Canoe Camping DISASTER Strikes....

[@ADWorcestershire]

So very happy to know Joe came out of this alright. I've always wondered about whether or not to wear a life vest because I can swim. After seeing this, I am wearing a vest. Thankful for this video and others that stress the importance of wearing one. It is so true, you just never know what can happen. Even if you can swim, wear one, you could get knocked unconscious and your vest will save your life.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I legit made this video for you! I told myself if I could get just one person to understand the value of a life vest, and start wearing one, the video objective would be complete. I am so glad to hear you are going to wear your PFD moving forward. It is so important for so many reasons. By making that decision, you very well could have just saved your life and you don't even know it yet! Thank you for this comment. You made my day. Paddle on !

[@seawench555]

How could u even wonder about wearing a vest, its the FIRST thing u put on. Please be safe.

[@Mainedwella33]

So glad Joe was able to get his legs out before the boat folded! Great job explaining what happened. Badness happens very quickly and to anyone when paddling moving water and a great day on the river can turn into a nightmare in a moment. Life jackets save lives is a fact! I can see you were profoundly affected by your experience!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This was a very nerve wracking experience for me. Those first few minutes when I could not see Joe were SCARY. I was absolutely thinking the worst and I could not get to him quickly. It was terrifying. Classes coming up!

[@theH2experience]

Absolutely take a Swift Water Rescue Course. I do Whitewater Canoeing, safety is paramount. Scouting, safety discussions. Z Drag kits ,Helmets, PFDs. Each trip is different and prep is very important. Keep it up and get your learn on.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I have every intention of doing so. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can about it. I am taking things much more seriously after this trip

[@theH2experience]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods well done and be safe man!

[@mmal7982]

Flatwater canoer here - had my first dump this Spring in a big ole 110 foot deep Minnesota lake it was 55 degrees water. Took me 25 minutes to get out back to camp (my brother towed me and the boat - we both solo canoe). Yes always wear PFD! I felt very calm in it all, but afterwards seemed shocked. Never felt cold until I got out then shivered bad while I changed out clothes. Glad everyone is OK on your trip - a boat can be replaced! Thanks for posting.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That must have been quite the experience. I am glad to hear you made it ok. Very interesting how your body reacts to a situation like that. Thank you for sharing your story

[@Silkstep]

I wrapped a Blue Hole whitewater boat on the St Francis river in Missouri. Just like you said, all was fine until it was not. My PFD was Most Handy and I would never paddle water like that without one. Good on you-all for wearing yours. Thanks for sharing!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Sorry to hear you wrapped your canoe. I am glad you are ok

[@Silkstep]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods If you have never wrapped canoe, you need to up your game. Adrenaline does a body good, lol 😆

[@WillieMakeit]

lower st francois or upper of wappapello dam. didn't know it had fast water. I fished the lower down at Kennett. fishing log jams and brush for crappie

[@AdventureswithSpackmann]

That is freaking crazy! Glad Joe is ok. Thanks for sharing

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Yeah man, this was insane. Happened so fast. Thankfully it played out the way it did. And a good thing he was wearing his PFD Thanks for stopping by bud

[@gasharp162]

Justin, great video you covered a bad situation and what could have been a real disaster very well. I'm glad I will be able to continue to be Joe's beer caddy on future adk adventures !

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Gary! How are you? This situation was an eye opener for me. I feel terrible about the SRT, but thankfully that was the worst of it. A blink of an eye man. Crazy stuff. I as well, am glad you will continue to caddy Joe's beer! That is quite the cross to bare.....the tradition must go on. Talk to you later man

[@bucky716]

Happy everyone is safe and a great reminder to always discuss plans, discuss routes, have proper gear, and of course look out for each other. Things we take for granted in what we might consider "low risk" activities but as you showed, that was far from low risk.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You nailed it! Play it safe. Make plans, respect the water, watch out for one another, and always wear the PFD because things go wrong fast. Thanks for the comment

[@ericball6000]

the main thing Justin, is that your friend was not hurt, like you said, bad things can happen in the blink of an eye, to me lesson here is # 1 always where your life preserver,was glad to hear that people stopped to help, can tell that you are upset Brother, btw that peach tree looks awesome, cheers.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Absolutely. Joe is ok and that is what matters the most. Those people stopping restored a bit of my faith in humanity. There are good, selfless people out there. The peaches are awesome this season!

