Paddling The Blue Podcast: Recent Episodes
John Chase
Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue.
Today’s guest is Rupert Kirkwood. Rupert goes by the name The Lone Kayaker. You may have seen photos of some of his incredible sea life encounters and today we chat about those experiences, his motivation, and what led him to a life seeking beautiful creatures.
Before we get to our chat with Rupert:
James and Simon at onlineseakayaking.com continue to produce great content to help you evolve as a paddler, and as a coach. Everything from basic strokes and safety to paddling in tides, surfing, coaching, documentaries, it’s all in one place. If you’re not already a subscriber to Onlineseakayaking.com, here’s your opportunity to get started. Visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.
Level Six continues as a great supporter of Paddling the Blue and we have a special offer just for you. If you would like to pick up some great Level Six drywear or other kit, visit their website at levelsix.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout for 10% off your order.
Enjoy today’s episode with Rupert Kirkwood!
Connect:
- The Lone Kayaker - Rupert's Wild World of Water. As Seen from A Kayak
Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue.
Today’s guest is David Johnston. David is an sea kayak instructor, guide, and one of the key architects for some of Paddle Canada’s programs. We’ll talk about the development of Paddle Canada’s programs, the state of instruction, Georgian Bay, and the beauty of Lake Superior and we have a few laughs along the way.
Before we get to our chat with David:
James and Simon at onlineseakayaking.com continue to produce great content to help you evolve as a paddler, and as a coach. If you’re not already a subscriber to Onlineseakayaking.com, here’s your opportunity to get started. Visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.
Level Six continues as a great supporter of Paddling the Blue and we have a special offer just for you. If you would like to pick up some great Level Six drywear or other kit, visit their website at levelsix.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout for 10% off your order.
Enjoy today’s episode with David Johnston.
Connect:
- SeaKayakInstructor.com
Brian Wilson is the author of Blazing Paddles, a Scottish Coastal Odyssey where he shares his trip around the country, and Dances with Waves, about his journey around Ireland. Brian shares some of the fun folklore, stories of the people he met along the way, and a really creepy situation he found himself in.
Connect:
- Birlinn Books
Books:
- Blazing paddles
- Dances with Waves
Today’s guest is Dennis Dwyer.
Dennis has made several trips to Alaska, having driven from Louisiana to Alaska first in 1987. Dennis has written books on paddling Prince William Sound and the Inside Passage as well as running a popular online group dedicated to Inside Passage paddlers.
Connect:
- Inside Passage Sea Kayakers
Learn:
- Alone in the Passage: An Explorer's Guide to Sea Kayaking on the Inside Passage
- Alone in the Sound: An Explorer's Guide to the Sea Kayaking Alaska's Prince William Sound
- Point to Point: Exploring the Inside Passage by Sea Kayak
- Tactics for Long Distance Sea Kayaking
- The Wild Coast: Volume 2: A Kayaking, Hiking, and Recreational Guide for the North and Central B.C. Coast
- Kayaking the Inside Passage: A Paddler's Guide from Puget Sound, Washington, to Glacier Bay, Alaska
- NOAA Chart Locator
Today’s guest is Renata Chlumska. She is a legendary professional adventurer who brings an incredible history, having reached the Seven Summits, the highest points on each continent. Today she joins us to talk about another expedition that doesn’t involve high peaks, but one with great personal meaning to her.
Join us as Renata describes paddling and biking 11,300 miles over 439 days covering 32 states to circumnavigate the continental US by kayak and bicycle.
Connect:
- RenataChlumska.com
Learn:
- Seven Summits (Wikipedia)
- Renata Chlumska | TEDx | Seeking New Thrills
- Ultimate High by Goran Kropp
John Huth is a Harvard physics professor, a paddler, and author of the book “The Lost Art of Finding our Way”. We had a fascinating conversation about his different view of navigation using the world around us, what inspired him to write the book and how it can benefit you.
Learn:
- The Lost Art of Finding Our Way (Amazon)
- Harvard Physics Faculty Website
- Personal Website
Connect:
Today’s guest is an inspiration to many. I found Catriona Woods through Facebook and followed her adventures throughout Ireland with great interest. Catriona started paddling late in life and as a reaction to disappointing news. From day one, she sought the support of quality coaching and that, along with determination and good friends, have led her to some great life experiences. She brings an incredible message of learning and growing, along with some really big crossing!
Learn:
- PerformanceSeaKayak.co.uk
- ISKGA
- Oileain
- Islay
- Rockpool Kayaks
- Kokatat
Connect:
Today I am pleased to bring you a really fun conversation with Jon Hynes. Some of you may already know Jon from the acclaimed documentary with Sean Cahill, Sea Kayak Around Ireland. Others may know him from his work with the Irish Canoe Union, and others through the Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre. Today, we explore his take on adventure, preparation, and caring for the environment in which we paddle.
Learn:
- Wild Atlantic Way-Ireland's Spectacular Coastal Route
- Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre
- Sustainable Sea Kayaking
- Fastnet Rock
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution
- Irish Canoe Union
Connect:
- Jon Hynes
Today I am honored to bring you a conversation with the one and only, Nigel Dennis. Nigel has received more requests by other guests as a future guest. Thank you to GInni Callahan, Olly Sanders, and all the others who made the recommendation.
Today we talk about the founding of Sea Kayaking UK, formerly Nigel Dennis Kayaks, the creation of the Romany Classic, Easter Island, Cape Horn, Antarctica, and more.
Learn:
Sea Kayaking UK
Connect:
info@seakayakinguk.com
Today I am pleased to bring you a great conversation with Alistair Wilson. Alistair has had an amazing life blessed with personal, family, and business successes, including two trips to the Olympics and the founding of Lendal Paddle. He is an original innovator in the world of paddle design and today we hear his story firsthand.
Enjoy today’s episode with Alistair Wilson.
Learn:
Behind the Paddle book
Alistair Wilson (Facebook)
Level Six has been a great supporter of Paddling the Blue and they have stepped up again with a special offer just for you as a Paddling the Blue podcast listener. If you would like to pick up some great Level Six drywear or other kit, visit their website at levelsix.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout for 10% off your order.
Also, if you’re not already a subscriber to onlineseakayaking.com, James and Simon keep on delivering great content. Visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.
Today you get to hear first hand from Richard Barnes. Richard recently completed a solo kayak crossing of the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand, in a kayak that he designed and built. His is only the second solo of the Tasman Sea and the first unassisted effort.
Level Six has been a great supporter of Paddling the Blue and they have stepped up again with a special offer just for you as a Paddling the Blue podcast listener. If you would like to pick up some great Level Six drywear or other kit, visit their website at levelsix.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout for 10% off your order.
Also, if you’re not already a subscriber to onlineseakayaking.com, James and Simon keep on delivering great content. Visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.
Enjoy today’s episode with Richard Barnes.
Learn:
- Blue Moon (Facebook)
- Trip resources and infographic (Lane Cove River Kayakers)
We are coming to you today from one of our all-time favorite shows, Canoecopia, which is the world’s largest paddlesports expo, held in Madison, Wisconsin. This event is 100,000 square feet of canoes, kayaks, kit, outfitters, everything you can imagine, plus more than 100 speakers on an incredible array of topics. Thanks to Stig Larssen and the entire Level Six team for the use of their booth to record this episode.
Enjoy today’s episode from the Canoecopia!
