Paddling The Blue Podcast

John Chase
  • 4.3 (3)
  • WILDERNESS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

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!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    #158 - Kayaking Madagascar: Chasing the Mangoky Source to Sea with Oscar Scafidi

    Oscar Scafidi is a schoolteacher turned explorer specializing in Africa. Oscar joins today’s episode to share his expedition to kayak Madagascar’s Mangok River from source to sea. Oscar describes the months of planning, the grueling approach to the source, and the challenges of navigating largely unexplored river sections. Today's episode covers heavy portages, unpredictable terrain, local guides and communities, wildlife encounters (lemurs, crocodiles and more), and the logistics of carrying a Klepper folding kayak. Oscar also discusses the Guinness World Record process, fundraising for the charity Our Kids, Our Future Madagascar, and his related book and documentary.   Kayaking the Mangoky (Amazon) Kayaking the Mangoky (YouTube) KayakingtheMangoky.com Kayaking the Kwanza (YouTube) Kayaking the Kwanza (Amazon) Klepper Mangoky River Remove River Expeditions Our kids our future Madagascar

    1 hr

  2. 26 JAN

    #157 - How a class project packrafting in Nepal led to a kayak career with Alex Lalonde

    Alex Lalonde joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast to talk about about his path from packrafting whitewater rivers in Nepal to taking over the iconic Body Boat Blade instruction and guiding company. Alex shares stories from a 40-day Nepal expedition, favorite paddles and venues in the Pacific Northwest, and the challenges of reopening a specialty paddle shop. Karnali river Burrows Island Allan Island (private, permission required to visit) Deception Pass Cypress Island Matia Island Sucia Island Patos Island Body Boat Blade International Instagram

    50 min

  3. 12 JAN

    #156 - Paddlesports Coaching and Kayaking the Bahamas with Nigel featuring Eila Wilkinson

    Welcome to today's episode of the Paddling the Blue, featuring guest Eila Wilkinson In this episode Eila discusses her coaching philosophy, Paddle UK pathways and qualifications, the importance of using your feet and core in kayaking, and dramatic expedition stories including surf, rescues and navigation challenges in the Bahamas. Eila Wilkinson Sea Kayaking Andros Island Wolf's Kayaking Club - Bahamas

    58 min

  4. 29/12/2025

    #155 - Paddling Florida's Great Calusa Blueway: Mangroves, Mounds & Manatees with Mike Hammond

    Mike Hammond oversees the Great Calusa Blueway, a nearly 200 mile paddling trail in Florida’s Lee County.  Mike joins today’s episode to talk about the area’s fascinating indigenous history, its interesting utopian history, the beauty of the trail, and why this might be your next paddling destination.  Highlights include the region’s unique subtropical wildlife (manatees, dolphins, shorebirds), the Calusa people and shell mounds like Mound Key, the Koreshan historic site, protected mangrove tunnels, safety considerations, volunteer stewardship, and inclusive outreach programs. Great Calusa Blueway: https://www.leegov.com/parks/Blueway About the Calusa Tribe: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/blog/tell-me-about-the-calusa-tribe/ Who were the Koreshans?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreshan_Unity

    53 min

  5. 15/12/2025

    #154 - Multi-modal solo kayaking and cycling on the US west coast and the Inside Passage with Katrin Tomanek

    In this episode Katrin Tomanek describes how she moved from climbing to kayaking and developed a style of multiimodal trips that combine sea kayaking and cycling to minimize driving. She shares how she learned skills, used careful planning and spreadsheets, and progressed from local trips to big expeditions. Katrin recounts standout journeys including a foggy, remote Lost Coast outing, a 52‑day mostly-solo paddle through the Inside Passage, and a counterclockwise circumnavigation of Vancouver Island that finished with a bike ride across the island. She discusses navigation in fog, wildlife encounters, food and gear choices, and how solo days and unexpected social connections shaped her experience. Enjoy today’s discussion of learning  and discovery! Connect: Blog: Wildly Inside: A Visual Journey Through the Inside Passage by Susan Conrad Katrin's planning spreadsheet

    49 min

  6. 01/12/2025

    #153 - Kayaking Dominica's Waitukubuli Sea Trail with Wes Moses

    Wes Moses operates the Soufriere Outdoor Center in Dominica. Wes joins the show today to talk about the Waitukubuli Sea Trail in Dominica — a 66 km sea kayaking route that highlights volcanic landscapes, sulfur baths, sea arches, snorkeling sites, and vibrant Creole villages. If you’re interested in paddling a Caribbean blue sea with warm water, rugged mountains spilling to the coast, sea arches, and unique foods, this might be the place for you. Soufriere Outdoor Center: www.soc-dom.com Paddle TV on YouTube: Paddle TV Dominica Blog: Lori Does The Thing - Dominica Time Magazine: Worlds Greatest Places Instagram SOC: @soufrieroutdoorcentre   Instagram Wes: @mrweskayak

    53 min
  7. #152 - Kayaks, Kiviak & Ketosis: A 3,200 km Greenland Experiment with Paddling Chef Mike Keen

    17/11/2025

    #152 - Kayaks, Kiviak & Ketosis: A 3,200 km Greenland Experiment with Paddling Chef Mike Keen

    Paddling Chef Mike Keen shares his solo 3,200‑km kayak journey up the west coast of Greenland, where he lived on a traditional Greenlandic Inuit diet of seal, whale, fish and fermented foods while researchers tracked his health and microbiome. In this episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast, we discuss his preparation, camping and paddling challenges, surprising physical results, the role of fermentation in food preservation, and ongoing scientific follow‑up — all framed by vivid Arctic landscapes and encounters with local hunters. Eat your environment Mike Keen (Instagram)

    1h 1m

  8. 03/11/2025

    #151 - Breaking Waves & Records: Billy Butler's Kayak Endurance Push

    Endurance paddler Billy Butler joins today's episode to talk about his transition from rivers to sea kayaking, recent record-setting performances, and the training and preparation behind them. The episode covers highlights like the Isle of Wight and Anglesey circumnavigations, a North Sea crossing, upcoming plans including surf ski competitions, and practical lessons for touring and expedition paddlers. Performance Sea Kayak (Search Billy Butler) Paddlecast

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    John Chase
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Paddling the Blue All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Paddling The Blue Podcast

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