[@thepeacerunners]

Thank God he was OK and had you guys to help. I'm solo all the time and I've dumped and it's tough to deal with alone...and dangerous.. great messaging to always wear the life jacket...I'm guilty of that too...and it's not always the rapids...I flipped on a solo trip in adirondacks pulling my canoe over a tree...didn't close my bag and lost a phone and camera...and everything, clothes and food was soaked...if it was colder...trip ender or worse...it's dangerous and can happen to anyone...great messaging and great reaction by you guys...it ended in best case scenario...nobody got hurt...well done!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You touched on a great point, it is not always rapids. A surprising amount of accidents happen just getting in and out of the canoe. All it takes is one slippery rock, a slip, hit your head, fall face first into 2" of water and you could be gone. It happens. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Much appreciated. It is good for people to read comments like yours. Wear the PFD!! Spread the word!

[@andrewczuba498]

Holy ! glad Adirondack Joe is ok ! that sucks!!! Excellent account of what happened! moving water on a river is unlike anything else! I grew up on salt water in southern New England and we never wore our pfd's-for day tripping to the beach/sandbar etc . if we were ocean sailing or racing we would. but since I've come into canoe camping (and this channel has taught me A LOT!!!) I always wear my pfd!!! I recently went for a day paddle down 10 miles of the Aroostook river in northern maine with my buddy. and he would'nt wear a pfd. I offered him one. luckily nothing bad happened! Good stuff Justin, glad everyone is ok! (also, that was just last freakin' Saturday !!!)

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

We are very fortunate that everyone is ok. This could have been so much worse. You are not kidding man, moving water is no joke. What was the Aroostook river like? I know nothing about it. Show this video to your buddy and have him go through the comment section. If he won't wear one after that, and you asking him to, you might not want to put yourself in that situation. People might not think it is a big deal for whatever reason. If their life isn't worth that safety measure to them that is a shame, downright stupid, but It is the people they leave behind that suffer. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the content and learning from it! That is awesome to hear. Thank you for letting me know. Keep on keeping on Andrew.

[@TraceyDugdale]

Thanks for sharing this misadventure. It is so important that everyone understands that in the blink of an eye the situation can change. So glad that you all were ok, and that canoes can be replaced. Always wear those PFD's.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Well said! One second to the next is all it takes.

[@phillipsummers4557]

Just got off the river yesterday from a 4 day trip with two other friends along the same exact route. Water was higher and faster through that section because of the rain in the days following your trip. We saw several smashed/pinned canoes including the green one you showed in your video and a yellow one. We also saw Joe’s orange canoe further downstream from where it pinned on the NH side, I don’t remember exactly where. It must have become unpinned in the higher water a couple days later. Glad you all made it home safely.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That is an interesting development. I had talked to VT F&G the following tuesday and they said it was still there...that was after the rain. I wonder how that canoe became unpinned? Quite a few dead canoes on the stretch.......tough stretch I guess. lol. How were the Lyman fall rapids when you guys went through?

[@earlhayes2969]

I almost wear my PFD in the Shower and you know what I'm proud of it

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

🤣 I am going to steal your saying. lol I love it

[@BoondockersTravels]

Great turn out. I have gone over in my kayak in 40° water. Crazy story, but at least I made it out without my life jacket. Water was only two feet deep. I saw a young lady lose her umbrella into the water from the wind. Thought I would do a good deed and save the umbrella. As I reached for the umbrella the wind blew and just turned me over like nothing. Glad Joe is good. Good luck down the road. Paddle safely.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Wow! That is a crazy story. It is amazing how fast things go wrong. I am glad to hear you were wearing your life vest. Good on you for trying to help someone out. That is solid. Thank you for sharing your story

[@NikonF5user]

Holy cow that's fierce. So glad Joe was wearing his PFD. An unpin kit is something to have for sure, but it undoubtedly wouldn't have allowed you to paddle on with what appears to have been torn Kevlar. I carry one on river trips, but honestly it's probably best used with royalex / T-Formex as the boats can be wrapped and likely still paddled. The biggest lesson here to me is that ANY water is powerful and must be respected. Even class one can be deadly - and wearing that PFD should NEVER be an option...

