Alqonquin Park's Toughest Whitewater! | Kayak Camping the Petawawa River - Ep 3

[@PaddleTV]

Check out my new KZbin channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.

[@Rottingboards]

Thanks for showing the packing strategy.

[@leecraven7256]

Great job. Thanks for brining us along

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure!

[@StoneE4]

I loved this series... You keep making 'em and I'll keep watching 'em. 👍👍

[@PaddleTV]

I appreciate it!!!

[@ringperm]

Just finished, and I enjoyed this immensly. Very few channels (that I know of) do kayak camping. So when one of these popup in my feed, I find that resistance is futile and I just have to watch. Mr. Whiting is a great presenter and I look forward to more videos in the future. 😊

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you!! More coming :)

[@trishaharrison6183]

Have you ever watched River Kings. Pete is amazing and they kayak camp all the time. They are from the Carolinas.

[@ringperm]

@@trishaharrison6183 No I have not, but I will now. 😀 Thanks for the tip

[@standinkler5356]

Wow, wonderful videography. Just a beautiful place and you captured the spirit doing it solo. I look forward to your future trips, especially the lake trip. Stay safe.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! It really was/is a trip of a lifetime.

[@kayasper6081]

Life is beautiful, but even better if you're a travelling kayaker!😍

[@PaddleTV]

:)

[@SamMeddaka]

Thank you for taking us along this beautiful adventure.

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

Ken, watching this video it dawned on me that I have your book, "Whitewater Kayaking - The Ultimate Guide' (2nd edition) for more years now then I can remember...thank you so much for writing that book, it helped me in so many ways as a beginner. I still look through it to this day every now and then. ;-)

[@PaddleTV]

:). Great to hear you’ve enjoyed the book. It was a big and fun project, and something that makes me smile when I come across it. Lots of good memories….

[@Big_Renfrew]

I have that book! Nice to see a river I've paddled.

[@trishaharrison6183]

This was spectacular and now I know chipmunks can swim. Didn’t know that. You paddle like a pro….. oh wait you are a pro🤣. Thanks for all your hard work and sharing it with us.❤️😊

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! We knew chipmunks could sing, but now we know they can swim too. :)

[@lysan1445]

What a fantastic trip! I especially enjoyed the morning fog on the river. I am out early whenever the weather forecast announces morning fog on the lake nearby. Nothing beats paddling through the mist in the morning sun, you know, when the sun starts lightening up the mist.

[@PaddleTV]

You and me both!

[@a.m.creativ]

I just LOVE these videos, Ken. Makes me want to get in my kayak and get out there!

[@ronniemurphy2124]

Beautiful run. If you're unsure, run the tongue and follow the flow.

[@Rottingboards]

That coat with the bug net is awesome.

[@PaddleTV]

The Original Bug Shirt is what it’s called. Highly recommend it. :)

[@WheelsonaBike]

This video perfectly exemplifies why people are drawn to Algonquin Park (maybe not the bugs though). Thank you for bringing us along on the trip. Stunning!

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

Here's to perfect moments 🥂

[@DwightFitzmorris]

I am an avid fan from Nova Scotia. In Algonquin 3 you were being bugged by mosquitoes. My deet free solution.... 1 tsp pure cinnamon oil 1 tbsp vanilla extract 2 oz witch hazel 675 ml of non-chlorinated water keeps in fridge for 2 months use in a 50-75 ml pump spray bottle on you clothes and skin(test on skin first just in case). Loved these Algonquin series. Enjoy.

[@PaddleTV]

Wow! Definitely worth trying.

[@juanbtf]

I loved this series, it was so nice and cool to see the views and you in the water. I love seeing kayaks :D Thank you!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!!

[@amateur_adventurist]

Amazing, thanks for showing us this joyful trips, keep up exploring and share with us, loved it

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I certainly will!

[@dewey4president]

Such a great trip! Really enjoyed watching this series, thank you for sharing.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I had a blast doing it!

[@2sanstef]

Excellent series of videos thank you

[@isabelledrolet4297]

Awesome trip! Above my level of experience in many places, but maybe one day! Love the shots from your stern camera when you're in the rapids, as I try to read the river and see if I can discern the same line as you. These are good learning moments for me.

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@TomAlderman1978]

What an amazing adventure

[@PaddleTV]

Definitely a river for the bucket list!