Learn and Connect:
- Susan Conrad
- Wildly Inside
- Inside: One woman's journey through the Inside Passage
- Inside my Sea of Dreams: The adventures of Kami and Suz
- Books by Susan's inspiration, Audrey Sutherland
- Paddling North: A solo adventure along the Inside Passage
- Paddling My Own Canoe: A solo adventure along the coast of Molokai
- Paddling Hawaii
- Just Around the Pointe (Facebook)
- P&H Sea Kayaks
- P&H - the full carbon clear Cetus
- Pyranha EVO
- Little Bay Boards
- Level Six
- Paddlesports Trade Coalition
- Turning Point Boatworks
- Werner Paddles
- Isle Royale Families and Friends Association
- Rutabaga
- Canoecopia
Today’s episode comes from the 28th annual Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing, MI. We talked with exhibitors from the US Great Lakes region including chats with Chicago Adventure Therapy, Paddling Adventures Radio, the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy, Paddle Antrim, and others working to educate paddlers, protect our waterways, and keep the Great Lakes great.
Enjoy today’s episode from the Quiet Adventures Symposium!
Learn and connect:
- Paddle Antrim
- Chicago Adventure Therapy
- Association of State Dam Safety Officials
- Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy
- Paddling Adventures Radio
- Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium
- West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association
Today we will be talking with a trio of guests, featuring none other than Dale “Greybeard” Sanders, and friends and fellow Mississippi River paddlers, Dan Faust and Matthew Briggs. Dale is a multi-time World Record holder for both paddling and hiking and is currently the reigning record holder as the oldest to paddle the Mississippi River source to sea at age 87. They had a great journey down the river for Dale’s most recent record-setting run and they’re going to share it with you today.
Enjoy today’s episode with Dale Greybeard Sanders, Dan Faust, and Matthew Briggs!
Learn and Connect:
- Greybeard Adventurer
- The Man, The Myth, The Mississippi
- Dan Faust: The Blogs
- River Gator
- Mississippi River Angels (Facebook)
- Matt Briggs
Special offer for Paddling the Blue listeners:
If you’re not already a subscriber, visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.
Dan Carr, volunteer extraordinaire and friend of Jonathan Hearn and Katie Sylvester from episode #76 joins me today to talk about the Maine Island Trail.
The trail extends along 375 miles of shoreline with more than 250 islands. Dan is going to share some of his favorite stories and a few of the must-visit islands along this paddler’s paradise.
Learn:
- Maine Island Trail Association
- Leave No Trace - The 7 Principles
Special offer for Paddling the Blue listeners:
If you’re not already a subscriber, visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.
There’s something magical about islands to a paddler and that’s definitely true for Sean Pierce. For starters, he was the photo editor for Ireland’s foremost paddling guide book, Oilean (Irish for Island), so that should tell you something.
Sean is known in the Irish sea kayaking community for both his involvement in the Irish Sea Kayaking Association, but even more so for his passionate pursuit of birding while visiting those islands. Today we will talk with Sean about the island that is Ireland, but also many others, including the worlds largest island.
Thanks to Kevin O’Sullivan not only for referring Sean but for sending me a copy of Oilean. As a self-confessed guidebook and map geek, it’s a favorite in my library.
Enjoy today’s episode with Sean Pierce!
Learn:
- Shearwater Sea Kayaking
- Oilean
- Irish Sea Kayaking Association
- Sakhalin
- Kamchatka (sorry, not quite an island)
- South Georgia Island
Who is Jake Stachovak, and why did I decide to make a special episode just about him? Well, Jake is a paddler, and I would say just like the rest of us, but he wasn’t. There was only one Jake Stachovak.
Today’s episode will share some of the paddling highlights of the Great Loop trip that Jake brought to episode #2 while also hearing from just a few of his friends telling you about Jake as a person.
Jake, thank you for the memories. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for the laughs. We are all better for knowing you. Paddle on, my friend. We miss you.
Photo Credit: Michael Franklin
Today’s guest is Joe Solomon, who joined me by way of referral from Madison Eklund from episode 73. He paddled the Ohio River and Mississippi River in support of mental health and we’ll talk with Joe about how paddling changed his life in more ways than one.
Enjoy today’s episode with Joe Solomon!
Connect:
- Kayaking 4 a Cause
Learn:
- Mississippi River Angels
- Adventure Crew Cincinnati
Special offer for Paddling the Blue listeners:
If you’re not already a subscriber, visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.
Kwin Morris, Joe Lorenz, and Jeff Guy are members of the Stand Up For Great Lakes team. This hearty crew is working on completing Stand Up Paddleboard crossings of each of the Great Lakes. They've done Lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior, and Erie and Ontario is next. We’re going to talk about what they’ve accomplished so far and what’s next.
Kwin, Joe, and Jeff have been with the team from the start and have done all four lakes together. I do want to make sure we also give credit to Joel Mueller and Nick Darga too as they were members of the Lake Michigan crossing team.
Enjoy today’s episode with Stand Up for Great Lakes!
Learn:
- Alliance for the Great Lakes
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Great Lakes Historical Shipwreck Society
- Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research
Connect:
- Stand Up For Great Lakes
Special offer for Paddling the Blue listeners:Visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment. Just another benefit of being a Paddling the Blue listener!
Today I am joined by Jonathan Hearn and Kati Sylvester. Jonathan and Kati embarked on an 88-day trip along the Maine coast and through the Canadian Maritimes. Join us for their adventure and hear about the gift they gave to themselves and their experience through this beautiful coastline.
Learn:
- Maine Coast Heritage Trust
- Maine Island Trail Association
Connect:
- Seeking.wonderment (Instagram)
- Seeking Wonderment (website)
Todays’s guest is Douglas Wilcox. You may be familiar with Douglas' work testing boats and equipment. You can find his test results and trip reports online through Facebook, his website, and in magazines like Ocean Paddler over the years. He brings a natural curiosity to kayaking and that shows in today’s interview. Douglas is a storyteller in every sense of the word, so get ready for us to cover a lot of ground.
Also, thank you to listeners who have taken the time to support the show by visiting our website at www.paddlingthebue.com and clicking the Buy Me A Coffee link on the bottom right of the page. I really appreciate your support. Thank you!
Enjoy today's episode with Douglas Wilcox!
Connect:
- SeaKayakPhoto.blogspot.com
Special offer for Paddling the Blue listeners from Online Sea Kayaking
Our friend Simon Osborne (episode 41),and James Stevenson, have created an online coaching resource with 14 different courses and over 30 hours of high-quality video in onlineseakayaking.com. They’ve agreed to offer a special deal for Paddling the Blue podcast listeners. If you’re not already a subscriber, here’s your chance. Visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months or the first year of an annual subscription investment.
Today I am talking with Steve Ramsay. Steve was referred to the show by Cyril Derreumaux. They met when Cyril was in the Yukon River Quest. The Yukon River Quest is one of the most iconic paddle races on the North American continent and you’re about to hear about it.
I know someone out there may be thinking, isn’t this a podcast about kayaking? It is, primarily, but it’s fun to mix it up sometimes. Just like WE become better by exploring different craft, Paddling the Blue gets better too . While Steve may not have done the race in a kayak, they’re all boats, right? I used to do a lot of adventure racing back in the day and this is the kind of thing that really interests me. There's something special about a good sufferfest and it certainly sounds like a beautiful river.
