Paddling The Blue Podcast

#147 - 1,000 Mile Vision Quest celebrating cultural connections on Canada’s West Coast with Ed Hill

Ed Hill joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast to share a 1,000-mile canoe vision quest along Canada’s west coast that partnered the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Indigenous communities to celebrate culture and offer alternatives to addiction.
The episode explores the physical challenges of the voyage, the restoration of canoe culture, powerful cross-cultural ceremonies and songs, and the creation of the Vision Quest recovery program.
Before we get to today’s conversation with Ed,
I shared a trip that I took to Alaska’s Prince William Sound back on episode #50. I’m doing that trip again and if you’ve been considering an intro to Alaska, you can come along too. Experience the beauty of Alaska’s Prince William Sound on this 6 day experience from July 12-18, 2026.  Along with peaks rising 4,000 feet from the sound, you will experience glaciers calving in the distance, catch a glimpse of the area’s diverse wildlife, camp on remote beaches, and more. It’s a small group experience limited to a total group of six and I have two spots remaining.  Learn more at www.paddlingtheblue.com/alaska.
James Stevenson and Simon Osborne at onlineseakayaking.com continue to produce great content to help you evolve as a paddler, and as a coach.   You’ll find everything from basic strokes and safety to paddling in tides, surfing, coaching, documentaries, expedition skills and incident management, and more. 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% just for being a member of the Paddling the Blue community.
For those of us who enjoy also paddling whitewater boats, their newest offering is Online Whitewater and they’re also offering the same discount to listeners. Check out onlinewhitewater.com, use the code PTBPODCAST at checkout and explore.     
Enjoy today’s interview with Ed Hill.
Connect:
VisionQuest Recovery Society
Pulling Together Canoe Society 
Vision Quest documentary
Ed Hill Art -  Check out the paintings called "FOREVER" and "SKOOKUM KALITAN".  
Clipper Canoes
 

#146 - Solo sea kayak slow roll through Johnstone Strait and Desolation Sound with Stuart Munson

Stuart Munson is a reformed backpacker who discovered paddling as a new way to get to great places. Today we talk about his two-month slow roll exploration of Desolation Sound and Johnstone Strait in Pacific Northwest Canada.
Stuart Munson shares his two-month solo sea kayak expedition through Desolation Sound, Johnstone Strait, and the Broughton Archipelago. Stuart shares planning tips, campsite strategies (including his favorite aerial tent), wildlife encounters with orcas, porpoises, bears, and a humpback, and how he balanced safety and exploration using charts, Gaia GPS, and a Garmin inReach.
YouTube
Desolation Sound, Johnstone Strait, Discovery Islands, and the Broughtons
Eastern Lake Superior
Connect:
Facebook
 
 

#145 - London to Marrakech and New York Spare Seat with Richard Harpham

Richard Harpham has more than 14,000 miles of human-powered adventures under his belt and he’s not slowing down. Today we talk about two, London to Marrakech by kayak and bike the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way, from the sea conditions off of Casablanca to the bustling Strait of Gibraltar, and a unique twist on a trip that he called the New York Spare Seat Kayak Expedition.
Rich Adventure
Canoetrail.co.uk
Great British Paddling Adventures: More than 50 routes for kayak, canoe, and paddleboard
 

#144 - Creating Artwork on the Isle of Man with Stephen Marsh

Stephen Marsh joins today’s episode of the podcast. Many of you may know Stephen as the master artisan behind Big Pond Kayaks. Dive into Stephen's life as a passionate paddler and explore the coastal waters of the Isle of Man, renowned for its vibrant paddling community and beautiful sea kayaking experiences. Discover the inspiration behind Stephen's intricate kayak artwork, the challenges of building custom boats, and the beauty of handcrafted designs that make each kayak a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. 
Big Pond Kayaks
Custom kayak artwork from Big Pond Kayaks

