Kayaking School - How to Kayak

[@Ujeb08]

Pete you have the patience of a saint! Giving these lessons and watching the "students" listen but not hear you has to be a pain and then having to work so hard to rescue their boat must be tough. I really enjoyed watching this video from beginning to end. The rescues were great to see. THis aint no reality show- in a good way!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

ha ha! thanks! it is all good!! pretty much par foe the course. lol.

[@mlinder2000]

I was thinking the same thing Ujeb08. Great work as always Pete. I live in Nashville area and have always kayaked sots and touring type sitins but MAN you're giving me the hunger to try to finally white water.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@mlinder2000 Thanks! Give it a go!

[@fpsoftdev]

It can be hard to listen to instruction while you're in the middle of something like this. When you're inexperienced, it takes longer for your brain to process what's going on around you. It's a lot of information to process on your first few times.

[@filbilly]

This is a great video Pete! At 68 I just started whitewater kayaking and it's been a blast. Last week I got to put my roll in action for the first time and stuck it. Definitely a confidence booster, but I did swim a couple times hitting rocks. I think as a beginner if you can go out with more experienced paddlers willing to mentor you and you put in the time and effort, you'll learn so much faster. If I ever make it your way I want to paddle with you guys! I'll probably be in my 70's by then, ha!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on John!!!

[@burrows10011]

Wow. That was the most incredible video. Love your professionalism and calmness helping out your buds. The video editing, voice over, music and description were simply top notch. Glad I stumbled across your channel. I am learning a lot and appreciate the effort you put into it.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks for the kind words burrows!

[@khajoha]

Pete, you're the man! I enjoy all your videos. You are a very funny man and I love that you share your adventures.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Khalid! thanks for coming along with us!

[@tomsergesketter5138]

"You shoulda bought two!" 😃Best line in the video. I would definitely be a beater. I was chewing my nails at 30:00! Great video. Can't wait for the weather to change in Indiana!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Tom!

[@DennyT71]

You didn't swim and were probably as tired as all your bud Pete. You cracked me up explaining a beater. Good stuff Pete. Thanks.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! Thanks Denny!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Kayak school from Pete, definitely watch! Looking forward to learning a few things before the season starts back up

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on GB! See u in the chat

[@garycousino]

30:57 is so true. One of the highest achievements of mankind

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on

[@Nate_Higgins]

You are a patient man. God bless you. Hope your friends don't get discouraged.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They are all good! Kevin (who lost his shoe) just finished a big ww weekend with me a couple weeks back. He dropped his first waterfalls and absolutely loved it!

[@johnlarsen1486]

Great video. You’re a Helluva good guide and teacher. Well done.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks John!

[@williamthegriffin6185]

WOW edge of your seat video! Not a white water guy, yet! But learned SO much, lots of the lessons are good in any water. Thanks Pete, keep em coming!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Will do William! Thanks! Give it a try sometime!

[@darksidecarnival5385]

That was fantastic! I was all those guys last Friday on my local river. These videos are helping my progress as well as my buddy thats been patient with me just like u are with them. Awesome video😄🤙👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks DSC! I love it!

[@eady911]

Enjoyed the commentary and the tips on techniques, thank you

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Tim!

[@sallyohalloran6650]

OMG Pete...you had your hands full on that trip!! Exciting video, and you are a great coach! Done many whitewater trips in the past. Learnt a few things just listening to you today!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yeah! It was a fun one! Thanks Sally!

[@CraigBaer]

Great video! I'm just starting as of this week. 14' Perception bought used. Years of canoe experience but much different being locked into a boat. Love your channel. You have a great teaching style.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Craig! I think you are going to love it!!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

You were a busy man on this trip! I hope you ate your Wheaties that morning. You could see their skill and confidence building throughout the length of the video though. They are lucky to have someone who is willing to take the time and has the patience's to teach them the safe and proper ways. Once again there is a ton of great information that you shared here and a really cool video as well! Thanks for sharing Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed Chris! It was a great day!! I consider myself blessed to have had great mentors in the sport. I actually enjoy the teaching. Thanks Chris!

[@scottmeacham1738]

Man! What a great video! I do appreciate the the extra work you put in Pete and the skills it takes to do what you do in these types of conditions and situations. Anyone who paddles with you should appreciate you for what you bring to the sport. I know I have passed the window to be a whitewater paddler and I will stick to the lesser flow. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks for the kind words Scott! I don't really considered extra work. It's just part of the fun! Dont sell yourself too short. There are some fantastic mild white water runs that you would probably love. The good thing about Whitewater is you can go as little or as big as you wish.