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Very well written. I have been putting together my pin kit. Almost complete. There would have been no paddling out of there with that canoe. Kevlar, toast. This trip made me see the value in a heavier royalex or t formex canoes. I have seen videos of them being pounded back into shape after a pin and wrap, and continued on down river with the trip. So, I went out and got myself an Esquif Prospecteur 15. I am going to bag her out and rig her up for down river travel. I figure this will help me not destroy my Phoenix as I learn, build my skill set and confidence. After seeing that happen in those conditions, really opened my eyes a bit. Wearing a PFD is NEVER an option. I have not worn it on calm open water in the past. I am guilty of it. But NEVER again. If joe hadn't been wearing his the outcome of this story would be very different. I am sure of it. Thanks for the great comment

[@hike-bike-paddle-and-drone]

Ohhhhhh that foreshadowing green coleman in the tree .......... YIKES!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Right!!! That green canoe took on a completely different meaning once I started editing this video . CREEPY

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

Makes you wonder if the deer died joyriding a canoe 🛶 ..

[@damkayaker]

Glad your friend is OK. Tell me about your peach tree. I want to try and grow one from a seed inside a peach pit. Do you have problems with squirrels?

[@jamesellis5549]

you are absolutely right about you will go for a swim at sometime and you never have time to grab a pfd.Wear it always.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It is just a matter of time. When, not if. You are correct, always wear the PFD. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@AlansOutdoorAdventures]

Damn thats a bummer about the canoe, but happy to see Joe is okay. I couldn't agree more about wearing a pfd at all times, Ive always got mine on. Thanks for sharing this experience, hopefully it will spread awareness of how dangerous things can get out on the water.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

A sad set of circumstances for sure. But at least everyone is ok. This video has sparked quite a few conversations on various platforms. Feels good to get the message out. PFD save lives

[@RichardMathews-gv7lb]

Looks really similar to the Spey and Tay Rivers in Scotland. Friends managed to fold their boat on a rock on the Tay at the Grandtulley Rapid called…. drum roll… the Boat Breaker. Glad you all got home safely

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

........ah, the boat breaker! lol. I am glad everyone made it through to tell the story. I bet that story comes up quite a bit. It'll be a good one for you guys for a long time I bet.

[@RichardMathews-gv7lb]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods every so often! Likewise once the smoke settles it will be an anecdote oft told around a fire with some beers. Safe paddling.

[@BackcountryExposure]

PFDs and helmets, wear the things that are meant to keep you alive. Wild experience man! The take away for me is that you traveled together as a group of guys who care most about watching out for each other and had each others backs when a scary thing happened. 👊🏻

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

We were absolutely watching out for each other. Team work and wear the PFD!

[@Habsolutely]

Yikes glad everyone is fine. I hope to take my daughter on trips when shes old enough and this is a good reminder to be extra careful

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Yes. Things happen fast, Make sure she is wearing her PFD.

[@lwm3]

Very happy that everyone is safe and made it out. I live in New England and own Royalex, T-Formex and Northstar IXP boats. I love my Northstar but I also understand that a wrap in a composite boat is the end of that boat, even if it's IXP. Which is top of mind in the bony waters we paddle. Wrapping a beautiful, expensive and exquisitely engineered composite boat is a nightmare scenario. Even a wrap like this with an ABS boat will destroy it but at least you can recover it and turn it into a lake boat with some TLC. Composite boats just get crushed in this scenario. I bought my Northwind Solo IXP configured with flotation and I'm going to add a spray deck to it as well. Something to think about with your boat. They are beautiful machines but they exhibit catastrophic failure conditions (as all composite boats do) when pinned or wrapped. Great video, never canoed the upper Connecticut but it looks great.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Fellow New Englander here who also happens to own Royalex, IXP and now T- Formex...I have an Old Town Pathfinder that is royalex...after this trip I realized I did not want to kill my Phoenix, so I went and got myself an Esquif P15. I am currently outfitting it for moving water. Bags, knee pads, ect. I am very excited about it. Where in New England are you? I am in NH. That upper stretch of the Connecticut is beautiful. You should do it sometime.

