Welcome to today’s episode of Paddling the Blue. Thanks for joining me for this special replay edition.

I’m taking a much needed break around the holidays. This is actually my first break from releasing an entirely new episode in more than four years! Thank you for continuing to listen and support the Paddling the Blue podcast.

I interviewed Cyril Derreumaux in October 2022, just a couple weeks after he completed his solo kayak from California to Hawaii.  Well, he’s back at it again, this time Cyril is paddling the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Martinique.  I thought it might be fun, and timely, to relive that episode and hear about all the things that made the Pacific journey a success.

In this episode Cyril shares a lot about his preparation and the personal experience of making this trip. Planning, more planning, pain, perseverance, it’s all in this trip.  

Enjoy today’s replay episode with Cyril Derreumaux!

Photo credit: Tom Gomes

In today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast, John is joined by the adventurous Barry Shaw, who takes us through his incredible journey from a novice to a seasoned paddler, making bold crossings to Ireland, St. Kilda, and even going around Britain.

Barry shares his experiences of challenges and triumphs on the waters, his strong bond of friendship with fellow kayakers, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. From gripping tales of surviving drop zones to the joy of exploration in remote coastlines, Barry's stories are sure to captivate and inspire you. 

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Welcome to today's episode of Paddling the Blue.

In this special feature, we dive deep into the world of the Yukon River Quest, an exciting race set in the stunning landscape of Canada’s Yukon territory. Four veteran racers, Thomas Schillig, Bill Siersdorfer, Mirko Prufer, and Esther Wheeler,  share their unique experiences and why this challenging event holds a special place in their hearts.

This episode offers a glimpse into the camaraderie, personal triumphs, and the spirit of adventure that define the Yukon River Quest. 

Photo Credit: Mark Kelly Photography

Felipe Behrens joins todays thrilling episode of Paddling the Blue , fresh from his incredible 189-day kayaking journey around the UK and Ireland. Felipe shares the story of his ambitious expedition, highlighting his meticulous skill-building process that prepared him for this monumental adventure.

Throughout the episode, Felipe recounts his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the vibrant kayaking community that supported him along the way. From navigating the treacherous waters of the Pentland Firth to the welcoming shores of Ireland, Felipe’s journey is both inspiring and informative.

Don't miss this captivating story of resilience, exploration, and the pursuit of kayaking dreams.

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In this episode of Paddling the Blue, host John Chase welcomes Caoimhe Connor to discuss the hidden treasures of Ireland's East Coast. Caoimhe shares her insights into the often-overlooked paddling opportunities in this picturesque region, highlighting its unique landscapes and vibrant wildlife.

Caoimhe also delves into her personal experiences with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), offering valuable advice for paddlers on safety and rescue techniques. She candidly discusses her adventures and challenges with solo paddling, including her incomplete circumnavigation of Ireland and her attempt at Iceland, providing a reflective look at the ups and downs of solo expeditions.

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In this episode of Paddling the Blue, Martin Rickard shares his deep connection to Greenland and his love for the county and its people while following the legendary paths of explorers Gino Watkins and Freddie Spencer Chapman.

Discover how a chance encounter with a book ignited Martin's lifelong love for Greenland and hear fascinating stories about his two-decade-long experience guiding expeditions through its stunning landscapes. Martin also discusses the impact of climate change on Greenland's environment and the evolving role of tourism in the lives of its indigenous communities.

Join us as Martin reflects on the challenges and rewards of guiding in such a remote and breathtaking region, the importance of connecting with local people, and the unique experiences of paddling among majestic icebergs and humpback whales.

• GreenlandKayakExpeditions.com

Join us on this exciting episode of Paddling the Blue as we dive into the fascinating world of sea kayaking with Roger Chandler, a seasoned coach and guide from Anglesey. Roger shares his adventures paddling through stunning locations in the Mediterranean and the UK, revealing his journey from childhood explorations to becoming a skilled kayaker and coach.

Discover the warm water beauty of Sicily and the breathtaking circumnavigation of Mallorca and Menorca with fellow paddler Barry Shaw

As we transition to the cooler waters of the UK, Roger talks about the awe-inspiring landscapes of Duncansby Head and the unforgettable tall ship expedition to St. Kilda. Learn how these experiences have shaped his love for kayaking and influenced his coaching philosophy.

Connect with Roger and explore the wealth of resources available for sea kayaking enthusiasts. Don't miss this chance to paddle the blue with Roger Chandler!

• CoastalSpirit.com

Rency Thomas joins us to recount his incredible 2,750-kilometer solo journey from the source to the sea of India's Ganga (Ganges) River. Starting at the foot of a glacier and ending at the ocean, this expedition was the culmination of eight years of preparation. Hear firsthand from Rency about his experiences, challenges, and the cultural significance of this holy river.

Enjoy today's episode with Rency Thomas as he shares his inspiring story of humbleness, patience, adventure, and the deep connection to India's most sacred river.

• Rency Thomas (Instagram)

In this episode of Paddling the Blue, host John Chase speaks with Greg Paquin about his extensive involvement in British canoeing and his passion for paddle sports coaching. Greg shares his inspiring journey from civil engineering to becoming a full-time sea kayaking coach.

Greg also recounts his thrilling expedition to the remote and stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, describing the breathtaking scenery and unique challenges faced along the way. Additionally, he discusses the inception and growth of the Autumn Gales event, which provides a platform for paddlers to experience advanced tidal race environments under expert guidance.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the world of performance coaching in sea kayaking and learn how Greg's diverse experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy. Discover more about Greg's adventures and his contributions to the paddling community in this engaging episode.

Kayak Waveology

Autumn Gales

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Welcome to today's episode of Paddling the Blue. Our guest, Keith Wikle, is a prolific surf kayaker and coach from the Great Lakes region. In this episode, Keith shares his journey into the world of surf kayaking, his mentors, and his experience organizing paddling events. He also offers valuable tips to enhance your surfing skills and enjoyment when the waves kick up.

Join us as Keith discusses his background, the transition from sea kayaking to surf kayaking, and the unique challenges and rewards of surfing the Great Lakes. He also reflects on his contributions to the paddling community through events like the West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association symposium and his own event, the Gales.

Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out, Keith's insights and stories are sure to inspire. Enjoy the episode!

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