[@Paddleclips]

Hi Ken, I enjoyed this video but I enjoy all your videos. Camping or boat reviews I like them all. You say you don’t need a helmet in certain conditions because of experience. I agree. I trained horses all my life,starting colts was my expertise , that is training horses that have never been rode before. Make a long story short I am recovering from bad wreck. Seven broke ribs,two broken vertebrae and a puncture lung. Here is my point all this happened to me on my own well broke horse. And all this was for the good because during all the test in the hospital they found out I had a heart rhythm problem where my heart slows up causing me to faint. That is exactly what happened. Heart slowed down fainted fell off horse and got busted up. Just mention it because one never knows what could happen. I have some age on me but I have trained horse professionally since I was 17 years old never knew I had a heart issue. Take care Ken my friend.

[@patrickh621]

Thanks for the series, highlight of three days in bed with Covid ... As a seakayaker who does only a bit of WW2 on the local rivers, I liked the from-behind angle best: Switching to slower replay, giving it a thought and looking closely at the edging and kinds of strokes as you go along.

[@PaddleTV]

Happy I could make 3 crappy days a little better! As a sea kayaker, you'll probably enjoy the video I just posted on my KZbin channel @kenwhitingadventures. It's a sea kayaking adventure like this. Cheers!

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Absolutely fantastic end to this adventure Ken. I have said it before but your skill in whitewater is truly impressive. Ok then now I'm going to tell you off, I bloody spotted them flip-flops you had on, how many times in different videos have you said never wear flip-flops. I reckon this is a case of do as I say not as I do lol Once again great adventure can't wait for the next one.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha!!! Nice catch! :) It wasn’t ideal. My feet were raw from the long days on the water in the river shoes, and all the sand I encountered. I couldn’t handle wearing them in the kayak at the end. I love the Astral Loyaks, but I feel like I need a different solution for multi-day trips with lots of sand. Not sure what yet…

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

@@PaddleTV I also have a per of Astral Loyaks. As it happens I picked them up after watching you talking about how good they are, and you're not wrong they're great, however I do know just what you mean about the sand and stones, so I will forgive the flip flops this time lol 😆 Hell of a journey Ken

[@jameswalsh1690]

​​@@PaddleTV I wear a pair of those ladies nylon footsie things inside my astrals and they do a great job of keeping sand etc away from skin. Only get one or two uses from a pair but they are very cheap and they are not hot or thick like socks. Make sure you buy the 'thicker' footsies though, there are some ultra thin ones that don't work so well!

[@andrewbrewer7081]

Thanks Ken. Love your videos especially backcountry kayaking adventures. Looking forward to doing more myself as there are plenty of opportunities within Ontario! 😊

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers! We are luck in Ontario, aren't we? Having Quebec so close is also great! So much to explore there...

[@anninwhack1998]

You need one of those small Thermacell anti mosquito devices. The are amazing at repelling mosquitoes and we don’t camp without them after getting devoured on Lake Ontario a few years ago. Love the adventure!

[@PaddleTV]

You're absolutely right... Although I wonder how well it would work when the bugs are as bad as this. Guess I'll find out next spring!

[@KreeH2023]

What a beautiful area!! Your ability to run the rapids so smoothly likely comes with experience, but it is very admirable!! Could you of done this same route on a sit-on-top kayak ... if so, which models? Thank you for allowing us to share in your adventure!! Also, what a view (plus a beer ... perfection!).

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I actually paddled the lower section in a sit-on-top fishing kayak (Jackson Kayak Coosa) a few years back. We added thigh straps to the kayaks. We also brought a raft on the trip for carrying a lot of the gear. We ran all the whitewater, including Crooked Chute, but it was definitely trickier, and not something I would recommend to anyone but the most experienced whitewater paddler. The downside of the SOT was the lack of storage space. Without the raft for gear, it would have been HEAVY and made everything more challenging. You'd want to go as light as possible. I wouldn't do the upper section in a SOT. Too much technical whitewater to navigate.

[@samswain1162]

I’m hoping to paddle the Petawawa River this fall. Great video and thanks for sharing!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Have an amazing trip!

[@ChadPalmer]

Beautiful video and keep creating I love your videos. Sorry about the lost camera and sorry I reminded you lol

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you!

[@geschichteundreisen1154]

Enjoyed it a lot, very thankfull for. When i paddle and look at my pics and videos after, i see, that wildlife you can never catch by film like it is in reality in own eyes. But the whitewater is so immersive like i am in 👍 18:00 looks amazing. What only works for me against the mosquitos is Autan Spray, it stinks like hell, but works.

