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Paddling The Blue Podcast

John Chase interviews inspiring paddlers from 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 paddlesports, we have you covered!

Recent Episodes

Feb. 10, 2025

#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 te…
Jan. 27, 2025

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-re…
Jan. 13, 2025

#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 paddl…
Dec. 30, 2024

#129 - Solo Kayak to Hawaii, and now the Atlantic, with Cyril Derreumaux (Replay)

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 episo…
Dec. 16, 2024

Best friends, bold crossings, and bombs around Britain with Barry Shaw

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,…
Dec. 2, 2024

#127 - The Yukon River Quest Uncovered

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,…

About the Host

John Chase Profile Photo

John Chase

Host / Producer / Paddler / ACA Instructor / Guide / Speaker

My name is John Chase and I’m a paddler just like you. I enjoy being on the water and making every outing an experience.

When I first started paddling, I used to listen to Simon Willis' podcast titled Sea Kayak Roots (later Sea Kayak Podcasts). Simon stopped recording the podcast in 2015 and for five years I kept hoping someone would bring it back. One day in late 2019, I decided that "someone" needed to be me and Paddling the Blue was born.

Paddling the Blue's first episode was released in February 2020. The group has been phenomenal and we've got listeners in 103 countries across the globe. Thanks to each of our guests for sharing their stories and thanks to you for listening!

In addition to Paddling the Blue, I also maintain the website PaddlingExercises.com, dedicated to helping you become a stronger and more efficient paddler. Visit to learn more about my book, Power to the Paddle: Exercises to Improve Your Canoe and Kayak Paddling. You'll also find a list of my paddlesports training classes, trips, and speaking opportunities.

I am a proud P&H Sea Kayaks Team Paddler, representing the best crew with the highest quality boats. Whether you’re day touring, surfing, overnighting, or heading out on a big expedition, P&H has a boat for you.

I am a Werner Paddles Ambassador and have been a proud Werner paddler for many years. The quality, service, aesthetics, and attention to detail in their equipment is second to none.