Enjoy today’s episode with Steve Ramsay!
Connect:
- Email: Steve (at) twelvedegrees.ca
Learn:
- Yukon River Quest
- Gold Rush Canoe Derby (1967 video)
Today’s episode of Paddling the Blue features Madison Eklund. At 26 and after three years of planning, Madison set off from Minnesota and paddled 1.600 miles solo through some beautiful territory to York Factory in Hudson Bay. From farmland to sub-arctic, she experiences an adventure full of learning and the kindness of strangers.
Books:
- Wilderness Rivers of Manitoba - Hap Wilson
- Canoeing with the Cree-Eric Sevareid
- Adventure North-Sean Bloomfield with Colton White
Expedition Alpine (Facebook Blog)
Expedition Alpine (Instagram)
About Expedition Alpine
Big Agnes Bob Swanson Memorial Grant
Abandon Anchor-A Bob Swanson Memorial Grant winner story
About Norway House
About Oxford House
Laurentian Divide
Today’s episode of Paddling the Blue features Olly Hicks. His accomplishments include rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean from the USA to England after 124 days at sea, and at the time he did it, he was also the youngest to row any ocean solo.
Olly also made the first row across the Tasman Sea from Tasmania to New Zealand, through 96 days alone on the notoriously wild southern ocean.
If you caught episode 68 with Patrick Winterton, you heard Olly’s name there where we discussed the 200 mile crossing from the Shetland Islands to Norway in memory of the World War Two Shetland Bus Operation.
Following the Shetland Bus, Olly and George Bullard pulled off an incredible trip from Greenland to Scotland.
Enjoy today’s episode with Olly Hicks!
Connect:
- Ollyhicks.com
Learn:
- In the wake of the Finmen (Kotatat website)
- Voyage of the Finmen (Red Bull movie)
Today’s episode features Cyril Derreumaux. Cyril is fresh off his successful quest to be the first person to cross from California to Hawaii by kayak using 100% human power. In this episode he shares a lot about his preparation and the personal experience of making this trip. Planning, more planning, pain, perseverance, it’s all in this trip.
I caught up with Cyril as he was driving from San Diego, California, where he had just picked up his boat Valentine and was trailering her back to San Francisco. He stopped his trip to accommodate the recording, but you may pick up a little background noise.
Enjoy today’s episode with Cyril Derreumaux!
- Cyrilderreumaux.com
- Cyril Derreumaux Adventure (Facebook)
- Solo Kayak to Hawaii (official site)
- Inuk kayaks (Rob Feloy)
- Coup de tete-Bon Entendeur (the song of the crossing)
Photo credit: Tom Gomes
Joe Leach joins us today to share the story of his circumnavigation of the UK and a bit about his circuit of Ireland as well. We get in-depth on the trip, the motivation, and the ups and down he experienced along the way. It’s a great perspective from, at the time, a newer expeditioner taking on a huge challenge. We had some good laughs on this one, so enjoy today’s episode with Joe Leach.
Connect:
Learn:
- Surfers against Sewage
Today I am joined by Kevin O’Sullivan. I was introduced to Kevin by Mick O’Meara. If you recall, Mick joined me for episode 35 where he shared the story of his record setting 23 day circumnavigation of Ireland. Kevin’s story is similar, but very different. While both Mick and Kevin are part of the brotherhood of those who have circled the Emerald Isle, Kevin’s journey spanned 915 days. You heard that right, now you get to hear the whole story.
Before we get to Kevin’s story, if you’re a long time listener, thank you. If you’re a new listener, thank you for finding us. I want to send a special thank you to all our guests to date and those to come in the future. We’ve got some exciting episodes lined up.
If you enjoy the show, I hope you’ll consider supporting the us by visiting www.paddlingtheblue.com and clicking the little coffee cup link in the bottom corner of the page. Consider dropping a small donation to help offset the costs of running the show. Thank you to everyone who has shown their support and those who will help in the future.
Enjoy today’s episode with Kevin O’Sullivan.
Learn:
- RNLI
- Medicine Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders)
Connect:
Connect:
Today I am joined by Patrick Winterton.
When Doug Cooper said Patrick has done some interesting open water crossings, he was right! Patrick is going to share a few stories, most notably the impressive St. Brendan's route and the Shetland Bus. It’s a fascinating conversation filled with ingenuity to make these trips happen. Enjoy today’s episode with Patrick Winterton.
Connect:
Patrick Winterton
Today I have the pleasure to talk with Doug Cooper. Doug is a coach, author, guide, and authority on Scottish sea kayaking. Enjoy today’s episode as Doug takes us on a tour of Scotland with a little diversion to Greenland.
Books by Doug Cooper:
- Scottish Sea Kayaking
- Skye & Northwest Highlands Sea Kayaking
- Nor & East Coast of Scotland Sea Kayaking
- Sea Kayak Handling: A Practical Manual, Essential Knowledge for Beginner and Intermediate Paddlers
- Rough Water Handling: A Practical Manual, Essential Knowledge for Intermediate and Advanced Paddlers
Website:
- Scottish Sea Kayaking
Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue. Thanks for joining me for today’s adventure.
Today I have the pleasure to talk with Ginni Callahan. Ginni runs Sea Kayak Baja Mexico and today she’s going to share some of her experiences from Baja. We’ll also talk about the South Pacific, towing a sailboat, kayak sailing, pyrosomes, and more. Enjoy today’s episode with Ginni Callahan.
Learn and Connect:
- Sea Kayak Baja Mexico
- Pyrosomes (Wikipedia)
- Flat Earth Kayak Sails
- Ginnicallahan.com
Louise Adie joins Paddling the Blue for today's episode. Louise will take us to the bottom of the earth where she guided for 14 years. I hope you enjoy some of her favorite stories from her years guiding in Antarctica.
Learn:
- Kapitan Khlebnikov (Quark Expeditions icebreaker)
- International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators
- Polar Tourism Guides Association
Connect:
- Email Louise
I am joined today by Kelly Marie Henry. Kelly was a referral from Laura Zulliger from episode 61 and Laura’s partner in the Fearless Formosa expedition.
Kelly’s story is also one of adventure but in a different way. In this episode, Kelly shares the discoveries she has made through paddling that prompted her to pursue kayaking as a profession and move halfway around the globe to do it. She’s got quite a unique background, so I will let you hear it directly from Kelly.
Enjoy today’s episode with Kelly Marie Henry!
Learn:
- Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
- Fearless Formosa Expedition
- California Canoe & Kayak
- Paddle Golden Gate
Connect:
- Flow State Adventures
Welcome to Paddling the Blue!
Today’s episode features Russell Henry.
You’ll recognize the last name if you’ve listened to his father, Brian Henry from episode 54 . Russell and his brother Graham completed an incredible paddle from Brazil to Florida. This was a great adventure and a super fun story. Russell is a great story teller. I laughed all the way along with Russell on this one, so have fun with this episode.
Enjoy today’s episode with Russell Henry!
Connect:
- River Culture Kayaking
Learn:
- Kingdom of Redonda
- Henry Brothers Expedition (Facebook)
Today’s episode features Murty Campbell.
Murty shares some of his stories from his time on the Stornoway lifeboat, what makes the area such a paddlers mecca, and some of his favorite less visited places.
Enjoy today’s episode with Murty!
