A short swim and self rescue.

I fell out of my boat and had to rescue myself. Not a big deal, it happens a lot, but I caught this one on camera and thought it might be interesting to talk through.
There's a whole lot missing from this video and swimming in moving water is dangerous, this isn't a case of "I've watched a youtube video, I'll give it a go.". Spend some time and money on a proper safety course.
This might all seem like an advert, it sort of is, but it's not an advert for me, I don't run rescue courses, I just recognise their value.
For those interested, the rapid is Warden Gorge on the North Tyne at
the 2017 Tyne Tour. I'd normally be over on the right hand side of the river for this section, but there wasn't enough water.

[@ri-jm5tn]

I’ve been in canoes for 50yrs, and most of that in class 1-2 water. Top-notch information!

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Brilliant, well explained.

[@TheOpenboater]

You should have entered this in the SotP video competition.

[@johnw1850]

Thanks. I wasn't going to enter this year, because I hadn't done any trip videos, but Bren asked so I put the canoe control one in. I'm really not sure instructional videos fit in the competition.

[@TheOpenboater]

@@johnw1850 I don't see why not. Ticks a lot of boxes and it's well put together. Variety is the spice of life.

[@johnw1850]

​@@TheOpenboater I think it's an internal thing. Making trip videos feels creative and fun. Making instructional videos feels more clinical and involves lots more swearing. Also I enjoy watching my trip videos back, but I struggle with watching the instructional stuff (probably something to do with talking to myself, telling me things I already know). You're right, I would encourage anyone to enter any video into the competition, but for me there are two different sides to the videos I do and it would feel like entering a text book in a creative writing competition.

[@TheOpenboater]

@@johnw1850 that's a great analogy. I see your point.

[@TR_Swan]

This is priceless! Its perfect for trying to explain to a new paddler. I have been a calm water paddler for decades. I don't ever push it; and am rarely in spirited water. I haven't capsized since I was a kid. While all of us can say 2020 was a mess, it was one of my best years for paddling. Lately I find myself alone on the water with my solo canoe a lot more. Hence, time to go over self-rescue stuff. I agree about taking a rescue course. I'm older now, and feeling older with my body reminding me of my younger mistakes. I'll be looking for a rescue course in 2021! Thanks for a great video!

[@kayakamy2618]

Excellent video. Well done!