.

I am a proud P&H Sea Kayaks Team Paddler, representing the best crew with the highest quality boats. Whether you’re day touring, surfing, overnighting, or heading out on a big expedition, P&H has a boat for you.

I am a Werner Paddles Ambassador and have been a proud Werner paddler for many years. The quality, service, aesthetics, and attention to detail in their equipment is second to none.