Episodes

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 Shaw As 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...

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 becoming a full-time sea kayaking coach. Greg also recounts his thrilling expedition to the remote and stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, describing the breathtaking scenery and unique challenges faced along the way. Additionally, he discusses the inception a...

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 experience organizing paddling events. He also offers valuable tips to enhance your surfing skills and enjoyment when the waves kick up. Join us as Keith discusses his background, the transition from sea kayaking to surf kayaking, and the unique challenges and rew...

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 positive difference in his life, and how he regularly gives back to improve the lives of others through paddling. Connect: Facebook Learn: Chicago Adventure Therapy Chicago Voyagers Chicago Bird Collision Monitors Apostle Islands Lincoln Park Boat Club

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 (episode #88) for making the connection with Donal. At the Water's Edge Two Boats, B. Ferrell Dingle Publishing Services (info only) Tertulia Book Shop, Westport Abebooks.com The wallabies of Lambay Island (BBC) Blasket Islands Commissioners of Irish Lights Gr...

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 for a local legend affectionately named Kayak Bill. We’ll talk about all that in today’s episode. Connect: 3MeterSwell Facebook Instagram Resources: Looking for Kayak Bill, by Neil Frazer (3MeterSwell) Kayak Bill-A Requiem (3MeterSwell, originally appeared in...

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 largest online paddling communities in Facebook. We’ll talk today about how that process has made a Lownlee kayaker a happy kayaker. Connect: Solo Kayaking (Facebook) Sea Kayak Surfing (Facebook) Kayak Camping and Expeditioning (Facebook) Learn: Hopewell Rocks...

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 sea kayakin...

Conny Bell joins today’s episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast to talk about her 57-day circumnavigation of Lake Superior.  She shares her experience on this voyage of self-discovery, overcoming personal challenges, and describes how the lake chan...

Jim Kennedy is another legend in the Irish paddling world and he joins us today to talk about his racing days, his love for the Wild Atlantic Way, bioluminescence, seaweed, and how paddling keeps him grounded. Atlantic Sea Kayaking Wild Atlantic Way ...

Today I am joined Amber Champion. Amber burst on to the paddling scene a few years ago and quickly ascended to become known as one of the top coaches in the Paddle Canada system. In this episode, she shares how a leaping squid, a lot of hard work, an...

Today I am joined by Alison French. Alison runs Sea Kayak Plockton in Scotland. Today we talk about finding your why, the reasons you should visit the Shiants, Alison’s famous flapjack, and more. Thank you to Nick Ray from episode #101 for introducin...

Today’s episode was recorded from the show floor at the annual Canoecopia show in Madison, Wisconsin. Billed as the world’s largest paddlesports expo, Canoecopia features more than 100,000 square feet of canoes, kayaks, kit, outfitters, everything yo...

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 a Great Lakes emphasis, b...

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 Whiting in the Facing Waves t...

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 a great story about the r...

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 far different time. Certain...

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 archipelago is teeming with p...

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, and more. Oileain.org (we...

Natalie Maderova and Michal Madera join today's episode to share their simple yet effective philosophy on managing a big trip and they bring the credibility to back it up. They’ve circumnavigated Britain, Ireland, and paddled in Alaska with Freya Hof...

Today I am joined by Des Keaney. Des was referred to me by Catriona Woods from episode 89. Des shares a trip around Cape Horn, a few of his favorite places in Ireland, and how he’s overcoming one of life's challenges to continue enjoying paddling.  H...

Today’s episode features Nick Ray. Many of us followed Nick on his 365 day Life Afloat journey around Scotland. It was a quest to find hope and joy in fully immersing himself in the trip and he did just that. We have a great chat about his motivatio...