[@robertbeirman107]

Wow, that was a dicey one guys!!! glad ya'll went home safe.....

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Sure was man! An eye opener. Thank you

[@Campingwithswivel]

It happens so quick in a blink of an eye.I dumped in the Susquehanna beside Murphys island .48 degree water I was able to get an arm over the boat work my way back towards left shore.but the current had carried me down stream 200 yards.all I lost was fishing pole and my spare paddle.but away PFD saved the day, coincidentally the same model Chinook that you wear.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Wow! That must have been quite the ride. Good thing you were wearing your PFD. I love the Chinook. It is a great vest. Thank you for sharing your story

[@Doc_Watson]

I can fully understand feeling connected to a place because of family. Yes, naked is better than being covered in stickers. Great choice. That seat configuration seems interesting. Wow! That's terrible! So glad no one was hurt and you were able to rescue his gear. Glad you thought of reporting the pinned canoe. Did you report the deer to F&G too? This will be an adventure that will be retold many times over the years by the three of you. Again, glad everyone was safe.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

The connection to land and water is real. Have you seen the black Phoenix decal I put on the canoe recently?!?!?! Amazing! I did not report the deer. I probably should have though. I suspect you are correct. We will be talking about this one for years. This is a turning point for me. Time to respect the water more and start taking this stuff more seriously. Classes coming up. Going on a deep dive

[@Doc_Watson]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods I did not notice the decal. I'll have to check it out.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

@@Doc_Watson They aren't in this video. Check my facebook profile......better yet...give me a minute....

[@kennethglidden5032]

Wow that could have been me so very glad everyone is ok thats a shocker to me I've never seen that again wow thanks for opening people's eyes especially mine ty my friend

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It was crazy man! Happened so fast.

[@davidrobins7753]

Happened to my friend, Alan P and me 50 + years ago. The ice had just gone out of the Eel River, Benton, New Brunswick below the Eel River Falls. We failed to navigate a level 2 rapids, lost our gear including one paddle and had to trek two miles through waste deep snow to Meductic, New Brunswick. That water was "freezing cold" and I didn't even get a cold. AL saw the prow of his canoe jammed against the ice still present in the Saint John River. Unrecoverable. Experience is what you get when you were expecting something else.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Wow! That is a pretty crazy story. That must have sucked. Thank you for sharing

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

Honestly most of my unintentional swims have been at portages or while attempting some unloads. Slippery rocks do not help up here in Northwestern Ontario. And we never paddle without a PFD.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

My buddies and I were talking about that. All it takes is one unintentional slip and you could be gone. We are such a fragile species.

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods and one was in Wabakimi Park one morning. I was awake before the rest of the crew and figured I would go fishing waiting for them to wake up. Well, Fred tries to get in the canoe on the very slippery rocks, and well, over I go. I brushed it off, emptied the canoe, swallowed my pride and went fishing. Once the camp was awake and I returned, I told them about my incident. We still talk about it today. And we can laugh about it as no one was hurt and nothing lost. But happens so quickly. Turn sideways in a swift and wham.

[@earlhayes2969]

Great advice always wear your Life Jacket no matter how deep the water is so many things can happen even in shallow water never mind trying to swim with Hypothermia glad everyone is OK

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I was surprised that little bit of water could do that. This was a solid learning experience for me

[@barrygraber9776]

Thanks for letting us know how something like this can happen in just a flash of a second things can change. Glade everyone got out ok. Joe can replace his boat and yes lifejackets do save lives

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It happened so fast, in conditions you wouldn't expect it to. You just never know. Best to be prepared! Thank god he was wearing his PFD. That could have been different

[@JC-sj2pd]

Thank God you’re all ok. Thank you for sharing about all that happened. I hope it can help someone down the line who will Remember wear a PFD.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

My goal for this video is to try and bring more awareness to being safer on the water. If this video makes one person decide a PFD is now a must have, it will be a success in my eyes. The importance of a PFD should not be underestimated. Thank you for your comment

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Great video mate, Glad your friend was ok, sad to see a boat pinned. Looked like you were all having a blast too. On moving water I always have a a few big slings. 5 screw gate carabiners, 2 ( swing pulleys) Couple of prussiks I currently using 6 mtrs of 7 mm dyneema sailing rope to create my z drag. Two capuchin knots either end. 25 mtr throw line, clipped in with a screw gate to the boat. If you’re interested in the set up, I’ll find the video on her who it works. All fits in my B/A front pocket