Connect:
- Murdo (Murty) Campbell-Facebook
Learn:
- Outer Hebrides
- St. Kilda
- Monarch Islands
- Flannan Isles
Today’s episode features Laura Zulliger. Laura and I had a great talk about cultural immersion, life changes, and pushing through fear in life on the Fearless Formosa expedition through Taiwan.
Enjoy today’s episode with Laura Zulliger!
Learn:
- Fearless Formosa (expedition website)
- Point 65 kayaks
- Kokatat
- Werner paddles
Connect:
- Laurazulliger.com
- Laura Zulliger (Instagram)
- Laura Zulliger (Facebook)
- California Watersports Collective
Today’s episode features Greg Stamer. In this episode we touch on several topics. We chat about myths and misconceptions about Greenland paddles, a bit on paddling with Freya Hoffmeister, the people of Newfoundland, two foods that I would not recommend pairing, and the Everglades Challenge. It’s a lot of great content and a fun interview.
Enjoy today’s episode with Greg Stamer!
Connect
- GregStamer.com
- Greg Stamer (Facebook)
Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue.
Today’s episode features Calvin Croll sharing the beauty of a winter circumnavigation of Vancouver Island.
Enjoy today’s episode with Calvin Croll!
Learn:
- BC Coast Explorer and Marine Trail Guide
- BC Marine Trails Association
Connect:
- Future Water Paddlesports
Today’s episode features legendary paddler, Nigel Foster. Nigel talks with us about his epic adventure paddling Baffin Island, through the Hudson Strait toward the Labrador Coast. It’s a trip that took 23 years to complete so I’m glad you’re here.
Enjoy today’s episode with Nigel Foster!
Just a reminder, if you enjoy the show, we appreciate your donations at the link in the bottom right of this page. Every little bit helps offset the costs of running and hosting the show. Thank you for your support!
Connect:
Learn:
- Nigel Kayaks
- Nigel Foster Designs
- Point 65 Sweden Kayaks
Books:
- Nigel Foster-Amazon Author Page
- On Polar Tides: Paddling and Surviving the Northern Coast of Labrador
- Heart of Toba: Batak Life Beside the World's Largest Caldera Lake
- Kayak Across France: A Canal and River Adventure Unlocked
- Encounters From a Kayak: Native People, Sacred Places, and Hungry Polar Bears
- The Art of Kayaking; Everything You Need to Know about Paddling
- Paddling Southern Florida: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Paddling Adventures
Today’s episode takes us to Iceland to talk with Guðni Páll Viktorsson about his circumnavigation of the rugged Icelandic coastline. Thank you to a previous around Iceland guest, Veiga Gretarsdottir for connecting us. While Guðni Páll didn’t go against the current like Veiga, he had some pretty harrowing times that you’re going to hear about today.
In the last three shows, we’ve been running our anniversary contest with listeners entering to win a $50 gift card from our good friends at Level Six. The final winner in this program, from episode #56 at Canoecopia, is John Deignan. Congratulations John!
Connect:
Learn:
- Seakayakiceland.is
- Sea Kayak Iceland (Facebook)
- Sea Kayak Iceland Symposium
- Samhjálp (Homeless aid organization supported during the expedition)
Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue.
Today’s episode is a special edition recorded live from Madison, Wisconsin at the world’s largest paddlesports expo, Canoecopia. This episode features five exhibitors from the show sharing what’s happening with their companies, new products, and the industry.
- Darren Bush - Rutabaga Paddlesports/Canoecopia
- Stig Larson-Level Six
- Jeremy Vore-Red Leaf Designs
- Chris Hipgrave-Pyranha and P&H Kayaks
- Paul Gerten-Biolite Energy
As a reminder from the last episode, we’re running our anniversary contest again. Congratulations to Suprio Bhattachayra! You’ve won a $50 gift card from Level Six.
Here’s how you can win our next $50 gift card.
Listen to today’s episode for this week’s question and send us your answer. You need to get your answer in by Wednesday, March 23, 2022. I will announce the winner of this episode’s Level Six gift card in episode 57 which releases on March 28, 2022.
Enjoy today’s episode from Canoecopia 2022!
A big thank you to the team at Rutabagas Paddlesports for putting on a fantastic event!
Graham Mackareth is the founder of Pyranha Kayaks and the Managing Director of Pyranha Kayaks and P&H Sea Kayaks, an inductee into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame and a true pioneer of the sport. In this episode, Graham gives us an insider's view of the history of Pyranha and P&H, their early designs and unique safety features, and how they stay true to their mission.
A thank you goes out to Christopher Lockyer who referred Graham way back in the early days of Paddling the Blue, episode #7.
As a reminder from the last episode, we’re running our anniversary contest again.
In the last episode, I promised that those who answered the hidden question correctly would be entered to win a $50 gift card from our good friends at Level Six. The winner from episode #54 is Bruce Holland from the USA. Congratulations Bruce.
Here’s how you can win our next $50 gift card courtesy of Level Six.
Somewhere in this episode you will find a hidden question about an episode. If you know the answer, click here to answer the question by Wednesday, March 9, 2022. I will announce the winner of this episode’s Level Six gift card in episode 56 which releases on March 14, 2022.
Enjoy today’s episode with Graham Mackareth!
Learn:
- Pyranha Kayaks
- P&H Custom Sea Kayaks
Thank you for joining me for today’s episode of Paddling the Blue.
Today’s chat features a pioneer of the sport, Brian Henry. Brian is the founder of Current Designs and he will share stories of the early days of boat building alongside some of the personalities that make our sport what it is today.
We are coming up on the two year anniversary of Paddling the Blue. To celebrate, we’ve got three $50 gift cards from our good friends at Level Six. Here’s how you can win.
Somewhere in this episode and the next two, that means numbers 55 and 56, I will ask a question about a previous guest. If you know the answer, submit it here for a chance to win. For this episode, you need to get your answer in by Wednesday, February 23, 2022. I will announce the winner of this show's Level Six gift card in episode 55.
Enjoy today’s episode with Brian Henry!
Connect:
- Ocean River Sports
Photo Credit: Bruce Holland
Today’s episode will take us to Australia to talk with Stuart Trueman. Stuart’s a man of the world having visited more than 40 countries and paddled in both the Arctic and Antarctic. In this episode, he shares his tale of paddling 17,000 kilometers solo and unsupported all the way around Australia!
A big thank you to Shaan Gresser. Shaan joined the show on episode #44 and she connected me with Stuart.
Enjoy today’s episode with Stuart Trueman!
- Stuart Trueman (Facebook)
- New South Wales Sea Kayak Club
- Expedition Kayaks (Nadgee)
Joachim Larssen, also known as the Shibby Traveler, joins me today to share his story of his 233 day solo of the entire coast of Norway, both ways. He’s got a great story of living in the moment, and a whale encounter you won't believe!
Enjoy today’s episode with Joachim Larssen!
Connect:
- The Shibby Traveler (website)
- The Shibby Traveler (Facebook)
- Joachim Larssen (Facebook)
- Joachim Larssen (Instagram)
- Joachim Larssen (YouTube)
Learn:
- Hurtigruten-the Norwegian Coastal Express
- Norse kayaks
- Level Six
Meet Hvaldimir
- Hvaldimir the whale steals Joachim's Go Pro
In today’s episode, we’re going to talk with Kyleen Austin about the restorative power of paddling that she experienced through a trip along the Inside Passage. We’ve talked about the Inside Passage previously, but I think you’ll find this one different and you’ll take away a different perspective.
