Episodes

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 sea conditions off of Casablanca to the bustling Strait of Gibraltar, and a unique twist on a trip that he called the New York Spare Seat Kayak Expedition.Rich AdventureCanoetrail.co.ukGreat British Paddling Adventures: More than 50 routes for kayak, canoe...

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 its vibrant paddling community and beautiful sea kayaking experiences. Discover the inspiration behind Stephen's intricate kayak artwork, the challenges of building custom boats, and the beauty of handcrafted designs that make each kayak a one-of-a-kind master...

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 River set a milestone as the first and only woman to paddle the entire length of the river. The paddler I was with was fascinated by Darcy’s story so I thought this would be a great opportunity to bring this one back to the top. In this episode, we explore the ...

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 her preparations, the breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters. This episode is packed with inspiration for kayakers and adventurers alike. Plus, discover how Justine's stories continue to captivate audiences and her ongoing contributions to the p...

Join me in a conversation with adventurous paddlers Andy Mullins and Jeff Cater. Under the banner of Midlife Kayak, Andy and Jeff share their experiences, challenges, and the unique bond of friendship forged through sea kayaking.Embark on an inspiring story that navigates from the scenic coasts of Cornwall to the thrilling waters of Ireland. This episode explores not only the thrills of paddling around the prominent British Isles but also delves into the personal growth, camaraderie, and life-...

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 Patagonia, from Puerto Eden to Puerto Natales. Facing unpredictable weather, majestic glaciers, and numerous challenges, this episode delves into the highs and lows of their adventure.Mathew shares insights into his journey from whitewater to sea kayaking, the metic...

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 stories of unwavering determination, the challenges of river life, and the remarkable kindness of the people he met along the way.Connect:Mellor MemoryLearn:Strokes of Kindness: paddling America's most iconic river reveals the humanity of its peopleS...

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 into the intricacies of navigating the challenging waters surrounding the Outer Hebrides and shares insights into his solo circumnavigation of Ireland.LearnIsle of LewisThe Scaladale Activity Centre and HostelShiant IslesFlannan IslesCoasteeringConnec...

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 the must-experience kayaking spots in Cornwall, including the iconic Land's End, mysterious old mining caves, and exhilarating tide races.We explore the diversity of the paddling landscape, from surf and rock hopping to serene estuaries teeming with wildlife...

Join us for today's episode of Paddling the Blue as we journey with Patrik Skovjasa 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 spanning across Europe, discover the challenges and beauty of paddling all 10 countries the Danube touches, and what it's like having a dog as your kayaking companion.Danube KayakerYou TubeFacebook

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, everything you can imagine, plus more than 100 speakers on an incredible array of topics and I am honored to be one of those speakers. Thanks to Chris Hipgrave and the entire P&H Pyranha kayaks team for making space in their booth to record this episode, and of c...

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 Lakes paddling, including representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Michigan Sea Grant, the BOAT Bus, the Wolf Moose Foundation, The Connected Paddler, and Woods and Waters Adventures. Discover initiatives focused on paddle safety, environmental edu...

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 to the joys of paddling and the unique natural history of Ireland's North Coast.Robin shares his personal paddling story, the rich folklore, and the breathtaking beauty of the Causeway Coastline, including insights on the area's geology, wildlife, and histor...

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 takes us through her extensive kayaking experiences, from circling Prince Edward Island to the rugged shores of Newfoundland, Wendy reveals how these journeys have helped her feel more alive and connected to nature.Wendy discusses her philosophy of living courag...

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. Enjoy a fun-filled discussion with insights into product development and the challenges of bringing an idea to life. And, product development isn't always serious, especially when it comes to giving names.WhetmanEquipment.comFacebookInstagram

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, including famous crossings from Greenland to Scotland and from California to Hawaii.Rob shares insights into the specialized design considerations that go into making trans-oceanic craft, emphasizing the importance of sealed cabins and self-righting capabil...

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 four years! Thank you for continuing to listen and support the Paddling the Blue podcast.I interviewed Cyril Derreumaux in October 2022, just a couple weeks after he completed his solo kayak from California to Hawaii. Well, he’s back at it again, this time ...

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 around Britain.Barry shares his experiences of challenges and triumphs on the waters, his strong bond of friendship with fellow kayakers, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. From gripping tales of surviving drop zones to the joy of exploration ...

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 Schillig, Bill Siersdorfer, Mirko Prufer, and Esther Wheeler, share their unique experiences and why this challenging event holds a special place in their hearts.This episode offers a glimpse into the camaraderie, personal triumphs, and the spirit of adventure that...

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-building process that prepared him for this monumental adventure.Throughout the episode, Felipe recounts his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the vibrant kayaking community that supported him along the way. From navigating the treacherous waters of the Pe...

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, highlighting its unique landscapes and vibrant wildlife.Caoimhe also delves into her personal experiences with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), offering valuable advice for paddlers on safety and rescue techniques. She candidly discusses her a...

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 a chance encounter with a book ignited Martin's lifelong love for Greenland and hear fascinating stories about his two-decade-long experience guiding expeditions through its stunning landscapes. Martin also discusses the impact of climate change on Greenland'...

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 the Mediterranean and the UK, revealing his journey from childhood explorations to becoming a skilled kayaker and coach.Discover the warm water beauty of Sicily and the breathtaking circumnavigation of Mallorca and Menorca with fellow paddler Barry ShawAs we...

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 eight years of preparation. Hear firsthand from Rency about his experiences, challenges, and the cultural significance of this holy river.Enjoy today's episode with Rency Thomas as he shares his inspiring story of humbleness, patience, adventure, and the deep con...