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I have been putting together my kit. Got into the old rock climbing gear.....tube webbing and rope, I have no shortage of that. Lots of biners too. I have ordered and in route are, 2 pulleys, 3 prussik loops, 2 webbing loops and just because mine is old, 25 more feet of tube webbing.........dyneema sailing rope is a good idea....I am going to look into that. Thank you for the suggestions. Feel free to send me any info you would like. The more info I come across the better. Deep dive down the rabbit hole

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Wow! Dang what a crazy adventure. Glad to see everyone was okay. Crow✌️

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You got that right! This was an eye opener for me

[@bwca4454]

The early spring runoff of the Saint Louis River in northeastern Minnesota is my nemesis that ate my pristine 17’ Grumman a few years back, however, it was my PFD that literally saved my life. Enough said.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Sorry to hear about your canoe. Thankfully you were wearing your PFD! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@gordonloree5341]

I removed the lower unit on my boat motor on the St. Louis a few years ago. Cloquet MN

[@GF-pc5bt]

Well thank god everyone is okay… makes for a story and a half….happy safe paddling ….ps nice to see that when crunch time comes people come together, good job by all including passer-biers

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I was very thankful those people stopped. Restored some of my faith in humanity. I agree, This will be a fun story to tell around a campfire as the years pass

[@PumpkinVillage]

Looked like a good time until the accident. Glad Joe was all right. Never can be to safe. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

We were having a great time! That incident snuck up on us quick. Very thankful Joe is ok. That could have turned out a lot worse

[@NothernNate]

Great Video! Amazing view 💙 Paddle on!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you

[@jeffreyedwards2371]

So true about wearing your PFD, And about going in if you canoe. Over the years I've been in several similar situations in rapids and fast moving river water. Glad you fellows were ok.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I am glad to hear you made it through your events to tell the stories and spread the awareness. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@wondermonkeyoutdoors]

Wow. I can't imagine how you all feel. Heck, I feel a bit emotional! I had not considered legs being pinned underneath things in that situation, but it happened. So happy he made it out.

[@jdcorry6965]

It’s amazing how fast a trip can go south. I’ve never pinned a boat ( purely out of dumb luck ) but I’ve probably been in every other situation in a canoe one can be in and I rarely saw it coming.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It happens so fast. It really is incredible.

[@BackcountryPaddler]

Damn man that is brutal.... I had a similar situation once but I got really lucky that my canoe survived. I feel for him! Scary situation but glad the PFD did it's thing and he's OK.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Sounds like you got away with it! This was crazy man. I am so glad that it wasn't worse than it was.

[@anninwhack1998]

Glad everyone is ok. I am new to paddling and the hazard of getting pinned is something that I want to learn more about. It’s frightening to think of legs getting stuck. I have only done small lakes and am learning skills. I invested in a good PFD for myself bc I am not always thrilled w universal rental PFDs. Was that canoe kevlar or plastic material? Be well! Thx for the videos.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Keep learning and having fun. Always respect the water. Good on you for investing in a good PFD. It can save your life. This was a kevlar canoe. Sad to see it go. Keep paddling and have fun out there. Thank you for watching and commenting. I am glad to hear you like the content, thank you for your support. .

[@anninwhack1998]

@@ItsGoodintheWoodsYour Adk trips are my dreams after my first time out last year on Indian Lake Islands. Good luck on your rescue training.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Wild dude! Glad you're all OK.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thanks man.....this was crazy

[@AndyParrishOutdoors]

I'm glad everyone was OK. Those moments can be terrifying... The world just slows down...

