Kayak Camping - Chattooga River pt 2

My buddy Kevin Ratliff and I head to the Crown Jewel of the Southeast - The Chattooga River. We set out for 3 days of kayak camping on this pristine, wild and scenic river. It is hard to say which part we liked the most. Perhaps it was the unspoiled beauty of the wilderness, the world class whitewater, or just spending a weekend with an old friend. From the gentle riffles of Section 2 through the dangerous drops, undercuts and sieves of section 4 to the grand finale at Five Falls, this river has it all! On Day 2, the pace picks up and things get serious. We take on the challenges of The Five Falls section of Chattooga river section 4. Come along for our journey as we explore the dark corners of the River of Legends.
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[@MEMcAndrews]

Anybody can strap on a GoPro and blind run Bull Sluice. Only YOU, can edit and weave 90 minutes of footage into an exciting and interesting story… while waxing poetic. Masterful work. You have one more new fan for life. Thank you!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Schnout!!! welcome aboard!!

[@johngerson7335]

The Cherokee Nation folklore claims that the headwaters of Chattooga are the center of the universe. My favorite spot on Earth, and I believe it. Bull Sluice is no joke, not something you want to run as a surprise. You're lucky the water was as high as it was or you'd have had a lot bumpier ride over it. Great video, thanks for sharing it.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks John! I agree all the way! LOL! Not the preferred method of running large rapids!

[@tshunse]

Beautifully done on the water and in the editing. At 70 years old, I'm not likely going to ever do rapids as you did. Thanks for the virtual joy ride. Y'all be safe.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on tshunse! Thanks for tagging along and for the kind words!

[@adulfdabo898]

Again, - perfect time spent on the internet. And I love Kevins shirt at the end of the video, good message!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks again BD! That was a fun trip!

[@GatewoodBrown]

The moment you slid into the river that morning was so peaceful! The song selection was on point. Congratulations on making it through 5 falls, that looked BEEFY. You guys are pretty dang good in those boats. Also, the screaming goat was great haha

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Gatewood!

[@travisstowell7800]

My favorite moments was the laughter…. 😉

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Travis! Mine too!

[@aliciabooker4555]

I look forward to seeing you take P5 here someday. My river

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on Alicia!

[@southernappalachianrecon]

Insane river dude, great film work, my son and I just watched part 1 and 2 straight through together, we died laughing at the sheep screaming 🤣

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! Thanks SAR! We had a blast with that one!

[@scottmartinjones]

Man, Pete, you did an amazing job capturing the experience of that river. It brought back every memory I have of that beautiful spot on earth....good friends, good rapids, not much else needed.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Scott!

[@brianwofford3831]

I have only run section four once in a raft. That was in the mid seventies. Great river, great video, thankyou very much.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brian! a wonderful piece of river!

[@Crabbyskunk]

New Yorker here, and not a kayaker. But I have spent a little time in Northeast GA and it's beautiful country. Thoroughly enjoyed this video, sir.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Th Pr!

[@stevepowell6976]

Just watched your channel for the first time. I paddled lol and 4 many times, although in a Whitesell open boat. As many times we paddled there we always scout Bull Sluice! Each time it dries out my mouf! Ha. We learned to eddy left right at the falls, then peel out hard into the falls. It's exciting if you don't pull out hard!!. Funny thing is my rivertag is Corkscrew... Yep tough swim many years ago. Now I'm freaking 69 years old and no more paddling parts. I have paddled C1 too but the legs can't fold like that anymore. I am thinking about a high volume kayak and stick with section lll type . Thanks for posting an excellent video! Steve

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Steve!!! Yes, the Bull can def provide some excitement! I recommend trying a Nirvana Large, Seems folks that have more difficulty getting comfy for whatever reasons tend to wind up in those a lot. Hope you can find a way to get back out there and enjoy it again! Oh that we didn't have to grow old! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@katiecole5817]

Man! You guys are good! You make riding those falls look so easy. Side note: EVERYBODY needs a friend with a laugh like Kevin's. His laughter is contagious! Thanks for another great video series.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yes!! Many a river valley has been filled with our laughter!!

[@rds801]

Thanks for sharing your trip. Awesome. Not just the paddling, but two friends hanging out, making each other laugh. Awesome!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks rds801!

[@AchimDaffin]

Yep, I've become a part of the Chattooga River Swim Team. :) and middle of the river statuary...

[@AchimDaffin]

Bull Sluice, was the first big rapid I did, and after countless others out west, Snake, Swan, and middle fork of the Flathead out at Glacier, it's still my favorite. The last time I did it was with a guide (didn't let folks know of my skill level), but after an unguided raft was having a really hard time making it down, my guide gave me the nod... they're not having a good time, I can tell you've been here before, you guide them, and I'll get their guide to join with us. Oh well, so much for not having to work hard.

