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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

Oct. 7, 2024

#123 - Finding your Coastal Spirit paddling Mediterranean & UK Waters with Roger Chandler

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…
Sept. 23, 2024

A Journey Down the Ganges (Ganga) River with Rency Thomas: 2,750 Kilometers of Adventure on India's most sacred river

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 culm…
Sept. 9, 2024

#121 - Coaching Insights and Tierra del Fuego with the Kayak Waveologist Greg Paquin

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 engin…
Aug. 26, 2024

#120 - Riding the Waves: Finding flow surf kayaking the Great Lakes with Keith Wikle

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 mentor…
Aug. 12, 2024

#119 - Jim Tibensky - Racing kayak slalom, chasing birds, and a lifelong love for volunteering

Jim Tibensky joins today’s episode of the Paddling the Blue podcast. Jim is a legend in the US slalom racing community and a selfless volunteer for many organizations. Today we talk about Jim’s ongoing racing career, how wa…
July 29, 2024

#118 - Donal Dowd - Experiencing Irish Islands, Lighthouses, and Wallabies

Today I have the pleasure of talking with Donal Dowd. We cover quite a few topics, including his love for Irish islands and lighthouses, 40+ years pioneering outdoor education, and the home of Ireland’s wallabies. Thank you …

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.