Kayak Camping - Current River ch. 1

It is Kayak Camping time! Austin Wallis of Sidetrail Adventures, Kevin Champ of Wondering Electrician, Dirt Dobber, RKB and I jumped into the truck and trekked to The Missouri Ozarks to join The AVA Journeys crew - Brian, and Brenda Dillard, John and Ashley for a trip down the Current River. We Started at Cedar Grove with a take out at Van Buren, MO. Join us for a 5 day float down the emerald green water of the Current River. We explore the rocky bluffs, the gravel bars, the caves, the many springs and more. We had encounters with bears, wild horses, minks, eagles, spiders, bats, and the legendary MOMO! We also got an unexpected surprise from Mother Nature! The Ozark National Scenic Riverways are an amazing treasure. It is no surprise this is such a cherished kayak camping destination. It has everything!
Wondering Electrician - / @thewonderingelectrician
Side Trail Adventures - / @sidetrailadventures
AVA Journeys - / @avajourneys
Dirt Dobber - / @dirtdobber2185
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[@castle228]

The Momo segment was hysterical! What a beautiful river! That one will get added to my to-do list. Thanks! Cheers!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he! We had fun with that one! Thanks castle!

[@danzilla3223]

I went to school with momo aka Josh. I wonder if he's seen this 🤔

[@markgraves9429]

My wife and I travel every other year to that wonderful river to enjoy that slice of heaven on earth. We have canoed, tube floated and kayaked it for years. Truly one of the best places in the country.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Mark! Good stuff!

[@stevecrawford333]

think the whole thing can be tubed? wanted to do a 7 day camp and tube. looks too shallow and calm on some stretches

[@devonsutterfield3330]

So cool to see one of my favorite channels on my home river!! Thanks for coming and be sure to check out the rest of the “Ozark Scenic Riverways”!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Devon! We want to see more of the Ozarks for sure!!

[@adamkahn6670]

@@RiverKingsKayak jacks fork and the eleven point are similarly beautiful

[@adamkahn6670]

i'm a current river guy too. i live in st louis and hit the ozark national scenic riverways as often as possible! we have a fb group, paddlin pals of the liquid roads where we plan local trips and shuttles all the time! facebook.com/groups/2790171224561406 if you're interested :D

[@danzilla3223]

Devon, how have you been man?

[@ianhopcraft9894]

Three days up and down the Thames from Oxford tomorrow - this was just the thing to get my enthusiasm bubbling. Thanks.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

very nice!!!

[@benharmon2817]

Bro that first crusty, sun-dried frisbee is the best.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL. I am rolling on the floor!!

[@benharmon2817]

@@RiverKingsKayak if you know you know! 😂

[@bethahlquist1596]

Yep, grew up roaming the hills in our neighborhood and we had cow patty fights. The wet soggy ones are the best to throw.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yeah, now we are talking! Thanks Beth!

[@coffinshaker]

OK, the MoMO part -nice build up. I rolled my eyes so hard I saw the back of my head

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL!! thanks Spot!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Very pretty stretch of river! You can really tell why so many people recommend this river

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Gatewood! It is so pretty!

[@timesup6386]

Jacks Fork river feeds the Current, all spring feed.

[@fatgirlsoutdoors831]

All of the rivers of the Ozarks are so scenic. Check out the Buffalo as well.

[@shaneoakley8757]

Started this series this morning over coffee. Wow what an amazing river. All of the underground water flowing into it is just amazing.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Shane!

[@MEMcAndrews]

🤣Momo! Too funny!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he!

[@danzilla3223]

I grew up around salem, spent every day in the summer as a kid at cedar grove, i recommended that everyone visits the river at least once in their lifetime. I've moved away now. But I'm still trying to go back every year.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Pretty country up there!!

[@Brunnen_Gee]

You're in my neck of the woods. I didn't know people would come here for fun. On purpose! The Landing actually burned down not long back. They're rebuilding it though, last time I drove by they had walls going up.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on! Cant Wait to see it completed!

[@justinmeeks7021]

No way!! I live near that bridge at the beginning!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Justin!

