Paddling The Blue Podcast
John Chase interviews inspiring paddlers from the US and across the globe doing great things from the seat of a kayak. If you want to learn about sea kayaking destinations, trips, and personalities from the world of paddle sports, we have you covered!
Episodes
Monday Apr 12, 2021
#32 - David Horkan - Crossing the Irish Sea at Night
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
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
Monday Mar 29, 2021
#31 - Cuba to Key West with Andy Cochrane, Luke Walker, and Wyatt Roscoe
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
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
Monday Mar 15, 2021
#30 - Chev Dixon - Getting Kids on the Water with Hudson River Riders
Monday Mar 15, 2021
Monday Mar 15, 2021
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:
Instagram
Facebook
Negus Nigist Living
Episode artwork photo credit: Lynda Shenkman
Monday Mar 01, 2021
#29 - Kayak Cobber - Smiles for Moldova
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Monday Mar 01, 2021
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
Instagram
Facebook
Monday Feb 15, 2021
#28 - Olly Sanders - Kayaking and Climbing in East Greenland
Monday Feb 15, 2021
Monday Feb 15, 2021
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
Monday Feb 01, 2021
#27 - Nick Schade - Designing and building wood boats
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
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
Monday Jan 18, 2021
#26 - Erin Bastian - Exploring the Greek Islands and Corsica
Monday Jan 18, 2021
Monday Jan 18, 2021
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
Facebook
Instagram
Learn more about and help support One Ocean Crew
Island cruising resources:
Videopilotbook
Cruiserswiki
Sailing maps (not for navigation)
Nautical charts (from Hartis)
Monday Jan 04, 2021
#25 - Stig Larsson - For the love of the sport
Monday Jan 04, 2021
Monday Jan 04, 2021
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
Monday Dec 21, 2020
#24-Jeff Allen-Karma Waters-Circumnavigating Japan
Monday Dec 21, 2020
Monday Dec 21, 2020
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
Monday Dec 07, 2020
#23 - Four the Water - Life after college on Lake Superior
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Monday Dec 07, 2020
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