[@scottmeacham1738]

@@RiverKingsKayak oh my wife and I will do the Dan River, we will do the South New River. I may swim. I just have a long row to hoe and I know it. One step closer to kayak camping...we got hammock tarps for Christmas.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@scottmeacham1738 let us know wen u r ready

[@fredjohnson3283]

Pete,One of your best entertainment vids since sect 9 on the F Broad. Couldn't wait to see what was gonna happen next. What a treat!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Freddy!! It was a fantastic ride on the river!

[@dorrainestanley6966]

Fun to watch! I learned what a pillow was. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dorraine!!

[@isaacmont3623]

Awesome video. Man ... did i learn a lot by watching this video. Great job and thanks for the tips.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Isaac! Thanks!

[@barrywagoner2086]

I gotta hand it to you pete.your the man.i wouldve been dead tired just after the first cpuple rescues.it looked like you spent half your day paddeling upstream to rescue people.just watching made me tired.lol.good job guys.i still hope me and monkey will run into the river kings one day on some river round here.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Barry! I am looking forward to that!

[@tomsergesketter5138]

This is an awesome video! Not sure I will ever be on those kind of rapids but it sure was informative and definitely entertaining. Loved it!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Tom!

[@barrywagoner2086]

Hey pete i recently watched the vid were you ran french broad section 9 in your long boat.very nice by the way .you dont see longer boats doing frank bell much these days.but me and my little cousin did section 9 in a 18 ft fiberglass c2 a few years back. Was great fun and a cherished memory for several diffrent reasons. Though that was the c2s last run as by the end she was taking on water pretty bad due to a gash/ crack in the hull. But it was a great last voyage for any older boat. Ahh the good old days

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Barry! Love it! Yeah there should be some kind of club for people who've done Section 9 in a Boat!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I would have to find a very special place for that C2! I've often said that when Nana finally melts out, I'm going to chainsaw it down the middle longways and mount her on the wall somewhere

[@KCCNYwhitewater]

ah, so this is how you make an A-B0mb!! Hahaha great video. love watching these when I can't get on the water.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! Thanks NYCP!

[@canajian]

What a great video! I'm new to kayaking, and have never hit any whitewater, and this was a very informative watch.. Great advice, know your limitations, and go with someone that can help if the poop hits the fan.. Pete, much respect to you and the lads! And best advice, dont be a beater lol 😎👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks canajian!! It is soo much fun. But it can be scary getting your feet wet...LOL

[@chrisharriman5245]

your videos are memorizing, love it and glad i found your channel, love the how to videos.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Chris!!

[@Murphy.Outdoors]

Looking at getting into WW and happened upon your channel. I noticed you mentioned you were running the Haw. I'm local and hope to see you out there sometime

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Murphy Outdoors! Check out Carolina Canoe Club on Facebook. They would be a great resource for you.

[@Murphy.Outdoors]

@@RiverKingsKayak I have already joined. Met some of the CCC crew at Robeson Creek put in on Sat, while rec kayaking with my wife, and got me going down the WW rabbit hole

[@grahamkeates1496]

With one shoe. Love it!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL!! great memories!!

[@billcotton1551]

What a ride Pete! They were lucky to be with you that day.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It was a great day on the water!!

[@chappy1531]

Outstanding Video / entertaining, educational and inspirational and truly a motivator for a BEATER like me! If I could only be as lucky to hook up with a trainer with your attitude and skill set.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Wmdolittle! They are out there! Im grateful for the guys that brought me along!

[@toddheil42]

Good presentation. One thought, it would be great to talk more about the pillow rocks, perhaps by circling in the video is possible, highlight in red or some other color. I don't read them very well myself, although I generally have a knack for correct flow... Iol. I think

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Todd! I have kind of done that before, there is some of that in the last video and some in the next...I may have to do a pillow specific video soon! Great suggestion! Thanks!

[@toddheil42]

@@RiverKingsKayak Don't get me wrong. It was a great video, and I realize it's gotta be taken in first hand, to be able to learn to spot them. I'm just over anxious to speed up my learning curve. At my age, healing takes a bit longer. lol Best wishes.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

No worries Todd! I totally understand where you are coming from.

[@dirtdobber2185]

Great job guys, man y'all were busy. I'm starting to question my skill level my name does have dirt in it. Another good day on the water thanks for the video Pete.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks dirt dobber!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The whitewater will def let you know where u stand!

[@stevemill8959]

This is good. My first time we didn’t have skirts no helmets class 3 rapids kept sinking had to keep going 15 miles down the Lehigh. At one point I was holding on the back of my upside down kayak for dear life. Flying. face in the water scared of smashing a rock a pulled my legs under the kayak and just hung on for a while. After that the kayak got away and I just floated down the rapids

[@RiverKingsKayak]

yowza!!