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers. I’ll check it out!

[@carenweinstein6124]

Really enjoyed this! Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@kayaksdelacosta]

Maravilloso, espectacular!!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@fuffydingo]

I just got back from paddling the Allagash. Your trip seems quite similar. We missed our last campsite and had to paddle out. Just over a 20 mile day.

[@StoneE4]

Good place for some suds on that ridge, ya know? Eh? 😁

[@shanemactavish6820]

Great video. Ran into you on the Madawaska last Summer.

[@PaddleTV]

Oh cool! The time we were doing a family overnight trip. I love that river and section! Cheers!

[@slighwentwalking2025]

I looks so remote I'm surprised that you don't see more bears or moose. Now those clouds of mosquitoes..we have those here in Florida 🤨 I'm heading back to Okefenokee next week..'weather permitting' It may need to be put off another week...water is still really high. Oh yeah that rock top view was sick 👍

[@PaddleTV]

Hope the Okefenokee trip was awesome! I'm jealous...

[@slighwentwalking2025]

@PaddleTV ...its flooded right now so I'm going to try again in a couple of weeks. There is standing water on some of the tent sites and walking trails.

[@ringperm]

Why don’t you clip the orange drysack around the bungee cords? Especially considering you almost lost it in the previous episode. Any drawback to that I don’t know about? I am a «fjord paddler» so I am not very familiar with white water kayaking and its hazards 😊

[@BoomVang]

I do that and also add a non-elastic lanyard to the ring by the clip.

[@PaddleTV]

I actually don’t want the bag attached to my boat if it falls off, because chances are I’m in some really rough stuff where I need each paddle stroke and brace to count. A big bag hanging off the side of the kayak could totally mess with that and cause much bigger problems. It could be an even bigger problem if I’m upside down and trying to roll! I much prefer chasing down the bag than swimming after my kayak and all my gear! :)

[@ringperm]

@@PaddleTV Thank you Sir, that was very informative, and makes alot of sense 👍

[@intrnst]

"This place is almost fake. It's just too perfect."

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks. As for the B cam footage... If I find time, I would be happy to share. Time is my enemy! :)

[@intrnst]

@@PaddleTV Take your time. ;)

[@iowaadventures4701]

Great video

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@KMLifeadventure]

What I like most is your common sense and ability to talk about common sense things about kayak and the outdoors. It's good to see non life threatening mistakes too, so we don't feel so bad when we make them. If you could design a kayak for this purpose what would you design?

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! My ideal kayak for this trip would be a little longer, but still with plenty of rocker, and many more anchor points on the front and back deck for customizing and tying gear down

[@KMLifeadventure]

@@PaddleTV thanks for answering. What about a kayak canoe hybrid? I know they have those little white water canoes but they seem very tippy.

[@PaddleTV]

Packboats are great in flatwater, but they don't do well in whitewater. They have very little freeboard, and so they can swamp very easily.

[@MattLevin-q9n]

Great video. 3 questions: 1. Do you ever wear sunscreen on your hands, face, and ears? If so, which brand? 2. Do you ever wear gloves during summer kayaking? 3. Have you ever had bear or couger encounters, and if so, how did you handle that? Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Yes, I were sunscreen whenever possible on ears, face and hands and lips (lip balm with sunscreen). I don’t stick to a particular brand. Just needs to be waterproof and at least a 30spf. I don’t wear gloves, although I think it can be a good idea for those who don’t have ‘hardened’ hands for big days of paddling. No cougar experiences. No significant bear experiences either. I make sure to store my food well away from camp, and out of reach. They have no reason to come into camp if you do that.

[@MattLevin-q9n]

@@PaddleTV Thank you for the reply, and many thanks for your great videos, Ken!

[@tranquility9325]

Ken tyfs. How do you pack your tent and camping chair and how do you keep food or drink cold?

[@PaddleTV]

I pack my tent and chair in separate dry bags. As for keeping food and drink cold... there aren't great options when kayak camping. When canoe camping, you have a few more options because you can use large bags/barrels. One strategy I use is freezing any food that can be frozen, so that it lasts longer. The best way to prolong the life of perishables is to make sure you don't ever leave the dry bag in the sun.

