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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: Lake Superior map What are Agates? Crisp Point Lighthouse Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Pukawska National Park Lake Superior Provincial Park Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Grand Sable Dunes Wilderness Inquiry Such a Nice Day Adventures Naturally Superior Adventures Sjana Shanning's documentation of her Lake Superior trip (Mentor to Conny) Richardson's Lake Superior Chart Book & Cruising Guide (Maptech) Connect: Facebook IG: @authentic_imperfection  Email

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. CoppaFeel! Emma's JustGiving page for CoppaFeel UK National Three Peaks Challenge Passage Guiding A Paddle with a Purpose Emma Reasbeck (Instagram)

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: Wild Atlantic Way-Ireland's Spectacular Coastal Route Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre Fastnet Rock Royal National Lifeboat Institution Irish Canoe Union Connect: Jon Hynes Facebook Instagram

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: Katie Annice Carr (website) Instagram Twitter/X Learn: BBC 4 Shipping Forecast Attention All Shipping: A Journey Around the Shipping Forecast by Charlie Connelly Fanconi Anemia The Churchill Fellowship

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: Personal website Questioning dogma Instagram Steve Maynard CV-SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Adventure Sports & Expeditionary Studies

Caleb McIntyre recounts a life-changing 16-day (mostly) human-powered crossing of Nicaragua — mixing kayaking and cycling to move from the Pacific to the Caribbean. He describes logistical challenges (customs, transporting kayaks), dramatic lake crossings, time in remote archipelagos, crocodile filled rivers, and the unique culture and people he met along the Rio San Juan. The episode highlights expedition planning, risk management, and how packable TRAK kayaks made the trip possible, while reflecting on how the journey rekindled Caleb’s love of adventure and shaped his perspective as a paddler and parent. What I found while crossing Nicaragua by kayak (Trak blog) Instagram Email Rat Race Adventures TRAK Kayaks

Today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast features Rob Henshall, who has circumnavigated Ireland six times in six different craft — from a Nordkapp kayak to a Contessa sailboat, plus a laser dinghy, a windsurfer, and more. Rob shares how he started on the water, the minimalist gear that carried him around the island, and what kept him going through 66 days and countless challenges. Along the way he recalls near‑misses (including a foggy night with a container ship), close encounters with dolphins, Guinness-courage and pub moments, and the lessons learned across multiple expeditions.

Chris Reed joins today's episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast to share the 25-year story behind Reed Chillcheater, from developing the Aquatherm fabric and UK-based production to creating innovative paddling garments used by kayakers, anglers, mountaineers and the film industry.  Staying small and focusing on what’s important to him has kept the business grounded. The episode also covers Chris's personal paddling experiences, his embrace of the Greenland stick, community-focused business ethics, symposiums and more. Reed Chillcheater

Jennifer Gosselin and Pierre Pepin quit the rat race, sold everything, and spent four years paddling a canoe across North America with their dog Jasmine by their side, following historic fur trade routes and the Great Loop. Along the way they faced extreme weather, long portages, wildlife encounters, and unexpected kindness from locals. Join us as we talk about their planning and challenges, memorable human connections that sustained the journey, and what’s next as they build an expedition sailboat to continue voyaging. Wild Raven Adventure

Recorded live at Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin, today's episode of Paddling the Blue features interviews with a wide range of guests: activists protecting the Boundary Waters, the team behind the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, international trip operators from Kayak Portugal, organizers of the MR340 endurance race, and makers of paddles and boats sharing design and craft insights. Thanks to Chris Hipgrave and the P&H Sea Kayaks / Pyranha Kayaks team for making space in their booth to record this episode, and of course for building my favorite top quality boats.  Thank you to the enthusiastic audience who joined me at each of my presentations over the weekend. It’s exciting to see full rooms of smiling faces learning about ways to love paddling even more.  Thank you to all the listeners who stopped by the booth to say hello. I love hearing how Paddling the Blue has inspired and positively impacted you.  And thank you to the Rutabaga Paddlesports team for producing Canoecopia! It’s a pleasure to be part of this wonderful paddling community and I look forward to many more opportunities to connect one to one in the future. Save the Boundary Waters Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Kayak Portugal Tours Old Mustache Canoe Paddles Missouri River Relief MR340 Bending Branches Aqua Bound Guillemot Kayaks Bold Coast Boats P&H Sea Kayaks Pyranha Kayaks Canoecopia Rutabaga Paddlesports