Enjoy today’s episode with Kyleen Austin!
Connect:
- Kyleen Austin
- Skamokawa Swamp Opera (Facebook)
Learn:
- Inside Passage Facebook group
- Dennis Dwyer
- Sea Breeze Books and Charts
- Sea Kayak Baja
- Inside Passage blogs and resources
Books:
I've been asked to create an episode featuring "regular people". So, I figured why not, and who's more regular than...well, me?
This one will feature me and my friend Randy Bauer as we share the story of our 10-day trip to Alaska's Prince William Sound.
Enjoy the episode!
Learn:
- NOAA Chart 16705-Western Prince William Sound
- NOAA Chart 16711-Harriman Fjord
- Paddlers Realm
- Arctic ERMA ShoreZone imagery shoreline survey
- Alaska Marine Ferry schedule
- Surprise Cove State Marine Park
- Prince William Sound campsites
- NOAA Marine Zone Forecast - Whittier, AK
Erik Jorgensen is an adventurer, author, expedition leader, and most importantly, a father. He's joining us from his home in Denmark. Erik has many amazing trips under his belt, and we’re going to talk about a few with his daughter that have really captivated my attention.
Thank you to listener Henning de Haas for referring Erik. If you have an idea for a future guest, please reach out to me at john@paddlingtheblue.com.
Enjoy today’s episode with Erik!
Connect:
Erik Jorgensen
Learn:
- Avannaq http://www.avannaq.no/
- Greenland paddle, Gram https://gramkajak.dk/
- The one Erik uses: https://gramkajak.dk/produkter/delbare-pagajer-i-trae-og-kulfiber/gram-9100t-tredelt-carbonpagaj/
Kayak
- Panthera kajak fra Struer Boats
- https://komud.dk/kajakken-panthera-fra-struer-boats-danmark-rundt-i-kajak-hurtigst-muligt/
- https://www.thomassondesign.com/en/catalog/my-kayaks/panthera
Today’s episode features one of the world’s most recognized advocates for cold water safety, Moulton Avery. Moulton will share how he got his start in the world of water safety, how we can keep ourselves safe, busts a few myths about cold water, and gives his best advice on how we can represent safe paddling to the paddling community.
Enjoy today’s episode with Moulton!
Learn:
- National Center for Cold Water Safety
- NCCWS Facebook page
- Video: Cold Shock, Swimming Failure, and Incapacitation
- Air and water temperature myths
Connect:
- Contact Moulton
Donate to the National Center for Cold Water Safety
Today’s episode takes us to my home waters of the Great Lakes. We will be talking with Mike Stout about his journey as a paddler leading to his unprecedented five crossings of Lake Michigan.
You'll find links below to Mike's trip write-ups for the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior crossings.
Learn:
- The Northland Adventurer
- Lake Michigan 2016
- Lake Michigan 2020
- Lake Michigan June 10, 2021
- Lake Michigan June 27, 2021
- Lake Michigan July 13, 2021
- Lake Superior
Connect:
- Contact Mike
Today’s episode will take a different approach, leaning toward how individuals can get involved with their paddling environments through Citizen Science. Today I’m talking with Scott Baxter and Matt Kahabka about their circumnavigation of Utah’s Great Salt Lake and why this trip was important.
While you or I may not live near the Great Salt Lake, the opportunity we can all take away from this episode is that we can each make a difference in our home waters. If you’ve never heard of the term Citizen Science, it’s an opportunity where you can contribute to the scientific community without being a scientist yourself. As kayakers, we can often get to places that research vessels cannot, and the information we can collect on their behalf can make a difference. I encourage you to Citizenscience.gov or Google Citizen Science in your area.
Learn more about the trip:
- Scott's post on the Strictly Sea Kayaking Facebook page
Resources:
- Great Salt Lake Institute
- National Audubon Society-Saline Lakes
- Friends of Great Salt Lake
For today’s episode, I am joined by Susan Conrad and we’ll be talking about her love for the Inside Passage. Susan shares her story of her 2010 through-paddle, her preparation for the trip, and how paddling the Inside Passage became a truly life changing experience for her.
Enjoy today’s episode with Susan Conrad!
Connect:
- susanmarieconrad.com
Check out Susan's books:
- Inside: One Woman's Journey through the Inside Passage
- Wildly Inside: A Visual Journey Through the Inside Passage
- Inside my Sea of Dreams: Adventures of Kami and Suz
Resources:
- Kayaking the Inside Passage: A Paddler's Guide from Puget Sound, Washington, to Glacier Bay, Alaska
- Alone in the Passage: An Explorer's Guide to Sea Kayaking the Inside Passage
- The Ikkatsu Project
- Cape Decision Lighthouse on Kuiu Island
- North Sound Baykeeper
For today’s episode, I had the pleasure to sit down with Shaan Gresser. Shaan shares her story of her quest to become the first woman to complete a non-stop solo of the Bass Strait and the amazing way she prepared for the 32-hour journey. Shaan delivers some great, practical advice for anyone planning a trip of any size.
Enjoy today’s episode with Shaan Gresser!
Learn:
- About the Bass Strait
- About the Audax Azure
Connect:
- Email Shaan
In this episode, I am joined today by Dale Williams where we’ll talk about tackling the Unalga tide race, one of the fiercest tide races in Alaska’s Aleutian Island chain.
Learn:
- Akutan Island
- Fox Island Passes (including Unalga Pass)
Connect:
- Sea Kayak USA
Today I am joined today by Jon Turk. Jon is one of the world’s greatest living adventurers with an incredible resume of some of the most hardcore expeditions through the Arctic and beyond. Jon shares some stories from a few of his experiences and the path he took many years ago to find his personal power to fuel his adventures.
Enjoy today’s episode with Jon Turk!
Connect:
- Jonturk.net
Books:
- Crocodiles and Ice: A Journey into the Deep Wild
- Cold Oceans: Adventures in Kayak, Rowboat, and Dogsled
- The Raven's Gift: A Scientist, a Shaman, and Their Remarkable Journey Through the Siberian Wilderness
- In the Wake of the Jomon: Stone Age Mariners and a Voyage Across the Pacific
- Tracking Lions, Myth, and Wilderness in Samburu
This episode features Simon Osborne. In this interview, we will talk about Simon’s experience, along with Marin Medak, paddling in South Korea, and all the uniqueness that comes with paddling in that part of the world. We’ll also touch on his expedition to Madagascar and his latest project, Online Sea Kayaking.
Learn more:
- Online Sea Kayaking
Connect:
- info@onlineseakayaking.com
- Online Sea Kayaking (Facebook)
I've had several questions about the pan Simon mentioned in his interview. Here it is:
Today we hear from Bonnie Perry. Bonnie is a special person to me as she was one of the first people who really welcomed me into the paddling community. Bonnie always brings the fun and an infectious laugh to any paddling environment.
She is a very insightful coach, shaped in part by her unique day job as the Episcopal Bishop of Michigan, which comes in handy as she experienced on more than one paddle, one of which she describes in today’s talk. In this episode, she shares how paddling inspires her and how she accepted the generosity of others to reach her best.
This was my first remote interview and kind of exciting for me personally to be able to take the show on the road. We did this one at about 11:30 pm on the patio of a rented house at the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium in Wisconsin. For a first remote, I think it turned out great. I’m looking forward to taking the show on the road more.
