Paddling The Blue Podcast

#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

#137 - Exploring the Waters of Cornwall by Sea Kayak with James Roberts

In this episode of Paddling the Blue, John talks with James Roberts, co-owner of Sea Kayak Cornwall, to explore the  sea kayaking opportunities that Cornwall offers. James shares his journey into paddle sports coaching and discusses some of the must-experience kayaking spots in Cornwall, including the iconic Land's End,  mysterious old mining caves, and  exhilarating tide races.
We explore the diversity of the paddling landscape, from surf and rock hopping to serene estuaries teeming with wildlife. James also highlights the challenges and rewards of a career in paddle sports and reveals his passion for teaching and personal growth in the sport.
Discover Cornwall's paddling venues, including major crossings like the 50km journey to the Isles of Scilly, and the cultural and geological richness that makes Cornwall a world-class kayaking destination. 
Sea Kayaking Cornwall
James Roberts-Instagram
Isles of Scilly
Lundy Island
Lands End
Cornwall Tourism

#136 - Patrik Skovajsa - Adventures with the Danube Kayaker

Join us for today's episode of Paddling the Blue as we journey with Patrik Skovajsa as he transforms from a novice stumbling in cold waters to an adventurer on the Danube River and beyond. With tales of lost wedding rings and solo trips spanning across Europe, discover the challenges and beauty of paddling all 10 countries the Danube touches, and what it's like having a dog as your kayaking companion. 
Danube Kayaker
You Tube
Facebook

#135 - Canoecopia 2025 Madison, WI - The annual paddlers family reunion

Join me as we navigate the vibrant atmosphere of Canoecopia, the world's largest paddle sports expo.
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 and I am honored to be one of those speakers. Thanks to Chris Hipgrave and the entire P&H Pyranha kayaks team for making space in their booth to record this episode, and of course for producing my favorite boats. 
We’ve got a great lineup of guests for today’s episode.  We’ll hear from:
Graham Mackereth, founder of Pyranha kayaks and owner of Pyranha and P&H
Erika Rivers, Wilderness Inquiry, a non-profit dedicated to getting those of all ages and abilities into the wilderness
Vincent Robichaud, founder of Trailtopia, shares how cooking meals for friends turned into cooking more meals for lots more friends
Long time friend, Lenore Sobota, tells us about the return of one of the Great Lakes most revered events, Ladies of the Lakes
Stig Larsson shares what’s happening with the Paddlesports Trades Coalition and a new initiative to get more people on the water
and, Darren Bush, the Chief Paddling Evangelist with Rutabaga Paddleports joins us to share his excitement for a great new event that I am personally excited about, Camp Rutabaga.
The thumbnail image for today's episode is Darren Bush's annual tradition of gathering  with the crowd as the doors open and taking a selfie.  Canoecopia is so much more than a trade show. It’s the friendships. It's a paddling family reunion of sorts. As we emerge from a long winter it’s nice to get together with friends and talk about past and future adventures together.  It’s things like this that remind you what a great community of paddlers we have around us. Thank you for being so much fun!
As a reminder, if you’re not already a subscriber to onlineseakayaking.com, James and Simon keep on adding to the menu. Visit onlineseakayaking.com and use the coupon code PTBPODCAST at checkout and you’ll get 10% off up to 12 months of your subscription investment.  
Enjoy today’s episode from Canoecopia!

#134 - Exploring the 2025 Quiet Adventures Symposium - Lansing, MI USA

Join this for week's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast as we take you to the 30th annual Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing, Michigan. This episode features conversations with show exhibitors and enthusiasts in the world of Great Lakes paddling, including representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Michigan Sea Grant, the BOAT Bus, the Wolf Moose Foundation, The Connected Paddler, and Woods and Waters Adventures. Discover initiatives focused on paddle safety, environmental education, and community enrichment. 
 