[@joshinfwtx4506]

So good. The volume coming out of those springs is amazing. Really enjoyed the music on this one. Looking forward to part 2.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Josh! See you there!

[@jakenieten]

@28:12 Uvula Cave! 🤣😂 I LOVE the Current. This river has made a massive impact on my life over the years. Great video, guys!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL!!!!! I never noticed that before!!!

[@number1plyr741]

aye cool to see someone doing a video on the river ive grown up on

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks Number1plyr!

[@greyscout01]

Enjoyed watching your trip. Too fun. The footage of MOMO was classic stuff...got me laughing.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! Thanks Grey!

[@TheVikingSasquatch]

Glad to see you in the area. Current, Jacks Fork and Eleven Point are great trips. Lots to see. Hope you're back soon!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dan! We would like to see Jacks Fork and Eleven Point as well!

[@tomsergesketter5138]

I canoed Jacks Fork and Eleven Point in the early 80’s and it feels like it was last weekend. Today some fellow kayakers and I are beginning planning a camping trip on the Current River. I am so excited!!!

[@ritawilson8762]

Wonderful video. I'm excited to see the next installment.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Rita!

[@Nick-bh5bk]

Wow, so beautiful... That water color is so mystic.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yeah, it is really awesome!!

[@Elks89]

Always excited to have a new kayak camping vid. Keep up the great work, Pete. I started doing these trips last year, and you've continued to spark my interest to hit more whitewater, and move away from the somewhat flat water we have been hitting so far

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Kevin! Chase the adventure!

[@peterwhatley4413]

My Monday night treat can’t wait

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

The caves and springs on this river is amazing! Looking like a great trip so far, but I have a feeling things are about to change big time though. Really enjoyed the video Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

You got it Chris! Thanks brother!

[@ohillbilly]

Well that brought back some almost forgotten memories. I paddled that river 44 years ago in a canoe. (I hadda think about it.) ... I too remember sharin a stretch with a thunderstorm. Probably what I remember the most . :-) ..... Anxious to see Part two. .... Missouri does have some nice streams, and lotsa caves and springs.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on hillbilly bob! Long ago trip memories are some of my fondest! Too bad we weren't able to document them in the same way back then...but then again...it makes the memories sweeter.

[@treyhelms5282]

24 minutes in and this video had everything but whitewater. Great drone footage, road trip vignettes, beautiful paddling, narration, and Mo-Mo lol.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Trey! Whitewater makes everything better!!

[@treyhelms5282]

@@RiverKingsKayak To an extent I guess. The trip you were on, and the way you presented it was perfect. Cheers!

[@billysherlin6589]

This river has been on my radar. Looks awesome! I really enjoy your multi day trip videos! Looking forward to part 2!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks DDA!

[@lou36heron87]

another good, entertaining and informative video ! thanks for sharing and the scenery from the "Show Me" state was cool - especially the caves and the eagle! Like your drone usage too!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks lou36! The drone adds a ton!

[@VINCENTOCONNOR]

Great video, well done.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you Vincent!

[@danielrogers32]

Awesome!!! Can’t wait for Part 2. The best trip I’ve done so far was 3 days on Jack’s Fork, just south of the Current. That water is just amazing!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Good deal Daniel! We past the confluence of the Jacks Fork...it was calling my name!

[@adamkahn6670]

@@RiverKingsKayak the mouth of the river, called the prongs, is quite intense for missouri rivers during the rainy season. i've had my fair share of close calls on the 0.0 mile of jacks fork... missouricanoe.org/jacks-fork-river/

[@michaelmaggini9160]

Fantastic video, editing, and narration. Sitting here in the mountains of CO. Watching the snow fall and gettin excited for the trip to MO. I love that river go there every spring. No paddling this year fishing and shroomin. Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Michael!! Thanks!!

[@sheila5707]

Please come back and make this trip in the summer or fall...I just floated a 10-mile section (Pulltite to Round Spring), and the blue-green water was the prettiest color I've seen in my life. Plus, the cool water was perfect for summer rock jumping.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

sounds amazing!

[@brianmclaughlin2621]

Nice video Pete nice and relaxing with the heavy rain all can change I’m looking forward to the next instalment stay safe brother and enjoy 🥃🥃

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brian!