Enjoy today’s episode with Bonnie!
Learn more:
- Shetland Canoe Club
- Shetland.org
Connect:
- Bonnie Perry Paddling (Facebook)
In this episode, Jaime Sharp shares the amazing story of his team’s circumnavigation of the Svalbard archipelago. The team included himself, Tara Mulvany, and PG Porsanger. This is a proper adventure full of incredible beauty, despite the environment and animals doing their best to try to kill you. Today’s episode is longer than most, but it’s a truly engaging story and well worth the time.
Jaime is a referral from another guest, James Manke. We heard James’s story about paddling the Grand Canyon, which he did with Jaime, in episode #36. Thank you James for making the connection!
Enjoy today’s episode with Jaime!
Learn more:
- Paddling the Cold Edge trailer (Vimeo)
- Ice Bears and Islands blog
Connect:
- Jaimesharp.com
Today we talk with Veiga Gretarsdottir. We will hear about her story circumnavigating Iceland, aptly named Against the Current, as that has been the story of her life. She’s a passionate paddler, like every one of us and I am certain that you’ll enjoy her story of perseverance and on living your life on your own terms.
Enjoy today’s episode with Veiga!
Connect:
- Veiga.is
Learn more:
- Against the Current documentary trailer (US version)
- Film release information (Zeitgeist Films page)
- PIETA (Icelandic)
- Blue Army of Iceland (Facebook)
- Blue Army of Iceland (Icelandic website)
Photo credit: Veiga Gretarsdottir
Australian Mark Sundin joins me for today’s episode of the Paddling the Blue. Mark is one of the founders of Expedition Kayaks, along with Rob Mercer. Mark and Rob have been responsible for bringing great kit to Australia for several years, along with designing their own line of boats. Mark shares why Sydney is such an incredible place to paddle, recounts the story of an adventure to the remote North Reef Light, with just a few short 70k+ crossings, and gives us his best advice for improving as a paddler.
Learn:
- Expedition Kayaks
- North Reef Lighthouse movie
- Bass Strait movie
Connect:
- YouTube
- Expedition Kayaks podcast
In today’s episode, James Manke will take us on an exciting journey down the Grand Canyon, in a sea kayak, with a Greenland paddle. You’ll learn about James first time on a river, how he used paddling to get past his fears, why he loves Greenland paddling.
Enjoy today’s episode with James Manke!
Learn more:
- Roll Across Canada Tour
- Greenland Bound-A Paddler's Pilgramage
- All Thing Qajaq
Connect:
In this episode, John sits down with Mick O’Meara to talk about his record setting journeys around Ireland, his thoughts on training and preparation, keys to a successful expedition, whether you’re solo or as part of a team, and maintaining a true sense of adventure. Mick is a testament to the benefits of working hard to reach your goals and he has the results to back it up.
Enjoy today’s episode with Mick O’Meara!
Learn:
- Mick's profile at Performanceseakayak.co.uk
- Mick O'Meara Sets New Record for Solo Circumnavigation Around Ireland (Outsider.ie)
- Rockpool Kayaks
- Inuk Kayaks
Connect:* Contact Mick
Fi and James Corfe join Paddling the Blue to share their adventures. They started by teaching each other to paddle, did a few smaller trips, and then went big. In 2015, they became the youngest people to paddle around New Zealand's South Island. Then in 2017 they became the third self-supported and youngest to paddle around the North island. Their desire for an even more remote expedition took them to Patagonia to have a go around Cape Horn.
We’ll hear about what Fi describes as the best day ever in a boat, and the moment that is likely their scariest. Get ready for some fun!
Learn more:
- Into the Sea: The North Island (You Tube)
- Into the Sea blog
- Into the Sea (The Paddler eZine article)
- Wild River Paddlesport Coaching
- Outward Bound Trust
Connect:
- Into the Seas Facebook page
- Contact Fi
- Contact James
Supported by:
- Sea Kayaking UK
- Celtic Paddles
John Willacy is well-known in the fast sea kayaking community as both a highly-accomplished paddler, a multi-time national champion, and designer of the Rockpool Taran. He holds numerous circumnavigation and crossing speed records as well as being the only person to have circumnavigated the UK both clockwise and counterclockwise.
Today we will be talking with John about the paddling playground that is Anglesey and we'll get his take on the strategy of going around islands or across water really quickly.
Enjoy today’s episode with John Willacy!
Learn more:
- Performanceseakayak.co.uk
- John's profile on Performanceseakayak.co.uk
Today’s guest is David Horkan.
David is a prolific racer, International Sea Kayak Guide Association Advanced Guide leading programs worldwide, and current and former speed record holder on a number of objectives.
David joins us from his home along the northwest coast of Ireland. We’re going to talk with David about the Skelligs on the west coast and crossing the Irish Sea at night. We’ve even got some Star Wars trivia for you.
Enjoy today’s episode with David Horkan!
Learn more:
- Skellig Rock-Irish Island Gems
- Performanceseakayaking.co.uk
- Rockpool kayaks
- Kokatat
Connect:
- DHKayaking.com
- YouTube
Today I’m joined by Andy Cochrane, Luke Walker, and Wyatt Roscoe.
In this episode, we explore a region that many have crossed in lesser craft. Their crossing of the Straits of Florida from Havana to Key West is quite a journey and was intended to bring light to the human cost of closed borders. We’ll talk about their trip, what they learned along the way, nerdy spreadsheets, training, and number 2.
Enjoy today’s episode with Andy, Wyatt, and Luke!
Watch the video, "The Crossing"
Connect:
- Andy Cochrane (Facebook, website, email)
- Wyatt Roscoe
- Luke Walker
Episode artwork photo credit: Johnie Gall
Today we talk with Chev Dixon.
Chev is the driving force behind the Hudson River Riders program in Yonkers, NY. Chev and his team are doing great things to grow the sport, engage communities of color in paddle sports, and create opportunities for youth in nature. We had a great conversation about the way paddling can impact the leaders of tomorrow in more ways than we might think.
Support Hudson River Riders
Learn more:
- Hudson River Riders
- Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club
- Chicago Adventure Therapy
- Diversify Outdoors
- Outdoor Afro
Contact Chev:
- Negus Nigist Living
Episode artwork photo credit: Lynda Shenkman
Today’s guest is Jorgen van der Pol, also known as Kayak Cobber.
I first learned of Kayak Cobber when he posted a brief note on a Facebook group, casually mentioning his experience paddling from Holland to Moldova. When he said he started with 1000 km upstream and had to pass through 80 locks, then got arrested, I knew I needed to share his story. I learned that the obstacles he faced, and continues to face, are much greater. Stories like his is one of the reasons I chose to start this podcast.
Learn more:
Kayak Cobber (current website)
Kayak Cobber (old website)
Find merchandise inspired by Kayak Cobber's travels at Red Bubble
Today’s guest is Olly Sanders.
Olly has brought together two of his passions, alpine mountaineering and kayaking and combined them together into some incredible experiences. Highly-accomplished at both disciplines, Olly has been nominated for alpinism’s highest achievement, the Piolet D’or and nominated for honors from the Arctic Club. Today's story highlights some of Olly's favorite spots in East Greenland and why he keeps going back.
Watch for Olly's book, "The Journey, Not the Destination", available in Summer 2021. The book will highlight thirty years of climbing and paddling expeditions, plus a few other stories from the entertainment world while working as a film and entertainment rigger.