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

100% Thank you

[@kokadjooutdoors620]

Friend of mine flipped his last year. Luckily he very tall and could touch bottom. He had his phone enclosed and dry. Flipped back over and pulled to shore. Was lucky as was early spring when still very cold

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I am glad to hear your friend is ok

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Wow. Glad it worked out. Dude, I snowmobiled that whole North East Kingdom out of Island Pond an infinite amount of time. Canaan in the top corner at the border, down to Guildhall an into Lancaster NH. Damn good riding, some of the best. I understand the grandfather connection to the zone, good for you. My sentimentality for the region is overwhelming.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That is an extremely popular area for snowmobilers......and for good reason. It is just such a wonderful area in general

[@McQ109]

I've got a feeling he will be back different boat, new camera. Thanks for the detailed report one of us might be in that position some day and we will have a clue of what to do. A pair of pullyie's and rescue rope next river trip. We all remember the old motto be prepared. Thanks again for keeping us informed.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

100% going to get another lol This trip opened my eyes quite a bit. A major learning experience for me. I will be better prepared next time. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@McQ109]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods Jim and Ted Baird, Zander and Max Budnick I think that's how to spell their last name.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

@@McQ109 I watch those guys on the regular. Great content

[@McQ109]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods also see Ray Goodwin from UK unpinning a canoe 4 years ago.

[@alfredpayne1762]

yup the power of water thankfully everyone ok. be safe always

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

So powerful!

[@alanbierhoff6831]

I’m just going to say that I’m glad everyone is safe. I’m also glad that everyone was wearing a PFD. Boats can be replaced.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

100% the important thing is everyone lived to tell the story

[@larrymchenry454]

Don't white water canoe unless you are prepared! Having Z drag and rescue lines and the experience training to use them. The canoe can be rereived

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

A valuable lesson that I learned on this trip

[@danielkutcher5704]

1:12 Plastic wrap. 😮 It's a whole other thing when it's Kevlar or Carbon fiber. Glad to see that Joe's ok!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Yeah, that green canoe turned out to be some serious foreshadowing........The river made quick work of that canoe.

[@projectknifehand]

Gawd I can't wait to get my Phoenix. I have to Come back to the video because the boss went into a video meeting and I can't move to the other room at the moment lol. At the dead deer right now. I'm wondering if Joe's food barrel being towards the back and standing above the gunnels made the boat more tippy. I've experienced that issue personally lol.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I suppose it may have been a factor, but I think it unlikely. There wasn't much in that food barrel. Not much weight. But, maybe.....

[@projectknifehand]

@ItsGoodintheWoods yeah just feel for him so keep going over it and I wasn't even there.

[@stevenhawk7751]

I'm glad everyone is okay, I love that river

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Me too Steven! This could very easily gone another way. Thankfully it did not. Thanks for stopping by Steven

[@stevenhawk7751]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods keep doing your patient with your canoe and camping, it might take some time but you guys deserve to, stay strong brother 💪

[@randallteal6408]

Joe's poor Hemlock,dang but it's only a boat (a beautiful boat sadly) it can be replaced. So glad everything turned out ok and Joe is good to paddle another day. I always wear my PFD,it's no help if it's lying on the floor and your canoe over turns. I think i'll stick to the milder waters like Raquette river and leave the rapids to you fellas. Stay safe out there !

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It was a sad loss, but thankfully everyone is ok. Quite the experience

[@maxasaurus3008]

Beautiful canoes

[@jacobpoucher]

what kind of canoe was that mad river? Looks like Royalex

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This was a Kevlar Hemlock SRT (Solo River Tripper) It was a Super nice, super expensive canoe

[@jacobpoucher]

@ItsGoodintheWoods never heard of them, that's a shame.

[@Hhllbb2476]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods so is it possibly too much weight, maybe travel stress or manufacturing issues? I’m clueless about high end construction options. Is there a good canoe that would have handled that even if all was dumped? I guess solo equates to lightest weight possible. Sounds like perfectly bad luck and an unforgiving rock.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

@@Hhllbb2476 Definitely not too much weight. Those are high volume canoes that are very specifically designed for Solo River Tripping (SRT) They are made for down river travel with a weight load. We were only packed for 4 days, that canoe wasn't even close to the weight limit. A T Formex or royalex canoe would have folded in half in the same manner however, if you could un pin a royalex or T formex canoe you could pound it back into shape and it would be usable. It would not be pretty, but it would more than likely allow you to finish your trip or paddle to safety. The trade off is the weight. They tend to be heavy. Heavy usually means affordable. The kevlar composite canoes are ungodly light, expensive and very strong, but as you saw, they will fold in half and get toasted. Nothing will hold off that water. The force is tremendous. The boat could probably be rebuilt, but that is a lot of work and time and it won't be pretty. lol Composite canoes are very capable, but they have their drawbacks too. Pros and cons.