[@AchimDaffin]

By the way if you're in this same area, a river not to miss is the Nantahala... Another one that has lots of fond memories and some of the life flashing before my eyes too... one of my wife's friends said she saw God, down in a hole, but couldn't get up, finally dropped down and flushed out...har to remember white water won't let you swim.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Michael! Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3Tch51sj7Frjc0

[@markalbitz3010]

Well Done 🛶 Thank you for Sharing ❤️

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mark!

[@benmfry]

A great couple of videos these covering this excellent trip. "And there's no better way to see creation than from the seat of a plastic boat." I think I agree 👍😀

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Ben!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Too many memories in my head, to say all that here. Death defied giggles at Bull and Umph at 7 ft Falls, yeah! Loved it,....do it again please, do it again! Perfect sentiment expression during this one, for those who "been there", wow what memories!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Bob!!! Was amazing!

[@markosskoulios9759]

Amazing beauty. Great video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Markos!

[@treyhelms5282]

Awesome video! TY for doing these!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Trey!

[@cleamilner6894]

Nice Deliverance quotes

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he he! I just had to!

[@MonkeyNAround]

Great adventure.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Shane!

[@sherristevens5584]

Whooza Wow! Thank you for making my day from the Pacific Northwest. You went for it, no fear here!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Sherri!! Thanks for coming along for the journey!

[@incubism]

So good!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Gatpig!!

[@royclements3]

Epic trip congrats

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Roy!

[@SideTrailAdventures]

Had to watch this again after the premier. I really like the blurred vignette effect you put in around the 7:24 mark…brings your eyes right into the river! I’m years away from a river like this but you keep fanning the flames for me. Amazing trip, great editing, and congrats on 7K!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Austin!

[@bobbalouwillis3527]

Great photography... Best I've seen yet.... Have you been down this in the spring????

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Boabbalou! I haven't done it yet in the spring but that sounds like a fantastic trip.

[@rogermartin4726]

Wow. That was totally amazing to watch. Thank you for sharing your adventures, so awe inspiring 👌🏻👍🏻. Won’t be long before lil Pete will be joining you on these awesome trips👍🏻

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I know! Its all I thought about on the way down that river!

[@smileysadventures3776]

Loved seeing the flying squirrel in action on that river! Now I’m even more excited about mine haha

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yeah!! Your gonna love it!

[@stevepowell6976]

Also. Woodall Shoals... Simple looking and dangerous as heck

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure!!!

[@macpalmer6611]

Found your YT channel just recently. Enjoyed your French Broad River Tour. I am currently watching the Chatooga River video. I have not seen this river in 41years. Went on a Whitewater rafting trip with cousin who was a river guide....1979. A beautiful river then and now,yet a very dangerous river to say the least. Have subscribed and will continue enjoying vids.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Welcome Wayne! Thanks! It was indeed a beautiful place!! Awesome history!

[@danocampbell3599]

What a beautiful river. Great video, well done mate, well done Kev.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks Dano!

[@lynellethompson5521]

Beautiful scenery!! Glad you made it through all of those rapids safely!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Lynelle!

[@LennyLeLizard]

GREAT VIDEO! Date & Level? I will do this soon! Have done section III a couple times but never past the bridge at Bull Sluice, and definitely not camping on the River. Looks Awesome!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

This was a few years ago. Level was just over 2'

[@jatiedesurvey6057]

That was an awesome finish of the 2 part. So glad I could live it through your video, it is something I will probably never be able to get to learn the skills to paddle a river like that. The scenery was absolutely amazing and the camping put the icing on the cake!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jeff!

[@mikecare6799]

Hiked down to Long Creek falls many times and watched the river. Would be very cool to have the experience to kayak it one day. Awesome video!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mike!

[@xxfaction6xx]

great channel man. I subbed. Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks xxfaction6xx! welcome aboard!!

[@kayak-rando-video]

BELLE VIDEO MERCI

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks kayaker694!

[@brucenorfolk155]

Loved every minute of it. What great scenery!! You're videograph makes you feel like you're there. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming!! Til the next time..... onward!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Bruce!

[@wyatt_enoch1301]

Awesome video! This dude is a king and deserves over 100k subs and more than 10k likes, this dude is great!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks HyperDoggo! I'll take it!

[@brandonhaakesoutheast6479]

nice line at cork screw, crack is always worth the walk

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brandon!