[@dannyroberts5056]

I am a recent subscriber to your channel. I am a Missouri native but moved all over this country. My dad was military so we moved often when I was a kid. I came home to the Ozarks and have raised both my kids here. We float as many rivers and creeks as we can in the Ozarks of Mo., Arkansas and Oklahoma. I have yet to float the Current but it's on my bucket list. Love your videos and they always cheer me up. If you get a chance look up a video on KZbin. It's called The Vanishing Ozarks put out on a TV show called Expedition St Louis. This episode tells how this river was preserved for future generations to enjoy. This river almost became a lake. I live in the South West region of the Missouri Ozarks near the Arkansas border. We have so many beautiful water ways hear but I am slowly making my way farther east in the Ozarks to float. Thanks for show casing a small part of tour Mo. Ozarks. Sorry you guys had to cut your trip short. This is common in the off season but I must agree it's the best time to float these water ways. Thanks for sharing your awesome adventure.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Welcome Danny! We really loved it up there! The flooding was unfortunate of course, but made the adventure even better!

[@trishaharrison6183]

This was epic

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Trisha! be sure to check out part two!

[@thursey2]

You are a hoot!!! Hahahaha the momo had me hollerin

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he! Glad you got a chuckle! He was a big man and kind of surprised us when he popped into the room! LOL

[@Eralston814]

Awesome video!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Eralston!

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

Awesome Pete! I'm ready for part two. I never had to pack up camp in the middle of the night. I have woke up with the river under my tent and half my gear down river lol.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dirk! It was an experience for sure! Wow! I have never lost gear or boat...yet...LOL!

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

@@RiverKingsKayakYes I've learned a lot of lessons over the years. That was a big lesson learned in how tides can effect a river as you get near the coast. We woke up feeling like we were on a water bed and unzipped the tent and were in the river. Luckily the boats were still barley hanging on but a few dry bags and my paddle were gone! Another lesson learned bring a spare paddle! We ended up breaking my buddies paddle down and each using half paddling our kayaks like a canoe to the nearest take out. Our trip was over.

[@jamesstewart6754]

I've been going to Missouri for over fifty years. I canoed Current River first time when I was twelve. (1970) Iwould suggest Johnson shut ins state park but call and make sure that there is a good amount of water running through the formations. Also there is the eleven point river. If you want to see what I believe to be the largest spring in the United States go to Thayer Missouri just north of there is Mammoth Springs. This is the beginning of Spring River. Not much of a kayaking river though. Way too slow. I have canoed the Harpeth River close to Nashville and some of the Buffalo River. The part in West Tennessee East of Mcnairy County. Crazy Horse Camp Ground. ( Burford Pusser)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on James! Thanks!

[@dennise4898]

Love this! I floated the Current as a youngster only there weren't kayaks back then. Those floats were a part of what lead me to a career in conservation and parks. After being off the water for decades, now at 62 I just bought a kayak. The goal is to get up to speed and shape to get back on the Current and Jack's Fork rivers. Thank you!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Dennis! Go for it! We loved it up there - beautiful country! Enjoy your return to God's country!

[@dennise4898]

I love your videos. Among others the Three Rivers Land Trust float. Maybe some day we will be sitting around a campfire and I will share the story of being with my dad and uncle floating the Current in my uncle’s john boat. 😆

[@dennise4898]

@@RiverKingsKayak just wanted to pass on an update. After Covid derailed plans to float the Current last year, I’m heading down there next week. Four nights and three days on the river. Thank you for helping get this old man off the couch and on the water.