[@annnonomys3132]

Good thought calling this in to the authorities. Probably unlikely that they would have implemented a search, but they might have. You are correct that you had a very, very lucky day. There was a mention of taking swift water rescue classes. Please do it. I was a certified white water kayak instructor and I took several swift water rescue classes. River "rescues" are an every day thing for white water paddlers,. We get plenty of practice But the goal and common occurrence is to retrieve the victim before they are in imminent jeopardy. Dealing with swift water is often counter-intuitive. Swift water rescue training will teach you concepts to avoid problems in the first place, safe and effective methods to rescue, and a short gear list to carry. But here's a few thoughts regarding your video. Always wear a life jacket. Tighten your life jacket. A loose jacket will pop off when you hit the water. But a life jacket will not save you from being crushed when pinned Air bags in that canoe would have been of great help. May or may not have been enough to prevent that wrap, but probably would have at least slowed the crush / wrap to give a paddler more time to bail out. Personally, as a skilled white water kayaker I wouldn't run even class 2 without air bags. And my smaller, beefed up whitewater kayak is a lot more resistant to crushing than a large flat water canoe. I sincerely encourage you to use air bags in your boats. I highly doubt that canoe could be fixed. Regardless, any canoe or kayak that has ever been bent is structurally unsound and should never be used again in moving water. Never buy a boat that has a crease indicating that it has been bent. Again, please follow up on that thought to get swift water rescue training. Do not confuse swift water rescue with a diver's course on rescue and recovery. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum. For moving water, you want swift water rescue. Diver's rescue and recovery techniques has and will kill you in white water. Enjoy your adventures.

[@NikonF5user]

Being connected to a river isn't corny whatsoever - I VERY much feel that way about the Adirondacks - the place where my father taught me to fish, and my grandparents and dad taught me to canoe...

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It is amazing how we find ourselves connected to things. A wonderful feeling

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Having your feet under the seat and pinning the boat, ugg, it gives me the creeps just listening to the account. There is always a risk. That water looks super fun as well. I don't paddle those narrow boats with secondary stability, my canoe of choice is a wider flat bottom version. I stand and fly fish a lot from my canoe, the narrow boats don't lend themselves to such activity. I know they have their place and are fun to paddle, are faster as well. Another skill to learn is standing with a pole, you could pole up that section of river with ease and ferry back out to the wrapped boat. Poling takes time to learn but its well worth the time, its another aid I find just as important as the PFD.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I have not attempted poling yet. I learned a lot on this trip. One of which is, I don't want to kill my Phoenix. So I bought an Esquif Prospecteur 15. Currently outfitting it for river travel.

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods I picked up the same boat for my neighbor. Its a nice boat, the bottom is a bit rounder than the older Old Towns that I have. I have not poled it much but what I did do it seemed fine. Poling takes a bit of getting used to, start slow and build on it.

[@igotsomecheese]

Yes!, wearing a PFD is the number one thing to do on the river. Number two is keeping the nose of your boat pointed downstream. Never get sideways in a rapid, it's usually a negative experience!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

......and when things go wrong, it happens fast

[@cabledaug37]

I'm glad that everyone is ok.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you

[@TakeMetotheRiver.]

love the moxie hat

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

MOXIE!!!!!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Something was eating good in the woods with that deer. Looked like you might have spooked what was eating it. I hate that his canoe got crushed. I went through some rapids 4 years ago and put a big hole in my kayak. If you go through rapids you are always going to get wet. I always tell people never do whitewater alone.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That deer was a crazy find! And the canoe getting crushed was a crazy situation. Craziness all around LOL! White water is no joke. It can get ya. Best to play it safe. I can't wait to go to Kentucky to run some rapids with you

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods I can’t wait to show you some of those rapids down here. We have you a kayak. I took Jeremiah down them for his first time. He did great. Just fell out 1 time. lol

[@dizzysdoings]

Water around here doesn't move that fast. Otherwise I may have had something similar happen. I don't know how many logs I've hit that are just below the surface. The water is normally pretty murky, so it's hard to see them.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It is crazy how sometimes you can't see what is just below the surface, happens on lakes too. If the sun is in your eyes forget about it. I have cased a few rocks real hard that way.

