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After a full year cruising the Great Loop, YouTube creators Karly and Evan Nietzel from Navigating Nietzels share what hindsight has taught them. If they could start their Loop all over again, what would they do differently—and what would they keep exactly the same? From lessons learned to decisions they’re glad they made, their reflections may surprise you. If you’re already cruising, you might find yourself comparing notes. And if you’re still planning your adventure, their experience could help you avoid a few pitfalls along the way. Tune in to hear what made their “do again” list—and what definitely didn’t.

This week on the Great Loop Radio podcast, we continue our popular Story of Our Loop series with Lee Warner. Lee began America’s Great Loop with his wife, Kathy, looking forward to the adventure they had planned together. While on a break from their journey, Kathy unexpectedly passed away. Faced with profound loss, Lee made the difficult decision to return to the Loop and complete the trip they had started. With the support and encouragement of family and friends, Lee found a way forward. He became a “master planner” of Loop logistics, coordinating loved ones to join him aboard and help him finish the journey. This is more than a cruising story. It’s a testament to determination, the strength of the Looper community, and the power of finishing what you start—even when the journey looks very different than you imagined.

On this bonus episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast, Rob Krajicek joins us to talk about something every Looper hopes they’ll never need—but will be grateful to have. When you’re cruising far from home, exploring small towns, remote anchorages, and unfamiliar waters, medical emergencies can feel even more daunting. Rob explains how SkyMed works, why traditional insurance may not be enough, and how having a medical transport membership in place can bring real peace of mind—not just on the Great Loop, but while traveling anywhere and even at home.

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, we’re talking about something every Looper will face—but not everyone fully understands—tides and currents. Join us as we welcome Captain Craig Allain of Captain Craig's Boat Services for a practical, real-world conversation about how moving water can impact your Great Loop adventure. From the big tidal swings to Georgia and south Carolina to tricky marina approaches, Captain Craig breaks down: -Where Loopers are most likely to encounter the largest tide changes -How currents affect boat handling in close quarters -Smart strategies for anchoring in tidal waters -Tips for tying up at marinas when water levels are changing Whether you’re still planning your Loop or already underway, understanding tides and currents can make the difference between a smooth arrival and a stressful docking. Captain Craig shares confidence-building advice that will help you work with the water instead of fighting it.

Your VHF radio might be the most underrated piece of gear on your Great Loop—but it can make all the difference when it comes to safety, navigation, and communicating with other boats, bridges, and locks while on the water. This week, John Herlig from The Boat Galley joins us to break down the essentials: when to use the VHF, which channels matter, and the simple habits that can keep you safer and more confident underway. Whether you’re new to boating or just need a refresher, this episode will help you get the most out of this vital onboard tool.

The Great Loop is a 6,000-mile water route that Loopers cruiser aboard their own boats. At its essence, it's a circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and part of Canada via mostly protected inland waterways. The Great Loop route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, south on the Inland Rivers, and then east Gulf Coast to complete the Loop.