Connect with Olly:
- Rock and Sea Adventures
- Olly's lectures and public speaking
Purchase the Lofoten guidebook by Jaan Engstaad with contributions by Olly Sanders
Today’s guest is Nick Schade.
Nick is a boat designer and builder from Connecticut here in the USA. Nick runs Guillemot Kayaks and his boat plans are some of the most widely built worldwide. In this episode, we learn how Nick got his start, dig into the process of designing a boat, and see what keeps him motivated to create new designs.
Connect with Nick:
- Guillemot Kayaks
- Kayakplans.com
- YouTube
Meet one of Nick's inspirations, John Winters
Today’s guest is Erin Bastian. We’re talking with Erin about her travels through the Mediterranean Sea, particularly the Greek Isles and Corsica. Erin also unveils a surprise upcoming adventure!
Connect with Erin:
- Evoke Adventure
- ErinBastian.com
Learn more about and help support One Ocean Crew
Island cruising resources:
- Videopilotbook
- Cruiserswiki
- Sailing maps (not for navigation)
- Nautical charts (from Hartis)
Today's episode features the President and co-founder of Level Six, Stig Larsson.
Stig shares his story of traveling the World Cup slalom circuit, gives us the inside scoop on the funny story of how Level Six got its name, provides some insight into technical wear design, and more.
In this episode, we also announce a contest to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Paddling the Blue podcast! Thanks to Level Six and P&H Custom Sea Kayaks for your support!
Contact Stig
Learn more:
- Level Six (website)
- Level Six (Facebook)
- Level Six youth paddling scholarship
Today we make our way back to the UK for a fascinating conversation with Jeff Allen.
Jeff is joining us today from his sailboat, Wild Rover, to share the incredible story of his 2004 "Karma Waters" expedition around Japan with Hadas Feldman. You’re going to love the learnings Jeff shares from this trip, both from a paddlers perspective and a human perspective.
Enjoy today’s interview with Jeff!
Learn more about Wild Rover Expeditions
Visit International Sea Kayak Guide Association (ISKGA)
Connect with Jeff:
- Expedition Paddler
- Facebook: Expedition Paddler
- Instagram @jeffallenseakayaker
Today’s episode will feature the crew from Four the Water.
This group of friends came together for a 102 day trip of a lifetime circumnavigating Lake Superior. After some time guiding groups on day trips along Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, they had an understanding of the power of this inland sea.
What they may have lacked in experience, they compensated for with youthful exuberance and advice from friends and others along the way. They gave themselves time and kept the shore close at hand to keep the trip safe.
Listen and enjoy as I talk with Ryan, Drew, and Jared from Fourthewater.
Please take time to check out Fourthewater.com and view the film, Our water. All proceeds from the film go to support Superior Watershed Partnership, focused on conservation and public education 100% local to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Connect:
Fourthewater.com
Facebook: Four the Water
Amazon Prime
fourthewater@gmail.com
Today we’re going to Scotland to talk with Will Copestake about a trip he named Machair to Munro.
Solo at 23 years old, Will spent a year traveling around Scotland by kayak and bike. It’s a incredible trip that combines two of his passions, paddling and climbing into one amazing adventure. I won’t ruin the surprise, so here we go.
Enjoy today’s interview with Will Copestake.
Will is supported by P&H Custom Sea Kayaks, Kokatat, and Werner Paddles
Connect with Will:
Will Copestake Media
Kayak Summer Isles
Today we head to South America to hear Darcy Gaechter’s story. Darcy is the author of Amazon Woman and she shares the story of her 148-day expedition to become the only woman to have paddled the entire length of the Amazon River.
Learn more about mining's effect on the Amazon at Ecuadorian Rivers Institute
Connect with Darcy:
- DarcyGaechter.com
- Small World Adventures
This episode features Beau Miles. He’s a film maker, writer, PhD, and a man of many adventures, some paddling, others more unique and equally fascinating (what's it like to eat 1919 tins of beans over 40 days?). Today we’re talking about his attempt to paddle the incredibly complex, in so many ways, coast of Africa. Enjoy the interview with Beau!
FInd Beau at:
Beaumiles.com
You Tube-Beau Miles
Today’s interview is less about the actual paddling and more about the craft we use to paddle, and building and growing a business around paddlesports.
Joey is a master boat builder and a magician with boat repairs. Today we talk about the boat building process, hear about the craziest repair Joey’s ever done, and get Joey’s thoughts on what you can do to keep your boat in good shape.
Enjoy the interview!
Find Joey at:
Turning Point Boatworks
Facebook-Turning Point Boatworks
You Tube-Turning Point Boatworks
Instagram-Turning Point Boatworks
Joey's Blog
Email-joey@turningpointboatworks.com
Justine Curgenven joins this episode of Paddling the Blue to share her experience, along with Sarah Outen, paddling Alaska's Aleutian Island Chain. Enjoy every minute of her story, filled with long crossings, mysterious currents, and a funny encounter with a bear.
Special offer from Justine for Paddling the Blue listeners: Visit CackleTV.com and enter use discount code POD to get 15% off a download of one of her films. Go ahead, get yours now!
Find Justine:
CackleTV.com
Facebook: Cackle TV
Twitter: @CackleTV
YouTube
Photo credit: Sandy Robson
If you’re active on the Internet you’ve probably seen Dimitri’s videos, reviews, and antics with his Northsea Kayak paddling team. Dimitri is a great ambassador for the sport of sea kayaking and uses his social media presence to deliver a message of fun, preparedness, and of course, excitement on the water. Today he shares the story of his crossing of the North Sea.
Find Dimitri:
- YouTube-NORTHSEAKAYAK
- Instagram-NORTHSEAKAYAK
Resources
- Performance Sea Kayak (paddling records)
- Ship AIS
- P&H Custom Sea Kayaks
Yuri Endres joins the podcast to share his story about a trip to a venue not normally on most people’s paddling bucket list: Lake Khuvsgul in Mongolia. The remoteness of this trip, the challenging logistics, and the hospitality of the people of Mongolia make it worth it. After today’s interview, your bucket list may have a new destination and Yuri’s the guy.
Learn more:
Lake Khuvsgul info (Wikipedia)
Contact Yuri:
Moryak Premium Sea Kayaking
Photo credit: Tom Vetterl
Graham Charles and the Adventure Philosophy team became the first to paddle the entire length of the Antarctic Peninsula (2001) and the first to circumnavigate South Georgia Island (2005). Join us as Graham shares his incredible history and stories of Antarctic firsts!
Learn more:
- Frozen Coast: Sea Kayaking the Antarctic Peninsula
- Unclaimed Coast: Sea Kayaking Earnest Shackelton's Soutn Georgia Island
- Polar Tourism Guides Association
Contact Graham
Mike Ranta shares stories of paddling across the entire North American Continent in a single season. As if once wasn’t enough, he did it a second time two years later. Mike brings a great laugh and even more important, a great message of positivity. Enjoy today’s interview with Mike Ranta!
Learn more:
- Mike Ranta's Paddle on Facebook
- Mike Ranta's paddle on YouTube
- Warrior Adventures
- Fur Trade Canoe Routes/Then & Now
Mike is supported by:
- Swift canoes
- Badger paddles
In this episode, I am joined by Zack Kruzins.