[@mountainsmoore3657]

FINALLY!!! Some ROCKIN' tunes in the 7 Foot Falls section!!! LOL! In all seriousness, awesome video, Pete! I hate that I missed the premier last night, but had spousal obligations...she wanted to finish the "Outer Banks" series on Netflix. Sigh. Anyway, enjoyed the video and at the very end, I finally figured out who Kevin reminded me of; Jack Black! When I would just hear him talking, but couldn't see him, I kept thinking that he reminded me of someone, but it took me till the end to figure it out.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brad! I have always thought he reminds me of Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters...too funny!! He is an awesome dude!

[@jordanboswell412]

Awesome trip and great video man. Caught the end of the premiere on the phone and had to come in and watch it over again on the flat screen.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Shoal Stopper!

[@omidindeed]

That was epic! Nice job on the run, story and edit! Thank you!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you Omid!

[@MurCurieux]

13:54 - that was great - lol

[@dirtdobber2185]

Perfect!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks DD!

[@lou36heron87]

great footage , thanks for sharing, one can see why you'd call that river the Crown Jewel of the S.E. , and why the movie "Deliverance" was filmed there, wonderful scenery , you guys did good!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks lou36 heron! It was an awesome place!

[@michaelcarter3149]

Excellent video man!! Your narration is amazing. I'm pumped to get my season going!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Michael! Have fun out there!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Man what a trip! I am sure there was some adrenaline flowing on this adventure. Enjoyed the video!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Chris! indeed!

[@johnnyadkins8216]

Awesome video, Section 4 looks like a wild ride.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Johhny! Indeed!!

[@MonkeyNAround]

What we talked about this week is right. Part 1 has a ton more views than part 2.

[@mikeemmons4062]

What a great video! On top of the beautiful scenery, I appreciate your advice on taking your time on an unfamiliar river. I always take extra care when I hit a new river, at it's great to get that affirmation from a kayaker of your experience. Scary moment with Kevin, glad he pulled out of it and was safe.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Mike! As far as Kevin's moment goes...his boat was still sloshing around in that hole. As long as I see that, and he doesn't swim, all is well. When that boat gets pinned hard, or swims occur near undercuts and sieves that is when it gets real. I would prefer, though, to see my paddling buddies in upright/breathing positions! LOL!

[@sherristevens5584]

You 2 are awesome and such great friends...You are lucky!

[@naranjoandres32]

Awesome run!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Andres!

[@cw2126]

👍👍👍

[@CanadianSledDog]

Oh man that comment about one bad decision hit home. I had a scary experience with a strainer last week while going upstream that could've gone bad. Actually my latest video was called "my scariest paddling experience" hahaha! We're still here though!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I'll check it out!

[@charlesweaver4075]

I grew up on this river and I’m thinking of getting back into paddling I love your videos and would love to paddle with you sometime. Also I would love to get some real paddling instruction and advice.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Charles!! Where do you live?

[@charlesweaver4075]

Central AL but I grew up in Long Creek SC. My parents still live there so I usually try to get some paddling in when I go up to see them. I’ve been out of paddling for awhile now… I gotta get a boat and probably need to sharpen up a bit before I try anything real technical. I may need some advice finding the right boat. Love your channel it has made me want to get back at it!

[@charlesweaver4075]

I’m looking at maybe a remix or a remix xp I’m a big guy trying to find the right boat!

[@tanyanagorski8128]

Loved this video love your choice of music ! I so wanted to be there !!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you Tanya!!

[@ashtonparker81]

what was the name of the tune about 22 min in?

[@mmrazovic]

..and by the way, great background music tracks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Maik!

[@2A-Bear-Arms]

Weeee....Weeeee !!! 😄

[@garypinkley1325]

Really enjoy what you're doing here Pete. Part 1 was a great video. Looking forward to Part 2. Moving across America right now to the south east Tennessee area. Maybe I can hook up with a River Kings adventure in the future. Keep up the good work.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Gary! Thanks a ton! Pt 2 drops tomorrow...would love to have you in the live chat. When do you get over this way? I have a bunch of plans that we want to tackle in the coming months...

[@garypinkley1325]

@@RiverKingsKayak All sounds good Pete. I hit the bell for tomorrow's video...so I should be on. I hope to be settled in Tennessee somewhere close to Maryville, TN by the end of June.

[@TheAverageAdventurer]

Powerful video...Great content, excellent narration...Envious of this trip. If there were two like buttons this video would sure get it.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks AA! We really enjoyed it!