[@wolfdudercp]

Same here! We camped, swam and cooked outdoors! Met some great ppl while there. Still have the pics and the memories……

[@Chompchompyerded]

That's kind of down around my dad's old stomping grounds. When I was in college at Washington University in St. Louis I used to run this every weekend except during the spring at which time I'd get out the whitewater boat and run the St. Francis. In the summer I'd go to Colorado and points west to run big water. Out there the Yampa, White River, Colorado, and the Gunnison were my life. Once in a while I'd go further west and run some of the more exciting rivers in California, Idaho, Washington, and even up into Canada often for the sake of a race. I rounded out my year with the Green Race from it's first year to it's sixth year. I'm now elderly and racing is out of the picture, but some gentler white water up to about class 4 and running rivers like the Current are still on the itinerary, and I hope will be until I die. At 72 years old, that's probably not a long way off. I suppose I'm a little different. There aren't many women my age on the river I also like kayaking on a peaceful lake just as well as a whitewater rapid. Usually folks are one or the other. I only hope I can continue to find paddling partners. As long as I can stay fit and find people to paddle with, I'll be fine. If I get to the point where I can't paddle anymore, that's when I'll find a keeper hole and go for one last swim. I usually started a bit further up, usually at Montok Springs in Montok State Park. I usually went down a fair bit further too. I guess I'm a paddling fool. I'll never get tired of it. Wish I could have told you sooner, but perhaps it didn't do you too wrong... but all the springs in that area are pumping out water that is unfit to drink. Because of all the mining that took place in the area, all the springs are carrying a pretty good load of heavy metals. It's my hope that the little bit of water you drank from there won't cause any long-term damage, but it can really mess up your liver and kidneys, and is a cancer risk. There are huge freshwater clams in most of the rivers in southeast Missouri, but you can't eat them because of the heavy metals they contain. The American Indians used to eat them by the ton back in the day. You can still find the shell middens along many of Missouri's rivers. They're a dead giveaway regarding where ancient Indian villages were. Just remembered my dad telling me how he used to go down the Current and the St. Francis in a John boat. He told me about how a water moccasin dropped into the boat, and how they immediately dropped out of it. The place was as snaky as it comes... as soon as they got to shore they encountered a big ol' copperhead, and down the rock bar just a little farther, they came across a timber rattler. There was more poison on that little stretch of river than in all the varmint sacks in the rest of the state, I imagine. Somehow they managed to get the cottonmouth out of the boat without getting bit by the copperhead or the Timber rattler though, and continued on down the river. Now, about that track... Was it a bear, or a bare? Unless one of you wears a size 14 shoe and walks on the front of his feet, I'd guess a bear. Now, about your time... A friend of mine and I raced at that exact spring many years ago. I was in a Phoenix fiberglass touring boat which I still paddle now and then, and he was in I don't remember what. The flow was a bit higher than that, so I don't know that it's a fair comparison, but we were really digging. We made it down in I'm sure half the time or less. That fiberglass boat is fast and if you lean into it, it's got a good bit of rail to it, so it turns very fast. Sitting straight up it tracks as straight as can be, even 50 years after I bought it. No warpage in that boat! Maybe we should race it someday, if you can take getting beat by an old lady. ;) I have to say, you picked the right time of year to run the current. It gets awfully crowded in the summer, and it's still pretty busy on weekends in the early fall. The colour of the river comes from a heavy load of cuprous-calcite and led-calcite. Those hills are full of copper, lead, and calcium. The first of those two are what was mined most heavily in the area. Some silver was also mined at one point, but that played out early, so you find hardly any of it in solution in the water. If you look at the rocks over on the St. Francis River near the silver mines dam, you'll see that the rocks are stained black where the water ran down. That's silver-oxide and silver-calcite. It's not enough to be worth scraping off the rocks and chemically releasing, but it's interesting to know that's what it is. I guess you didn't make it down to Big Spring. That's kind of a must see, so maybe you can get back to it someday. You'll want to go at the same time of the year because you can't fit a mosquito in between the boats as soon as the weather starts to warm up. It's pretty amazing though, just to see the volume of water that comes out of it. I'd like to recommend one other place if I could. There's a river that goes across northern Nebraska that is unlike any other river I've run. It goes through the sandhills, and that's what makes it unusual. There used to be a better, less traveled one in the state called the Calamus, but it got dammed by the State of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. That was a beautiful sandy bottom river that was not down-cut. It felt like cruising across the prairie on your hind end. You could look right out across the prairie. Just beautiful. The river I was recommending you paddle though is the Niobrara. It can be paddled in a touring boat from Valentine all the way down to its confluence with the Missouri River, which is almost the length of the entire state. If you go in the spring when the snow melt is coming off, in a low volume whitewater boat, you can make it from just a bit into Wyoming, and literally kayak all the way across the state. That will take you through Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. All along its length, if you watch both the water and the banks, you can find mammoth teeth and other fossils in the water. Every now and then you'll come across an arrowhead too. I made the first descent of Swan Creek from Merritt Reservoir to its confluence with the Nobrarah in 1979, which included which included a drop over the 70 foot waterfall. There is nice deep plunge pool at the bottom of it. The plunge pool is full of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, many of which are just huge. I wonder what they thought when my boat came crashing down on their world. The owners don't permit fishing, and that's why the trout are so big. There are trout down to within about a mile of the Niobrara, but lower than that it gets too hot and muddy, and the oxygen level drops too low for them. None ever make it to the Niobrara, so don't expect a trout supper. They have trout higher up on the Current, but not down where you were paddling. The highest waterfall in Nebraska is on a creek which joins the Niobrara just feet from where it joins the Niobrara. It's simply lovely to come up on that. from Valentine down to Smith Falls and a little way below that is easy paddling broken by frequent riffles and mild rapids maybe going as high as class 2. If you decide to do it in early spring and go from the Wyoming border, you'll need to scout ahead for fence lines. The ranchers are allowed to run fence lines across it from about nine miles above the Swan Creek confluence up. Only one rancher owns the land from Merritt Reservoir down to the Niobrara, so that's not a problem, but unless you're in a whitewater boat and are going to portage the falls and more difficult rapids, that's probably of no concern to you. From Valentine on down, there are no fences crossing the river. The Niobrara is unique, and well worth running.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on MD!