[@arcanum3000]

You talked about letting gravity do the work and wishing for a motor, but have you considered trying out a kayak sail? Probably not on that boat, but on a longer touring/sea kayak? Also, I laughed at the "leave room for Baileys" comment at first, but as I think about it, bringing Irish Cream as an unrefrigerated coffee creamer makes some sense. It'll taste better than the imitation creamers, and a tablespoon or two in a mug of coffee will impart negligible alcohol.

[@PaddleTV]

I have wanted to try a sail for a while. I'm not in a good place to try one though. One day! You're absolutely right about the Bailey's. Negligible alcohol when using it as creamer, and it lasts for weeks unrefrigerated on trips. And it's yummy! :)

[@gradyrm237]

Beautiful indeed. I'm new and learning about this wonderful sport so if I ask dumb questions forgive me. Would a fire help with the blood suckers?

[@PaddleTV]

Unfortunately, no... mosquitos aren't deterred by fire.

[@Bonjurro]

How many extra kilometres with setting up your camera and then going back for it? 😀

[@PaddleTV]

:) very true. It adds another significant, but fun layer to the adventure.

[@MAGAScott]

Hello, I’m a new kayaker and I’m really enjoying your videos and have learned quite a bit from you. I’m thinking of getting an Old Town Loon 126. What is your opinion of it. I’m 5’11” 195. Looking for paddling and tracking performance. Any others you recommend would be great. I really like your multi day trips. Thanks Scott

[@raivkka4313]

Could this have been done in a themo plastic touring Kayak or Rotomold required?

[@PaddleTV]

A thermoformed kayak isn’t durable enough for any of the rapids. You would have to portage everything, which would be epic, and just not practical for a trip like this.

[@jwiereng]

21:00 It is my understanding that the consumption of alcohol is prohibited except when you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume liquor (beer, wine, spirits) only on a registered campsite. Is this true?

[@PaddleTV]

I really don't know... My personal feeling is that Parks are not appropriate for partying, but having a single celebratory drink is reasonable.

[@brianne9]

I'm the type of person who probably should wear a helmet on a flat terrain hike. Everyone be safe out there!

[@PaddleTV]

Ha!!!

[@kevinharding2099]

You need a Thermacell do deal with the bugs.

[@ronniemurphy2124]

Eat lots of garlic back to a week before your trip. Bugs will run from you.

[@PaddleTV]

As will everyone else! :)

[@ronniemurphy2124]

@@PaddleTV Take a shower.

[@kometakamara]

gonna be honest here, watched all three episodes, thought it was great, about to give the thumbs up as per request; then, the moaning about a motor, what a turn off; sorry, not the whine I wanted; spank it, don’t tank it!

[@PaddleTV]

Yeeesh. Tough customer!!! :)

[@kometakamara]

@@PaddleTV Okay, you caught me; thinking like the marketer instead of like the athlete. I have no doubts regarding your level of exhaustion by that point in the journey. Truly appreciate benefitting from your knowledge and experience. Please continue inspiring us to have our own adventures! Thanks for the reply.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! I hear you... if someone actually offered me a motor at that point, I would have said 'no', even though my body was saying 'yes'! Cheers!

[@BluMonday88]

Baggage, luggage, forage, portage. Not bagg-arge, lugg-arge, for-age, port-arge. Why change when you historically always say portage, without inserting an invisible R.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! I use both without thinking, because I'm Canadian, but I've spent a LOT of time paddling with American friends who pronounce it the other way. You'll always hear me bouncing back and forth without thinking about it. As long as people understand what I'm trying to communicate, I'm fine with any pronunciation!

[@Paddle_ca]

great work!

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Paddleclips]

Hi Ken, I enjoyed this video but I enjoy all your videos. Camping or boat reviews I like them all. You say you don’t need a helmet in certain conditions because of experience. I agree. I trained horses all my life,starting colts was my expertise , that is training horses that have never been rode before. Make a long story short I am recovering from bad wreck. Seven broke ribs,two broken vertebrae and a puncture lung. Here is my point all this happened to me on my own well broke horse. And all this was for the good because during all the test in the hospital they found out I had a heart rhythm problem where my heart slows up causing me to faint. That is exactly what happened. Heart slowed down fainted fell off horse and got busted up. Just mention it because one never knows what could happen. I have some age on me but I have trained horse professionally since I was 17 years old never knew I had a heart issue. Take care Ken my friend.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for sharing Bob! That's a heck of a fall you took! Hope the recovery is going well! Cheers