Join us on an adventure!
I am very excited to be partnering with Woods and Waters Adventures to lead a fantastic skills weekend September 18-21, 2025. Beautiful Lake Huron and the Eastern UP will be our playground to gain confidence, develop personal and group skills, and work on risk management strategies to stay safe and best enjoy time on the water. This weekend is about the willingness to play, learn, and try new things while enjoying camaraderie among a small group of outdoor friends. Over the 4 days, participants will learn and improve their outdoor skills while paddling premium P&H sea kayaks and enjoy chef-curated meals by a Les Cheneaux Culinary School graduate. Details, pricing, and registration is available at woodsandwaters.eco.
 
 
Resources from today's episode:
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Air Station Traverse City
US Coast Guard AUXPAD program
Michigan Sea Grant
The BOAT Bus
Wolf Moose Foundation
Isle Royale Wolf Moose Study
The Connected Paddler
Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium
Quiet Adventures Symposium

#133 - Environmental Conservation and the Rich Paddling Heritage of Ireland's Causeway Coast with Robin Ruddock

Robin Ruddock is a respected advocate for sea kayaking and environmental conservation on Ireland's picturesque Causeway Coast. In this episode, we delve into Robin's extensive career, during which he has introduced over 20,000 young people to the joys of paddling and the unique natural history of Ireland's North Coast.
Robin shares his personal paddling story, the rich folklore, and the breathtaking beauty of the Causeway Coastline, including insights on the area's geology, wildlife, and historical significance. 
We'll also explore the amazing opportunities for visitors to experience the kayaking wonders of this vibrant region, complete with local resources and guides to help you navigate the scenic coast. 
North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
What’s a Currach?
Causeway Coast Kayak Club
Giant’s Causeway
Legend of Finn McCool

#132 - Living a Courageous Life as a Kayaking Nomad with Wendy Killoran

Wendy Killoran joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast. Wendy is a passionate sea kayaker and adventurer and she shares her transformation from elementary teacher to a paddling nomad, living life on her own terms. As she takes us through her extensive kayaking experiences, from circling Prince Edward Island to the rugged shores of Newfoundland, Wendy reveals how these journeys have helped her feel more alive and connected to nature.
Wendy discusses her philosophy of living courageously, facing fears, and constantly questioning what truly matters. Her adventures are not just about kayaking but about personal growth and the freedom she finds on the water, whether paddling solo around Newfoundland or exploring the icy fjords of Iceland.
Join us as Wendy inspires with her tales of resilience, discovery, and living a life full of adventure and purpose.
Kayak Wendy (Instagram)

Innovating and Adding Value to Everyday Kayak Gear, and fun names too - with Steve Whetman

Steve Whetman, is a renowned innovator in the kayaking world. Known for his unique approach to everyday paddling gear, Steve takes us behind the scenes of his creative and engineering process, from initial ideas to market-ready products. Enjoy a fun-filled discussion with insights into product development and the challenges of bringing an idea to life. And, product development isn't always serious, especially when it comes to giving names.
WhetmanEquipment.com
Facebook
Instagram
 
 

#130 - Building Extreme Expedition Kayaks with Rob Feloy

In today's episode of Paddling the Blue, we are talking with renowned kayak designer and builder Rob Feloy. Rob shares the intricate process of creating kayaks specifically designed for some of the world's most extreme paddling expeditions, including famous crossings from Greenland to Scotland and from California to Hawaii.
Rob shares insights into the specialized design considerations that go into making trans-oceanic craft, emphasizing the importance of sealed cabins and self-righting capabilities for prolonged periods at sea. Rob also sheds light on the complexities of fitting advanced technology and redundancy systems into his kayaks to ensure safety and reliability.
Don't miss Rob’s reflections on past projects and the lessons learned, giving us a glimpse into the blend of innovation, tradition, and meticulous craftsmanship embodied in his creations. 
Connect:
Rob at Inuk Kayaks
Learn:
Inuk Kayaks
Kirton Kayaks
Cyril Derreumaux's CA to Hawaii kayak
Voyage of the Finnmen
Film
Daniel Davy ("a proper Naval Architect)