[@jacquiisbill354]

Great video..makes me want to go..

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Jacqui! That is what it is all about!

[@jakenieten]

My wife and I have seen 4 cougars on that river over the years! So much other wildlife, too. Horses, etc….

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Jake!! thats awesome!

[@escapewithjay]

Let the kayaking season begin! Ill be paddling an old friend of yours this summer!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yeah Jay! Namekagon or the St Croix I presume....

[@escapewithjay]

@@RiverKingsKayak Both, then paddling a few miles home on the Mississippi, my old friend! Happy paddling

[@alanpeterson4939]

Soooo many more floats in the area. Jacks Fork, Huzzah, Black, Eleven Point, and, if you like white water, the St. Francis.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I know! I need to get back there and do some exploring!

[@aaronsprojectsentertainment]

I love the intro. What a great video. I've been down the Meramec in Missouri. The Current is next for me. We live in Illinois so it's pretty close for us. Watching your video makes me want to step up my kayak video game. I like your trailer also.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Aaron! Thanks a ton!

[@QuattroOutdoors]

Awesome seeing Austin join the trip. Mixing my favorite backpacking NC channel with my favorite kayaking NC channel.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure GBO! Austin is the man...always good company and good times!! He did some ww kayaking with us last summer as well. He's a natural.

[@QuattroOutdoors]

@@RiverKingsKayak Any chance we can get y'all out on the James River? The area around Scottsville is incredible.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@QuattroOutdoors that's one I've never been on...would be fun!!

[@fatgirlsoutdoors831]

I love the Current! I had the pleasure of floating it in the fall and it was amazing. It has so much to see. The rivers of the Ozarks are amazing. You need to put the Buffalo in your list as well if you have not. Great video! I really enjoy your voice over commentary. It was fun to see a river I am familiar with through your lens.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure FGO!! We have the Buffalo on the short list already! Thanks a ton for the kind words!!

[@anthonykilpatrick8251]

Thanks so much for your wonderful content I live in Australia 🇦🇺 near a place called lake eildon your content has inspired me to get out and about I’m blessed to be near lakes and rivers at my back door it’s time I got out enjoyed it again my kyacks have been on the roof to long even tho I got them second hand I still get a million dollars worth of enjoyment

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Anthony!! Awesome to hear you are picking it up again! Honored to be a part of the story however small and from the other side of the big marble!

[@johnlarsen1486]

If you ever get back check out the Jacks Fork and the Eleven Point Rivers. I sure miss Missouri.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

will do! I have heard that a lot...

