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 introducing me to Alison. Learn: The Shiant Isles St. Kilda Mingulay Connect: Sea Kayak Plockton   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...

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 you can imagine, plus more than 100 speakers on an incredible array of topics.  I am honored to be one of those speakers and it’s one of my favorite events. Thanks to Chris Hipgrave and the entire P&H Pyranha kayaks team for making space in...

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, but even if you’re not from Michigan, or even the USA, I am certain that you’ll find value in hearing from today’s guests. Our guests today include: Andrea Graham - Verlen Kruger Legacy Tony Pascuzzi - Qajaq USA Stephanie Gandulla - Thunder Bay...

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 television program or his extensive and highly engaging YouTube presence, Paddle TV. Today you'll get to hear from him as he shares his story, what he loves about paddling, and some of his favorite places to paddle. Connect: Paddle TV (YouTube) The...

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 river and life change. Learn: Waterlogue (Buffalo Commons Press) Lewis and Clark Expedition (Wikipedia) The Lewis and Clark Companion: An Encyclopedic Guide to the Voyage of Discovery Connect: Mark Spitzer (Facebook)

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. Certainly simpler than today’s social media fueled expeditions. It’s an interesting comparison. It doesn't make one better than the other…just different. And I think the Irish Canoe Union’s position is different on solos now too. Following that solo, Tom...

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 paddling opportunities and Nicky and Kevin Mansell join today’s episode to share why every paddler should go to Jersey.   Caves, tide races, surf beaches, castles,  Martello towers, and more.  It's all in the Channel Islands! Learn: Channel...

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 (website soft-copy and purchase) Oilean (Amazon)    

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 Hoffmeister and we’ll touch on each of these during today’s episode.  Enjoy today’s episode with Natalie and Michal! Connect: Sixknots.net The Circumnavigation, 2012 The Northern Four, 2015 Alaska, 2018 Drop Seat Adventure, 2019 sixknots at hotmail...

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.  His is a great story of perseverance.  Learn: Late Onset Retinal Degeneration National Institutes of Health University of Edinburgh Connect: Des Keaney

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 motivation, his personal struggles with mental illness, and how paddling has helped him.   Connect: Life Afloat X (formerly Twitter) Instagram Facebook YouTube Learn: Strong Winds are Forecast: A solo, 1850 mile journey by sea kayak, to every lifeboat...

Today’s episode marks a significant milestone to Paddling the Blue with episode #100. Our first episode released in February 2020 and we’ve come to you every two weeks since and we’ve had more than 120,000 listens from 103 countries.   Thank you to every guest who has generously shared their experiences. Thank you to you for listening and for reaching out to tell us how you were inspired by a guest, giving your suggestions, and your support.  Because of you, we have had the opportunity to...

Katie Carr joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast. Katie recently released the book "Moderate Becoming Good Later" about her brother Toby’s quest to paddle all the areas of what’s known as the shipping forecast.   We have a great conversation about her experience writing the book, Toby’s love for paddling and life, and how paddling the shipping forecast is bringing her closer to family. Get your copy of Moderate Becoming Good Later Connect: Katie Annice Carr...

Esther Wheeler is a driven endurance athlete, or as she calls herself, an accidental athlete. Today we will get a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an endurance athlete and how she manages herself before, during, and after the event. There are some great lessons that we can apply across different paddling disciplines and life in general, even if we’re not racing. Connect: Instagram Twitter Learn: Tower Hamlets Lane Cove River Kayakers Pacific Dragons Outrigger and Dragonboat club Yukon...

Mike Conroy joins us for today’s episode of the Paddling the Blue Podcast.  We’ll talk about his trips, but even more so we’ll talk about the deliberate process that Mike has mapped out to reach his goals. Get ready for a fun interview with an everyday paddler who has set his mind to a project and is making it happen.  Connect: Kayak Demelza 3 Capital Kayak Learn: Shamrock Loop Interactive Google Map Blasket Islands St. Petrocs Surfers Against Sewage The Wombles Anglesey Sea Kayak...

Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue.  Today’s guest is Jack Hampton. Jack and friends paddled the Inside Passage with the goal of not only completing the trip, but to explore the lives of those living in the coastal margin communities along the way and how they are impacted by decisions made about their homeland. Connect: www.paddlingthemargins.com Instagram Supported by: Reed Chillcheater Nautiraid Dakota Lithium

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...

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...

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 Email 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 Facebook 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...

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. ...

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: Email  

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...

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...