Zack has packed an amazing amount of paddling across the globe into a few short years. Fresh off a guiding season in Antarctica, Zack joins us to share a trip he completed with two friends starting in El Chalten in Patagonia and along the Rio Santa Cruz to the Atlantic in Puerto Santa Cruz. Enjoy today’s episode with Zack!
Learn more:
- ZackKruzins.com
- Zack Kruzins on Flickr
- Patagonia sin Represas
- International Rivers
- Google Earth map (El Chalten>Las Vleutas River>Lago Viedma>Rio La Lenoas>Lago Argentina>Rio Santa Cruz)
- Condor Cliff dam project-Wikipedia
- La Barrancosa dam project-Wikipedia
- Argentina mega-dam details-World Wildlife Fund
- Charles Darwin's Beagle Voyage
Paddlers resources:
- Trak kayaks
- Windy
- Windfinder
- inReach
Chris Hipgrave is truly a man of many talents, equally at home in a sea kayak, wildwater boat, surfski, creek boat, and probably anything else that floats. Racing is where his passion really lies, so listen in to learn about some of his favorite races and his personal philosophy on performance paddling.
Chris is the Director of Sales for Pyranha US and former Team USA paddler and former Olympic High Performance Director of USA Canoe/Kayak.
Learn more:
- ChrisHipgrave.com
Richard J. Varga was living and guiding in Norway and decided it was time to return home to Hungary. So, he packed his boat and paddled there. Richard paddled 5079 km over 171 days from the Lofoten Islands of Norward to his home in Dunakiliti, Hungary.
It’s time to enjoy the story of Richard’s epic journey, titled endurance Mission-Paddling Upstream.
Learn more:
- Facebook page: Endurance Mission-Paddling Upstream
- Richard's personal guiding website: http://kayakcrtravel.com/
Richard is supported by:
- Tahe Outdoors
- Schibevaag Adventure
- Heavy Water adventures (Peter)
- OceanX
Steve Baskis and Ken Braband join this episode to share the story of their expedition through the Grand Canyon. as part of the Outtasight series with Team River Runner, Steve as a blind paddler and Ken as member of the guide team. This is a truly inspiring story showing that as humans, we are only limited by our desire.
Watch the Google Maps video filmed from the Google Media Raft
Watch Ken's video of the trip on Liquid Adventuring
Learn more:
- SteveBaskis.com
- LiquidAdventuring.com
- Team River Runner
- Team River Runner Outtasight Series
Larry Gioia joins this episode to talk about Universal Paddling, also known as Adaptive Paddling.
Find Larry at:
- Dynamic Paddlers
- Facebook page
- lg@dynamicpaddlers.com
- Twitter: @dynamicpaddlers
Learn more about:
- ACA Universal Paddling curriculum
- Creating Ability
- Pittsburgh Adaptive Sports Network
Jonathan Ringdahl spent several days living on Rock of Ages lighthouse helping restore the light to it's original glory. Join Jonathan as he tells what life was like inside the light and living on that tiny rock.
Learn more about the light and how you can get involved at Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society
Meet Jonathan at Jonathan Ringdahl Photography and Living the Dream Adventures
Contact Jonathan
Christopher is the founder of Committed 2 the Core Sea Kayak Coaching. He calls Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy home. Join Christopher as he shares his favorite paddling spots along with facts about the Bay of Fundy region and it's incredible tidal range.
Learn more about Christopher and Committed 2 the Core Sea Kayak Coaching.
Christopher is supported by:
- Lendal Paddles
- P&H Custom Sea Kayaks
- Kokatat Waterwear
Resources:
- Guide Book - Sea Kayaking in Nova Scotia
- Customized sea kayak programs through Committed2theCore
- Northern Side of the Bay of Fundy
Videos:
- The Shubie
- Brier Island
- In the Moment Highlighting the West Pubnico Area
Henry Davies is a humble adventurer who calls the Great Lakes region home. Listen to Henry as he shares the story of his trip with two friends, Susan and Sharon, from Wawa, ON to Michpicoten Island and along Ontario's wild Pukaskwa coast.
Resources:
- Pukasawa National Park
- Naturally Superior Adventures and Rock Island Lodge, Wawa, ON, CA
- Hattie Cove campground
- Guide to Sea Kayaking on Lakes Superior and Michigan: The Best Day Trips and Tours (Regional Sea Kayaking Series)
- Superior:Under the Shadow of the Gods
Contact Henry
Experience the stories of the people and landscape that propelled Andrea Knepper on her 1,500 mile solo of the entire West Coast of the United States. This is part two of a two-part episode.
Andrea is the founder and Executive Director of Chicago Adventure Therapy.
Learn more about Andrea's expedition at Dre's West Coast Adventure.
Andrea was supported by:
- Werner
- Kokatat
- P&H Custom Sea Kayaks
- Seals Sprayskirts
Experience the stories of the people and landscape that propelled Andrea Knepper on her 1,500 mile solo of the entire West Coast of the United States. This is part one of a two-part episode.
Andrea is the founder and Executive Director of Chicago Adventure Therapy.
Learn more about Andrea's expedition at Dre's West Coast Adventure.
Andrea was supported by:
- Werner
- Kokatat
- P&H Custom Sea Kayaks
- Seals Sprayskirts
Traci Lynn Martin is attempting to be the first person to circumnavigate all the Great Lakes in one year. It's an impressive journey, all the more so knowing that she's doing it with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Join Traci as she recounts her previous attempt in 2017 and the challenges she faced, the huge commitment she's made for 2020, and discover her passion for showing others living with RA that you can truly live your life.
Lean more about Traci Lynn Martin and her expedition at Just Around the Pointe
Follow Traci at RaceOwl.com
Traci's Sponsors:
- Stellar Kayaks
- RPC3 Paddles
- Riverside Kayak Connection
- Falcon Kayak Sails
- Killarney Outfitters
- Too Cool T-shirt Quilts
- The Old Vermillion Jailhouse
Beginning in early December 2009, Jake Stachovak (Sta-ho-vi-ack) put in on the icy Wisconsin River in Portage, WI to begin his long-time dream trip. The spirit of this trip was as much about the people as it was about the miles and miles of water. The idea was to show everyone the kind of adventure they can find right in their back yard, and to share in that adventure as much as possible.
Learn more about Jake and his trip at Portage to Portage Paddling Project
As if that trip wasn't enough, see Jake's other project, 100 boats in 100 days
A special shout-out from Jake to Chad Pegracke and Living Lands & Waters. Check out the work they're doing to preserve the Mississippi and other waterways. Also, a big thanks to California Kayak Friends for sharing knowledge and instilling a love of endurance paddling.
Want to recreate Jake's trip? Here are a few resources:
- Portage to Portage Paddling Project
- Spoil Islands Project Map
- Erie Canalway Trail Camping
Jake is supported by:
- Aqua Adventures
- Werner
- Seda Paddlesports
- Snapdragon
- Kokatat
Photo credit: Michael Franklin
Resources:
The Great Loop Experience - From Concept to Completion A Practical Guide for Planning, Preparing and Executing Your Great Loop Adventure
Cycling the Erie Canal, Revised Edition: A Guide to 400 Miles of Adventure and History Along the Erie Canalway Trail (Parks & Trails New York)
Welcome to the first episode of Paddling the Blue!
New episodes will be released twice monthly starting in March 2020.
Get details, past episodes, show notes, and more at www.paddlingtheblue.com