[@rossmiles5760]

Can’t wait

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ross!!

[@pawadventures5544]

I'm pretty sure ice cream falls under the dairy food group. 😋 Cow patty fights. 😲 LOL! When I was a little kid my grandparents had a dairy farm and I used to walk barefoot in the fresh cow patties because I liked the way the warm poo felt squishing between my toes. LOL! Man did I ever get in trouble for that, especially when I ran through the house. LOL! Don't quote me but I'm pretty sure Acres Ferry is where Josie Wales crossed the river to escape Red Legs. Awesome adventure so far. 👍🏻

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Love that!! Cool about Josie Wales.

[@davidmanevich1040]

What an awesome place to paddle. I'm in NE Ohio and would love to take this trip. Closest place we have to this is Cuyahoga national forest but I don't think you can camp along the river there.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed David! National Forests are usually ok to camp in. However, I believe that Cuyahoga is a national park which is a different story...

[@taylorwatsabaugh2883]

Like always, amazing video man. Always keeps me entertained 👍👊

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Taylor!

[@AllThingsOutdoors]

I can see why it's called the Current River! I'm on the edge of my seat for the next installment.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Justin! It was a great trip!

[@wmcbarker4155]

thumbs up

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks wmcbarker!

[@dalejohnson9565]

Enjoyed the video... stayed with my sister out in Missouri one summer about 10 years ago and we paddled pretty much all the rivers around that area. Love the Current!...I paddled the 70 mile stretch above Van Buren on July 4th that year in my Wilderness Systems Tempest. Took me 13 hours and I paddled into Van Buren a little after dark and there were fireworks going off all around... kinda like the town was under siege during a war! It was a really tiring(bum and lower back)but cool adventure! Stayed at one of the campgrounds in town that night and then biked the 60 mile shuttle back to my truck. Can't wait to see Part 2... I'm assuming you guys camped in a low area and the river started to rise. Reminds me of a night paddling the Grand Canyon when we had to get up in the middle of the night to move our supply rafts further from shore as the water level dropped unexpectedly and the very heavy rafts would've been impossible to move if they became grounded. Mother Nature is always one step ahead of us!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Dale! Sounds like you have had some awesome adventures! Would love to do the Grand Canyon myself!

[@johnnyb395]

Austin's Wilderness Tempest yak is a true sea kayak what a rocket!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed. It was a little difficult for him to maneuver in some of the tighter spots, but fast yes! He just got a prijon Yukon Expedition yesterday!

[@gruff2460]

The cliffhanger at the end!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he!

[@timesup6386]

Was on the Jacks Fork in Oct 2016'. Best wild float for us.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Times Up!

[@gregadams2162]

Really like the perspective a drone gives you

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Greg!!

[@philcarr7015]

I live in Missouri and have floated the Current River many times when I was growing up. Usually with my family in a canoe. At first, my brother and I were small enough that are family could all go in one canoe. I usually ended up in the front helping to paddle with my Dad always in the back. These were the best times of my life. I'm glad that you and your crew were able to float the Current. I especially liked the way that you described it. Sorry about the rain. Sure glad you all made it off the river safely. Springtime may not be any better for rain. Summer or Fall might be a better time to come back.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Phil! We really dont mind rain, and the flooding brought that type of adventure that you dont hope for, but wouldn't change at all! What a memory! We would love to come back and hit the 11 Point and Jacks Fork.

[@sanecrazy12]

@@RiverKingsKayak Bring it don't sing it!!! Btw, the biggest rainbow trout I've seen in person on the river came out of the White River in North Arkansas.The man found out his teen daughter was pregnant and decided to fish to clear his mind. I can tell you if it wasn't a state record, it was within a few ounces. He was happier then!! Just another to add to your lust!! I mean list!! So many great rivers in Southern MO. and Northern Arkansas.

[@splashpit]

Will be coming over next year from Australia to do a few rivers with kids in a canoe and I’m wondering if you need to carry food for the whole float or do you pass places to stock up , when l say stock up I mean real produce not sugar snacks ?