[@dizzysdoings]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods I live in South Jersey. We have what's called cedar water. It's about the color of iced tea. So it can be extremely difficult to see anything below the surface of the water.

[@jerryg957]

Had a terrifying experience in a conoe in countering a downed tree, last time I got in a conoe. Always have life vest on always.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I am glad to hear you were wearing your Life vest!

[@Wearespurstv]

I grew up in Southbury and now live in Bristol. I've pretty much lived in Ct my whole life

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Nice!

[@jacobpoucher]

The deer probably had cwd, they get drawn to water in the later stages , fall in and drown.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Maybe.......but I doubt it. That was a very healthy deer when it died. I figure coyotes ran it down or a poacher shot it and couldn't recover it.

[@gordonloree5341]

Everybody is safe, that is all that matter’s.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

100% agreed

[@michaelpaul9236]

Footwear is important, too. His feet got stuck under the seat. I know a guy who always paddles barefoot so he can exit and also swim away if he goes in.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

His feet did not get stuck under the seat, they were pinned underneath the boat. He managed to free one leg, but the other took a few minutes. As the boat started to wrap, it gave him enough relief to slip his foot out from his shoe. In this case, the shoe could have helped. It absolutely helped prevent his foot from getting mangled between that canoe and rock.

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

15:30 I was talking with a fellow who was on a deep wilderness trip in northern Quebec who wrapped his canoe in a very similar fashion. He said if it wasn't an aluminum canoe that he was able to free from the rock, unfold it and get it back in useable shape... he would have had a VERY long walk ahead of him.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This made me realize the advantages to royalex and t formex. I am surprised he was able to pound that aluminum canoe back to shape. Aluminum doesn't usually bend all that well. That is interesting.

[@chrisscheu5648]

Been there, done that. Wear your PFD. Wear your PFD. Wear your PFD.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

100%

[@jaxwagen4238]

This guy's got Moxie

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

🤣

[@josephstreff1631]

Anything can happen.😮

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You got that right

[@River_Metimbers]

Joe’s account of being trapped sounds horrifying. Glad he made it out OK, but the poor canoe! Great demonstration of the power of moving water… even relatively benign rapids can wreck your trip. Sounds like you have plans for a swiftwater rescue course. Great idea… I took one this summer and learned some great stuff. We “rescued” a canoe that was similarly wrapped using a z-drag. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4HUi52gf7aZqNEsi=9WKL-SrPHCXcr26U

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Absolutely a terrifying account. That could have ended so much worse. I am very glad he is ok. You are absolutely correct. It doesn't take much for things to go wrong. And when they do it happens so fast. I learned a lot on this trip. Been putting together my pin kit.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I am much more prepared for this now.

[@josephdavis954]

Canoes and kayaks.... always rig to flip cause it will happen

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It is just a matter of time.

[@AdventureswithSpackmann]

Does his side of the story make you change your mind about kneeling in a canoe?

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

absolutely not. You have much more control over a canoe when kneeling. Your center of gravity is much lower and you get a much wider stance. It is much better in white water than sitting in a canoe. That said, his feet were pinned underneath the canoe, not the seat.

[@AdventureswithSpackmann]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods ohhh I misunderstood. Gotcha

[@RhodySeth]

Why you filter your water indeed. RIP Joe's Canoe.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

RIP Canoe

[@NikonF5user]

I'd bet all sorts of money that deer was hit by a car - its ruptured abdomen was probably the point of impact. It likely limped to the river to drink, and unable to walk once the adrenaline wore off it ultimately perished...

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I would say that is most probable scenario I have heard or thought of yet. Thank you.

[@RobertCurtin-hi2cm]

EHD likly killed that buck

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I feel like that buck was much too healthy when it died for that to be the cause, but certainly not ruled out.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I am also unaware of any outbreaks in the area currently

[@seawench555]

U guys were not drinking alcohol at that munchie stop were U?? 👹

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Nope. I had an apple and we discussed our plan.

[@gregg9093]

The main thing is you all survived , the canoe is replaceable and a good campfire story!! 🛶🏕️

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

100% agreed!