Paddling The Blue Podcast

#41 - Simon Osborne - Meeting the Paddling Monk in South Korea

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:
 

#40 - Bonnie Perry - Passion beyond the paddle

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)

#39 - Jaime Sharp-Ice, Bears, and Beauty in Svalbard

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
Instagram
Facebook
 

#38 - Veiga Gretarsdottir - Against the Current Around Iceland

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
Facebook
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
 

#37 - Mark Sundin - Paddling Sydney and the remote North Reef Light

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:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Expedition Kayaks podcast

#36 - James Manke - Grand Canyon in a Sea Kayak with a Greenland Paddle

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:
Facebook

#35 - Mick O’Meara - Power and Passion Around Ireland in 23 Days

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
 

#34 - Fi and James Corfe - Into the Sea in New Zealand and Patagonia

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

#33 - John Willacy - The Strategy of Speed

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
 

#32 - David Horkan - Crossing the Irish Sea at Night

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
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
Instagram