Paddling The Blue Podcast

#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

#31 - Cuba to Key West with Andy Cochrane, Luke Walker, and Wyatt Roscoe

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

#30 - Chev Dixon - Getting Kids on the Water with Hudson River Riders

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
 

#29 - Kayak Cobber - Smiles for Moldova

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
 

#28 - Olly Sanders - Kayaking and Climbing in East Greenland

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

#27 - Nick Schade - Designing and building wood boats

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
 

#26 - Erin Bastian - Exploring the Greek Islands and Corsica

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)

#25 - Stig Larsson - For the love of the sport

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