Paddling The Blue Podcast

Today's episode is an encore presentation of my June 2024 interview with Conny Simes about her 57‑day, 1,134‑mile solo circumnavigation of Lake Superior. Conny describes the changing landscapes—from the Apostle Islands and Pictured Rocks to the remote Pukaskwa coast—along with the logistics, weather, and resupply challenges she faced.

The episode also explores how the journey supported Conny’s personal recovery while managing Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome, the people she met, safety lessons, and practical advice for paddlers planning their own expeditions.

Learn:

Connect:

Today's episode is an encore presentation with Chris Hipgrave about performance paddling and the balance of physical, technical, and mental skills across disciplines—from slalom and wildwater to surf ski and sea kayaking.

We cover surf ski racing (including the Gorge Downwind Championships), expedition guiding in Bhutan and Antarctica, forward-stroke technique, training motivation, and practical advice for pursuing big paddling goals.

Last week, Dale "Greybeard" Sanders reclaimed his record as the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at age 91. For the second time. I spoke to Dale  and two of his paddling companions, Dan Faust and Matt Briggs, in 2023 after Dale regained his crown, also for the second time,  as the oldest to paddle the Mississippi River source to sea at age 87. 

In honor of Dale’s thru-hike and his incredible perseverance, I am pleased to replay my interview with Dale, Dan, and Matt about their 87 day journey down the Mississippi River for Dale’s most recent record-setting run, at age 87. The episode covers their motivations, trip logistics, River Angels support, the challenges of low water, heat, and barge traffic, and behind-the-scenes footage captured by a film crew.

Emma Reasbeck combines sea kayaking and trail running to complete a unique version of the UK National Three Peaks Challenge, traveling from Snowdon to Ben Nevis by a mix of paddling and running.

Today's episode covers her journey from a London office career to guiding in Anglesey, Norway, and Antarctica, the emotional motivation of supporting her mother and the CoppaFeel! breast cancer charity, and lessons learned about confidence and adaptability.

Today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast is an encore conversation with Mick O'Mara about his multiple circumnavigations of Ireland — from a 1990 team effort to his solo 2015 record and his latest 20-day rebreak. Mick discusses preparation, training, expedition strategy, managing solo vs. team dynamics, gear choices, and overcoming physical setbacks.

Before we get to our encore presentation with Mick:

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 also enjoy paddling whitewater boats, be sure to check out OnlineWhitewater.com, they’re also offering the same discount to listeners. Use the code PTBPODCAST at checkout and explore.     

And, I would love to help you put those skills to work. I offer a wide range of programs in the Great Lakes and beyond, from paddling skill development, instructor certifications, workshops, CPR and wilderness first aid, guided trips, and more. There’s still lots of time left in 2026 and I am working on the 2027 calendar.  Let me know what you would like to see. Visit www.paddlingtheblue.com and click the Courses and Trips link at the top of the page, and I hope to see you on the water. 

Enjoy today’s encore episode with Mick O’Meara

Today's encore episode of Paddling the Blue features Jon Hynes sharing stories from the Cork coastline, his love for Fastnet Rock, and his solo crossings, plus why adventure, preparation, and resilience matter.

He discusses teaching philosophy, “train dirty” skill-building, environmental stewardship for paddlers, and practical tips for planning large expeditions. The episode is a mix of inspiring adventure, coaching insight, and a call to care for our coasts.

Learn:

Connect:

Elaine Alexander, or Shooter as she is known to friends, joins today’s episode of the podcast to speak about her late start in paddling, training and teaching at Share Discovery Village, and the determination that led to a solo circumnavigation of Ireland — 71 days with 51 on the water, stormbound moments, and life-changing encounters.

The episode highlights the generosity of coastal communities, the support network that made the expedition possible, Shooter’s fundraising and advocacy work including Summit to Sea for MND, and SHARE’s inclusive outdoor programs.

Website: Share Discovery Village

Traditional Greenland Games at Share

Facebook

Summit to Sea for MND

Daniel Robison recounts his lifelong love of paddling and his expedition to paddle all 315 miles of Florida’s St. Johns River. Join us as we talk about changing ecosystems from swamp to brackish estuary, close encounters with wildlife including alligators and manatees, and the challenges of navigating shallow canals and wide lakes. 

About the St. Johns River

St. Johns Riverkeeper

To Rivers End by Daniel Robison

What is a Nutria?

Today's episode is an encore presentation of a November 2023 interview with Katie Carr about her brother Toby’s ambitious project to kayak in every area of the BBC Shipping Forecast and the books that followed: Moderate Becoming Good Later and Thundery at Times.

Katie describes how she turned Toby’s notes and recordings into a book, took up sea kayaking to finish the remaining regions, and relied on the global paddling community while navigating grief and personal growth.

Get your copy of Moderate Becoming Good Later

Get your copy of Thundery at Times

Connect:

Learn:

Steve Maynard joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast to talk about about his journey from sea kayaking instructor to professor of Expeditionary Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh. We discuss how the program works, capstone expeditions, mentoring, and the credentials and experience that shaped his teaching and coaching.

The episode also explores some of the paddling dogma in our sport along with some of Steve's favorite paddling venues from Wales to down‑east Maine.

Resources: