A Challenging Day - Huge Atlantic Swell

[@bigpondkayaks]

Fantastic video, you can definitely see the depth of the challenge you had but these are the days that you remember the most make you feel alive

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you. Again another testament to your design. I’d probably paddle closer in too, now I fully appreciate how well she looked after me.

[@stratus5b]

The 10:00 between 16:00 and 26:00 remind me of my last trip around Cape Caution but without the fog. Well done. Thanks for keeping it in one piece.

[@JamesFleming888]

Wow! Glad you showed the full video. I really enjoyed that. The sea state looked pretty punchy, especially on your own. Excellent skills and confidence - really well done. I could feel the sense of relief coming out of the big swell. Nice one! Thanks for this and terrific effort. James

[@hugobrito6141]

Weel done Nick Ray, I followed your adventure and continue to do so. Thank you for your honest insights and inspiration.

[@PKirk-j3v]

I heard you on paddling the blue podcast recently. Good on you for encouraging others to follow adventures. You speak wonderfully well and look very comfortable in challenging circumstances. Your commentary is great. Keep on adventuring.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much for your kind words. They mean a lot. Very best wishes.

[@nicoguerrerotourguide]

Thank ypu for share de experiences! 🙌

[@Squarepeg57]

What an amazing day! Crikey! Well done Nick.

[@JustTheDude]

Thank you for mesmerizing video. Really shows the power of the sea and ever-changing risks around reefs and rock cliffs. Seeing how high the waves were crashing on the walls sure shines a light on the importance of every decision you make. Funny, I saw the video was 38 minutes and thought I'd watch a bit. Then it was over! ❤

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thanks very much Steve.

[@hugoed3740]

An astonishing video of a tough day on the sea in a kayak. I was amazed how calm you remained as you viewed the power of the waves. My heart was pounding just watching this. Thank you Nick.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much Hugo, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@peterdouglas3170]

First time watching anyone sea kayaking and I really enjoyed it but now and again I felt a little bit sea sick well done will watch the next one.

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

My god…. I was holding my breath watching that launch!!! A brave journey to do and hats off to you for being so calm. A great watch. 🙏

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much Caz. You're very kind.

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Wow...what an awesome video...thank you (from Nova Scotia) for posting & stay safe!

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much and best wishes to you.

[@johnm9709]

What's exciting and fun with companions becomes much more serious solo. Great video of a fine adventure.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you John.

[@davidtaylor5394]

OMG what a great vid...just discovered the site, subscribed and cant wait for more...very well done

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Hello David and thank you very much. Very best wishes.

[@gradyrm237]

I'm living all wrong. You have it figured out. Put your faith and trust in yourself. It's the realist thing indeed. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@frazerrobbo9158]

Great video Nick….. keep em coming. Love watching these !

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much. 😊

[@louielizzy1807]

I enjoyed the "you are there" aspect of your video, not over edited. Parts of it are similar to the Oregon Coast where I'm from. Some sea kayaking days are long and it reminded me of that. Also, I liked it without the distracting 'music' some other videos have.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you for your lovely comment and my apologies for the very late reply. I'd really love to paddle along the Oregon coastline. I imagine the Pacific swells make it fairly daunting. Very best wishes.

[@IamOutdoorsy]

Remarkable! The power of water in amazing. Your willingness to push through, even more so. Well done !

[@vinnypallett9337]

Very enjoyable video. Just the right amount of dialogue, in your distinctive calm voice. As a former sea paddler, particularly enjoyed listening to your emotional response to the conditions. Quite inspiring listening to you regards depression etc too for many of us feel quite isolated in our battles. Good luck.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much for your kind words and best wishes to you too.

[@flatoutdoor]

Impressive waves, whise to respect the power of them! Thanks for sharing your great video 🤠. And keep those butterflys flapping 😂😂😂

[@AirOnTheWater]

That looks like a quite challenging paddle indeed! Really good video. Now subscribing.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much and best wishes to you.

[@AirOnTheWater]

@@NickRayLifeAfloat Thanks - likewise.

[@vikashchand8377]

This is just fabulous so real. I'm a fan of u mate

[@sawyerdave1]

Cheers to the video, excellent work

[@leeanderson5955]

You’re way above my level, amazing video

[@craigmarson6917]

Wow the water looks beautiful, rough but beautiful. You say it was a challenging day but you made it look a breeze.😃 Great video.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you. It was incredible out there on that day.

[@grahamtapper3383]

As an old man of the sea and one time Kayaker I congratulate you on a courageous day on the water. Don't do that again !

[@MrJoneshari]

My friend you have balls of steel!

[@nilesdelta8636]

What a wild trip thanks for sharing. Subbed

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you for signing up and for your kind words. All the very best to you.

[@charles-mr4oz]

Great video. I really understand what you were saying about being in awe of the waves and making the decision that you did to keep away from where they were breaking on the reefs. I always paddle with others. I think I might be a bit more apprehensive shall we say if I was out there alone

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

You never know until you are there. I bet you underestimate your ability. I felt pretty calm all day despite being alert all the time. It was an atmospheric day, that’s for sure.

[@carliobenzio7230]

Amazing skill. Hope I can do this in such conditions one day.

[@juub]

Hi Nick. Challenging indeed. As someone from a sailing background, my inclination would have been to get well away from that coast! But it’s different in a kayak, I know.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

I was drawn in like a moth. It was mesmerising.

[@Class1Adventures]

Fabulous video. Must have been a little tired after that day. 👍👏

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

I was relieved to get ashore at the end!

[@philgreen815]

What an amazing video, I was there with you.

[@Switcher795]

As a scottish sea kayaker - this is hardcore - well done

[@ianvorster6465]

Hey, Nick, thanks for sharing. At thr beginning I wondered why you didn’t edit it into shorter clips. By the end I was glad you didn’t. Anyone who has paddled in the ocean would recognize why. Felt like we were in the boat with you!

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Hi Ian, thank you for taking the time to write a comment and for your kind words. Happy paddling to you. Best wishes.

[@joannebolton1]

Nick I wasn't breathing well watching that!😅 you're incredibly brave.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

You’re very kind Joanne, thank you.

[@MrEStreaming]

Brilliant!

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you again.

[@bobbeach1598]

As a x big wave surfer boater and flat water kayaker I appreciate this days challengers. The power and size of swell you can never appreciate on film. I did wonder why you stopped talking when approaching the cliffs with all that energy bouncing about 😉😊😂 Great video Nick

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

It’s funny how film does that. I remember at the time choosing not to speak because I was in awe of the atmosphere of the situation.

[@PaulTaylor-o9s]

Great video.i hope you're releasing a book about your journey? I very much enjoyed the last one

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you very much and my apologies for the very late reply. It's great to hear you enjoyed my last book and yes, I'm currently writing another about my recent trip. Best wishes.

[@vincentnunan]

Paddling along those cliffs (19 mins or so in) solo and in those swells. Hells bells - I'd be petrified! Inspirational kayaking though....

[@ThriceHolyHost]

Very impressive.

[@rooftopcat1785]

The sun haze makes it difficult to see your land silhouette for direction. You kept vigilant watching to your right, coastline, and distance from the reef. Well done.

[@minerwilly]

I think that was only a day after you left here and it was a big spring tide as well as a big swell. That stretch of coast can get a bit nasty when it wants to and the reefs do come out of nowhere. I'm glad to see you didn't take any chances with the Clett Rock on a day like that.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thanks Marc. Funnily, I look at it from the comfort of home and think I’d like to have a go. I’ll definitely be back.

[@minerwilly]

@@NickRayLifeAfloat You're always welcome up north if you fancy it. There are so many places you didn't get time to see that I know you would love.

[@paulhillsdon7163]

You mentioned how impressed you are with your kayak, can I ask what she is? Awesome video for lazy, rainy days where you want to enjoy the viewpoint but not the effort. THANKS!

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Hi Paul, I'm very sorry for the late reply. The kayak is a Big Pond Kayaks "Mannta" and in my opinion the finest expedition kayak on the market. Roomy, stable, fast and comfortable.

[@DrewWithington]

The swells are hitting the cliffs then bouncing back out again and interacting with the incoming waves. That's why it is so choppy. Would be less of a problem further out from cliffs.

[@johnscrimgeour2221]

Awesome video as a confirmed landlubber I was a nervous wreck

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you John. It was one of the most demanding days of my journey. Best wishes.

[@brendan190770]

Just amazing -i think I've found a new hobby!! what kind of kayak is this you use?