[@philcarr7015]

@splashpit We took food with us for day trips. Unfortunately, Dad didn't want to camp overnight, so trips were no longer than 10 or 12 miles. It's been years, so I'm not sure what's available . The Current River is probably our most infamous, and there's plenty of information online.If you Google it, you should find all of the information you need. Best of luck, and I hope you enjoy your time here!

[@Skrrt-Chasing]

We did Baptist to Round Springs in September. Definitely want to go back

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I want to see up that way too.

[@michaelwashere2179]

Baptist Camp to Cedar Grove is my favorite section. Not many people on that section even on weekends in the summer and very pretty.

[@SouthernPaddler]

C'mon, Pete!! This is like the Dukes of Hazzard ending with the Duke Boys mid-jump!! Can they stick the landing? Come back next week! Awesome so far!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

He he!!

[@CJColvin]

My dad and I go down fishing at the Current River in Salem Missouri all the time. A really great place to catch some Rainbow trout.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Rightbon CJ!

[@CJColvin]

@@RiverKingsKayak What part of Tennessee are you guys from.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@CJColvin central NC

[@CJColvin]

@@RiverKingsKayak Awesome brother. Glad you guys can come to Missouri. You guys get to see the beautiful rugged Ozarks, the rollin hills, bluffs, mountains, and vallies.

[@jogger1987]

Never heard you mention your military service before. I figured with all of your outdoor adventures you may have had military training. Thanks for your service man.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks jogger! However, I was only a contractor. Did some contract work with special forces for about 10 years...was an amazing job with some amazing people! Learned a ton!

[@ketsistofile4627]

The river kings photo is stunning.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ketsi!

[@bigloaded8324]

Hey RKP, My wife and I were on the Current and Jacks fork in January 2020. Also, went to the Buffalo in Arkansas but it flooded out. When the RK gang was there on the Current, I was 2.5 hours from you guys in western Kentucky for my job. It was raining like crazy and I was thinking about y'all. Looking forward for the next episode.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Awesome Big Loaded! We are looking at the Buffalo at some point as well!

[@stevehanlon7627]

ice cream is caloric dense - great for getting some energy for adventures. Dobber is just prepping.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That's right!!!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Looks incredible! Is this place for real?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I know Right!! You gotta go Headwaters Kayak!!

[@danielsummers2924]

Wow Pete what a beautiful stretch of river! Your channel really helped push me to get back in a boat last year after nearly 2 decades out of one. just recently upgraded to a LL remix xp 10 and now im chasing the adventures, would love to paddle together sometime! Cheers!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thats what we love to hear Daniel! Where do you live?

[@danielsummers2924]

@@RiverKingsKayak I live in Oklahoma but love to travel

[@southcoutdoors3191]

Awesome Vid Pete! Im in SC with 12mile and Chattooga as our primary rivers to beat around on! Hopefully one day me and the "Crew"(lol) will get to meet you out there on some of our Adventures!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on South C! Thanks! Would love that!

[@mikesoutfishing]

Love kayaking! Im 40 minutes from the current river. I am surrounded by 4 other rivers right by my house and 40 minutes from lake of the ozarks/Osage river.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

You have some beautiful country around you!

[@MonkeyNAround]

I see why this is a must paddle river. Part 2 is going to be crazy way to tease the next week video.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes sir Shane!

[@brandonsmith9843]

Mo Mo!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Fo Sho!! LOL.

[@amandajackson387]

My husband is so jealous of your pulltite spring run! He's afraid of getting a ticket. Loved the vid! ❤

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Amanda! Right on!

[@behindthelevee4928]

Great videos! Glad you guys got to paddle in Missouri. I think the Ozarks are completely underrated and look forward to my time on its rivers. How'd you like how narrow that Mississippi River bridge at Cairo was?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks BTL! Loved that area! We flirt with the thought of a Miss. thru paddle...but thats a lot of brown town flats!!!

[@everymanadventures9285]

Cliffhanger!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yeah!

[@MonkeySpanner498]

You are lucky having such amazing rivers in your country. Rather limited in the UK

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed MS! We are blessed!

[@splashpit]

What are you talking about , the UK has the biggest channel system in the world.

[@ronactive]

Schöne Tour. Grüße ronactive

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ron Active!