[@Ujeb08]

An awesome trip and an awesome production ! I was going to skip watching the video when I saw it was 47 minutes long but once I started watching it the time flew by! nice job! I have a dumb question but here goes: how often do you have to replace those plastic boats ? I mean they must get gouged from rocks and start to leak?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks!! It really just depends on how hard you abuse them. My main kayak I've had for about 12 years. They are very durable but they do have a lifespan. in fact, I just cut my favorite boat in half and hung it on my wall as it finally died

[@MurCurieux]

1:34 healthy

[@canajian]

😎👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks canajian!

[@michaelhill56]

Nooooo I need it now! Haha

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I think you will like it!!

[@michaelhill56]

I didn't like it Pete... I loved it! Makes me want to go down that way again, definitely a special place there. Early morning put ins are great cause you have the river to yourself. I guess you figured out there's a hell of a beast that lives in the Bull! Well done and 👍👍!

[@graycue]

I didn't know there was a class 5, lol......

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! As the levels go up, the ratings and consequences do to...The moves were actually all pretty easy...just really dont want to mess up.

[@mmrazovic]

pretty cool guys, great adventure! Just one question: Would a crossover kayak like a Piranha Fusion II a good choice for such an adventure?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks! For sections 2 and 3, the crossover would be the best fit. Down on Section 4, the water is a bit more serious and you start needing the performance edge of a true ww boat. Though, I feel I could have taken my Katana 10 down the stretch no problem.

[@joemorris8423]

Loved the video!! The Chattooga is my favorite river. I keep my camper at a campground near the Tallulah Gorge. I run the North Fork and Section 2 in my own inflatable kayak and take others in some inexpensive inflatable rafts. I always do 3 and 4 with a rafting company. Just curious, what was the water level? And where did you put in for Section 2? I always put in at the boat ramp close to Hwy 28 and take out at Earl's Ford. Thanks for a great video. I now have good video to show my friends what the river is like.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Joe. Levels were right at 2'. We put on on the dirt road with campsights just downstream of the boat ramp. Thanks for the support!

[@jasonford2261]

I went to Earl’s Ford a couple of weeks ago and it was littered by campers...such a disgrace. I have yet to kayak there but the Chatooga is my go to trout fishing river. The Warwoman area is such a beautiful place.

[@atkinsoutdoors2746]

Wow, that was exciting! Manly men, showing off skills and stamina, Boom!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks AO! Just having fun!

[@scottc873]

This brings back a lot memories. Chatooga is a beautiful place and deserves a lot of respect. There are more difficult rivers to paddle, but few with as deadly of consequences. My first time on that river was a somber experience. I was in the group where Keith Green lost his life. It's difficult to explain the feeling of losing a person in your group and it changes the way you view the sport. The long paddle out on the lake to the takeout was surreal. Here's a list of fatalities on the river. Our experience was back in 2003 and 39th on the list. drive.google.com/file/d/1fEgG0nXYy1ZneFaTWxzi850VXmuJZ31l/view?usp=drivesdk

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Wow. I hate to hear that. I have lost 3 friends over the years. None were really close to me and I was never there during the incident. It is crushing.

[@scottc873]

@@RiverKingsKayak If you paddle long enough it's gonna happen to someone you know or have met. Being there when it happens gives you a whole different perspective on the sport.

[@mattelliott8350]

❤ Thank you for posting. The force of water should never be taken lightly.

[@johnlarsen1486]

Have you ever used the Liquidlogic XP10?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes, but I like the Katana 10.4 better

[@oscarjunior2846]

Did you use shogun paddle this video?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

No, it is a Sherpa

[@jasonnolte9763]

I want to run this with friend what gage level is best? What was yours in this

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It was right at 2' when we ran it.

[@jasonnolte9763]

@@RiverKingsKayak thanks man I appreciate it.

[@atkinsoutdoors2746]

Did you lose weight? Does it cross your mind before you do something dangerous, to make sure you are properly nourished and hydrated in case of injury?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

No, we were staying fully hydrated and fed. Lots of applesauce, granola bars etc...tons of water. Good points!

[@emmytolkein3320]

Bull Sluice class 5 rapid

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I think they have it listed as a IV+...close enough! LOL. Water levels change that as well...

[@emmytolkein3320]

@@RiverKingsKayak my daughter is a raft guide on the Chattooga. She is just starting her 7th yr there and I have gone down both section 3 & 4 (parents ride for free!) For me the most dangerous part was climbing over the rocks when we had to! The Chattooga is such a beautiful pristine river! Anyway, it was fun going down the river again with you.

[@michaelrobinson1268]

Well you camped on the wrong side of the river if you wanted your wet gear to dry more, hmmmm sun in the evening and wet clothes in the morning or sun in the morning and dryer clothes

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That's a good idea at times. However, we were gone at sun-up. We were gonna be wet no matter what! 😆

[@coneill10]

So good!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Cody!