[@Mr356boy]

Scary stuff that high swell. What kayak you using

[@massimocorsaro1831]

Great video! Can you tell me the kayak's model? Thanks.

[@veronicabalfourpaul2288]

gripping stuff!

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you Veronica.

[@davidpoots8362]

Great video, the action camera doesn't do justice to those conditions. Marvellous and scary.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you David.

[@patrickcavanaghkilmartin]

I know it's too late now as you've completed your trip, but would it be worth getting nautical charts on your phone to refer to at times like these? Enjoyable watch, thank you.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thanks Patrick.

[@tommycheshire5508]

You are an inspiring young man. Thank you for sharing your adventure. How many miles did you strive to cover on an average day?

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Hi Tommy, thank you for your kind words and my sincere apologies for such a late reply. I covered roughly 24 miles a day because I took my time to explore the coastline. Best wishes.

[@beeemelle]

Definitely gutsy! Interested in what kayak you have and why it is so stable in your opinion? Have you ever capsized in it?

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you and my apologies for the late reply. I'm paddling a Big Pond Kayaks "Mannta". Her design makes her the best expedition sea kayak I've ever paddled. I've not capsized in her yet. Indeed though out my year long kayaking trip, I never once felt unsettled in her.

[@mesutuluag2791]

what is your kayak's model

[@alanmclenon9703]

What boat is he using? Seems pretty happy with it, looks like a great adventure. Watching that even though it looked rough at parts was relaxing.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you Alan. I'm paddling a Big Pond Kayaks 'Mannta', built on the Isle of Man. It's the best design I've ever paddled.

[@petershand1807]

Fab video Nick, spectacular scenery and lumpy stuff! Keeps you on your toes and in a kayak holding on with your knees. What type of cameras were you using? Really helped to capture the mood. It must have been some swell since cameras can never fully capture the power and true height of the waves but with the land disappearing at times and the speed of the waves you can appreciate what it felt like. Well done, inspiring.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Hi Peter and thank you very much. Yes, it's often disappointing when reviewing footage take on big seas day to find the sea state looks almost benign. I use a GoPro Max which a 360m degree camera and also a GoPro Hero 11. I edit with Lumafusion on my iPad. Very best wishes.

[@petershand1807]

Thanks @@NickRayLifeAfloat . Keep enjoying your paddling.

[@StephenWatters-x7k]

That was an incredible watch Nick. My heart was in my mouth at times. Outstanding stuff! One question - if you had capsized and had to wet exit, how had you planned to re-enter? I see you keep your spare paddles on the rear deck so I’m assuming a back deck scramble would be difficult.

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you for watching the film and I'm pleased you enjoyed it. If I found the paddles got in the way, I'd place them elsewhere. To be frank though, I count on not going over and if I do, I roll up. I'm thankful on all my expeditions, this is a theory yet to be tested for real. Never say never though...

[@StephenWatters-x7k]

I suppose you’d just deal with the situation if it came up - what adventures are about. Hopefully never will though. Looking forward to the book. Look after yourself.

[@stephengrimmer35]

To all those who "haven't been there", GoPros make things seem a lot flatter than they really are!

[@sme4969]

I used to use my gopro on chest place, I now use it on a suction cup on thw foredeck and even then it doesn't do the conditions justice.. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqaViYmMnrmqbZY

[@sme4969]

I used to use my gopro on chest plate bit now use it attached to a suction cup on the foredeck and even the it don't do the conditions justice.. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqaViYmMnrmqbZY

[@ThriceHolyHost]

What speed were you going in the calmer water, seems quite fast?

[@Dfl87165]

Nice clapotis!

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Bouncy!

[@bmjnyc]

Edge of my seat. What camera are you using?

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you and apologies for the late reply. I use two cameras. A GoPro Hero 11 and a GoPro Max. The Max is a 360 degree camera.

[@stevekimball7697]

Yes!

[@hansmarggraff1567]

have you considered working on your paddling technique so you make easier progress in the water?

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

No need, thanks.

[@behrensf84]

At least it looks like the wind wasn’t bad…

[@Gavosh1977]

I am only an amateur kayaker, anything over 1m starts to make me nervous :)

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Your sense of comfort will increase over time. In the meantime, keep on paddling and enjoying what you do. Best wishes.

[@olliemuncaster]

👏👏

[@NickRayLifeAfloat]

Thank you Ollie.