[@Truecrimecommunity]

Born and raised on current river in Van Buren Mo

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on TCC!

[@chrisgomez1618]

Have a feeling I know who drank the sweet teas and ate the snacks 🤪 🦧

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That is what we thought!!! LOL

[@iowaadventures4701]

I’m going have to go to this place soon. It’s about 6 hours for where I live.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Do it IA! It is such a cool place!

[@canajian]

Meadow muffins... 🤣

[@ADVENTUREKM]

Great editing looks like a fun trip. Was that really a bear? That store reminded me of that movie where Burt Reynolds wanted someone to drive there cars down river?lol!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL KM A! Nailed it!

[@brandonforrester7029]

You need to kayak the Illinois River just northeast of Tahlequah ok. Where the movie where the red fern grows was filmed

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I will look into that! Thanks Brandon!

[@jennyl.3742]

I just left there today.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

An awesome place indeed!!!

[@JohnHappelFullMastHap]

Awesome footage!!!! Can I ask, what did you film on?? GoPro???

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks FM! I am currently using a gopro8, with a gopro 7 and 5 and backups/different angles

[@socrnjazzz]

Oh man, I know it all ends well but I'm still nervous for what happened that night! 😬

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Ben!

[@MountainsRiverSea]

Awesome video! Can you tell me where you got the tall GoPro stick mounted behind you and how does it attach? And also where you got the electronic storage boxes?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

This should help on the mounting options... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoe7Z2ehhb-ofqcsi=IgBDO0vP1ujE_fFr&t=766 For the boxes... amzn.to/3UMHE8e

[@MountainsRiverSea]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you SO much!

[@Truecrimecommunity]

My parents own the RV park across from the landing. Weird seeing my hometown on KZbin. Population 893

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Good deal!

[@widevariety2003]

Can you please tell me what type of Rain Fly hammock cover you used in this video? I’ve been looking for something similar and have come up with blanks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I had both the Kelty 12 and my favorite the UGQ Winterdream 13

[@Featbanana101]

im kayaking this river this year in july

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I think you will like it Austin!

[@smoknbenfryer6483]

What brand and model , length ect. is your Kayak. Looks like a great class 1-3 river kayak. I live in Macon, Ga , Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Smoknben! It is a Prijon Yukon Expedition...best kayak camping boat ever made. 14.5 feet long. We just did a trip on the Ocmulgee a few months back!

[@derrickshuballs131]

was that a cave or an actual pass thru .... so confused!!!! either way that looked so fun. please .. need answers!!! itd be way cooler if it was a thru tunnel! ++++ for the channel this is the stuff i live for and am too tied down to experience!! screw work that just make the days pass!!!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

There are caves all over the place up there! Some of the caves could be paddled into as well.There were also pass through spots as well. Cool area! Thanks man!!

[@samuelpierce4263]

Love your videos, but turn the volume of the music down. I have to turn it up when you are talking and turn it down when the music comes on. You can almost hear it next door lol. Keep getting the river

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Samuel! Sorry you dont like the audio mix. As you can imagine, it is impossible to get it just right to suit everyone. It is a work in progress!

[@Lmiller201]

Video starts in one place i use to live ( Cookeville, tn) and they go to Salem, mo where we moved to next.. are they gonna end up in Arizona?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Very cool Lyle!

[@LIVE4THEADVENTURE]

Awesome video and I hope there are plans for many more like this. I have a question on the Hammock ( 40:00 ) what is the company that makes it? What is the true name of the hammock? I heard you say Ridgerunner, Ridge hammock. Thanks and keep the adventures coming.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Warbonnet Bridge Hammock...I think it is Called the Ridge Runner...@Side Trail Adventures would know for sure...

[@LIVE4THEADVENTURE]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you!

[@Hilliorm85]

Very early on in the video but wondering where you guys are from?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

North Carolina

[@ChukaCustoms]

Oh MoMo whatcha know?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

He he!!

[@saltyw1]

What kayak do you have? I'm looking for one that does kayak class one and two camping rivers.. thx

[@RiverKingsKayak]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoe7Z2ehhb-ofqc