#143 - Amazon Source to Sea Adventure with Darcy Gaechter - Encore Episode

Welcome to today’s episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast! 
I was paddling with some friends recently and someone mentioned Darcy Gaechter. Darcy is an extraordinary adventurer and author of Amazon Woman. Darcy's journey down the Amazon River set a milestone as the first and only woman to paddle the entire length of the river. The paddler I was with was fascinated by Darcy’s story so I thought this would be a great opportunity to bring this one back to the top. In this episode, we explore the challenges, thrills, and fascinating encounters from her epic 148-day expedition where she achieved that milestone.
Learn more about mining's effect on the Amazon at Ecuadorian Rivers Institute
Connect with Darcy:
DarcyGaechter.com
Small World Adventures
Facebook
Instagram

#142 - Justine Curgenven's Aleutian Kayaking Adventure - Encore Episode

Join us for an exciting encore episode of 'Paddling the Blue' as as we revisit a fun conversation with Justine Curgenven.
Dive into Justine's incredible journey through Alaska's remote Aleutian Island chain with Sarah Outen. Learn about her preparations, the breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters. This episode is packed with inspiration for kayakers and adventurers alike. Plus, discover how Justine's stories continue to captivate audiences and her ongoing contributions to the paddling community.
This episode also features exclusive offers from our partners at OnlineSeaKayaking.com and Online Whitewater to help you make the most of your kayaking adventures. 
Cackletv.com
Skils

#141 - Best friends go midlife kayak adventuring with Andy Mullins and Geoff Cater

Join me in a conversation with adventurous paddlers Andy Mullins and Geoff Cater. Under the banner of Midlife Kayak, Andy and Geoff share their experiences, challenges, and the unique bond of friendship forged through sea kayaking.
Embark on an inspiring story that navigates from the scenic coasts of Cornwall to the thrilling waters of Ireland. This episode explores not only the thrills of paddling around the prominent British Isles but also delves into the personal growth, camaraderie, and life-changing adventures that the open waters offer.
Get insights into the essence of enjoying the moment, and how adventure leaves a lasting impact both on the paddlers and those they meet along the way.
Midlife Kayak

#140 - 32-Day Kayak Expedition Navigating Patagonia with Mathew Schweizer

Today's episode of Paddling the Blue features a riveting conversation with sea kayaker Mathew Schweitzer. Alongside Andy Gill and Brody Duncan, Mathew embarked on a grueling 32-day kayaking expedition through the majestic fjords of Patagonia, from Puerto Eden to Puerto Natales. Facing unpredictable weather, majestic glaciers, and numerous challenges, this episode delves into the highs and lows of their adventure.
Mathew shares insights into his journey from whitewater to sea kayaking, the meticulous planning and permit process, and the unexpected hurdles faced along the way. Discover the breathtaking landscapes, the close encounters with massive glaciers, and the lessons learned from battling the elements.
Will Copestake on Patagonia
Mathew Schweizer (Instagram)

#139 - From Marathons to the Mississippi: Paul Mellor's Epic Adventures

In this episode of Paddling the Blue, John talks with Paul Mellor, an adventurer who has conquered marathons in all 50 U.S. states, cycled across the USA, and most recently, paddled the full length of the Mississippi River. Paul shares his stories of unwavering determination, the challenges of river life, and the remarkable kindness of the people he met along the way. 
Connect:
Mellor Memory
Learn:
Strokes of Kindness: paddling America's most iconic river reveals the humanity of its people
Summer in the saddle: A Bike Ride Across America
You're almost there: Sights, Sounds, and Exhilaration of Running and Marathon in All 50 States
Memory: How to Remember Anything (Kindle Edition)
Finding the Keys: for remembering anything
Pathway to the Podium: Life as a Professional Speaker
 
 
 
 

#138 - Finding flow through exploration in the Outer Hebrides and more with Tom Thorpe

In this episode of Paddling the Blue, Tom Thorpe discusses his experiences in coasteering, climbing, and sea kayaking, and how each sport and a thirst for new experiences has influenced his personal and professional growth. He also delves into the intricacies of navigating the challenging waters surrounding the Outer Hebrides and shares insights into his solo circumnavigation of Ireland.
Learn
Isle of Lewis
The Scaladale Activity Centre and Hostel
Shiant Isles
Flannan Isles
Coasteering
Connect:
Instagram: tom.l.thorpe