[@SouthernPaddler]

Excellent information...and very entertaining!! 😁

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks SP!

[@saltyw1]

Excellent video, good workout!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks saltyw1!

[@Mhdogman]

I learned to kayak on the Rogue River but before I was allowed to go into the river I had to have a solid roll 1st. in a pool. They were adamit about this so your tendency would never be to swim unless you absolutely could not roll after 3 or so trys because of insane currents. I hardly ever swam. Only a couple of times. Other than that great job w these guys. Smiles

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on WotD!

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

I learn a lot from these videos although I'm in the flat water club down here near Florida. One day I'll get to try some chop out, I'll definitely be a beater lol!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Dirk!! Come up sometime and join us

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

@@RiverKingsKayak I'd love that! definitely want to try it.

[@HeritageStacking]

Just starting out now. Took me 3 months to buy everything I needed. I will be a better in the Ottawa River this weekend.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on CS!! let me know how it went!

[@turtleheadboys5263]

Awesome video Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Josh!

[@nicholasbearce2555]

Shared with my Fiance' hope she will be joining me soon.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on!

[@GoodLifeMedicine]

Novice question: Would the leader ever employ a back-up paddle attached to the side of the boat? It would seem disastrous if one of the "beaters," or worse the leader, dropped his paddle.

[@GoodLifeMedicine]

LOL Five minutes after writing this I got to see that action for real.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@GoodLifeMedicine on my touring boats, a back up is attached to the top deck on the stern. However, in whitewater, I have a 4 piece paddle inside the boat as well as hand paddles. A back up is a must! Unless you like hiking with a boat! Lol

[@GoodLifeMedicine]

@@RiverKingsKayak Side question: Any advice for a 57 year-old guy, fit (swimmer, weights), flexible schedule, who wants to learn to river kayak in the safest, best way. Do you recommend any New England based teaching outfits?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@GoodLifeMedicine right on! I am not familiar with anything up that way except Alex Barham. He has a youtube channel based up that way and I am sure he would know something good for you. Hope that helps

[@Nc_Nick907]

Good video dude! Hey where did ya get that GoPro stick for the back of your boat?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks! That is the same ram mount pole that I use on my prijon yukon. I attatch it with a ram claw mount adapter to the back grab bar. I am still working out the kinks, but it does pretty well.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I need to do a review on it.

[@roygraham6665]

Great vid bro. enjoyed the lessons. I don't think i even rated being called a beater lol. What is a good yak for running rapids in the mid range price?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Roy! Anyone can be a beater! LOL! I always look on craigslist in Marketplace for used boats. You can get a top-of-the-line boat at half the price. Which sometimes is even cheaper than the the cheapest stuff at the box stores.

[@roygraham6665]

ok cool ty bro

[@mikeemmons4062]

Great video!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mike!

[@j24dup]

Awesome video! Do you have a good address for the put-in and take-out for that stretch?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks!! The put in is chicken bridge on chicken bridge road. The take out was robeson creek paddle access on jordan lake.

[@metamorphosisvibe7264]

What did you use to make a quick release tow tether

[@RiverKingsKayak]

On my Astral Rescue Vest, there is a quick disconnect D-ring made especially for towing and for live bait rescue situations. Simply pull a toggle and you are free from the connection. It is a must for those situations. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5OzfZ-Dj5Z5jZo

[@metamorphosisvibe7264]

@@RiverKingsKayak awesome thanks

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

"When you're pulling a boat out of the water a couple hundred yards from where it was lost while the owner waits on the bank with one shoe" lol Would have been hard to top that line for the year lol

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL!!! Indeed BtB!

[@jefflanger5475]

I bet you were exhausted at the end of the day, Pete. Amazing what you can do on a river and awesome that you are willing to share that skill and teach people. What is a good white water boat for someone by size? (6’02” and 260) Thank is for all you do for this community! It is a lot better with you in it for sure.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks for the kind words Jeff! There are several boats for larger boaters out there. Search for creek boats like the jackson superhero and megarocker...those are a bit older and thus cheaper on the market. There are a few diff models out there.

[@Moondog19772010]

Jackson karma large, Jackson nirvana large, machno large. I'm big guy too, so a big boat is necessary. I run nirvana large at the moment.

[@boneyfreak9197]

I'll always remember this woman in a strainer no more than 3/4 of her arm length under in 4' of water. 5 full grown men trying to remove her. It was impossible. Her one hand out of the water is desperate grasps at air occasionally. Rescue got there and it took them over an hour to free her body.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Sad. I hate to hear about those events. Kayaking is inherently dangerous. Your story highlights the need for swift water rescue training. I always carry a pin kit and other needed items when kayaking...even in low key rivers with my long boats. It happens fast and you need to be prepared!

[@dekzan]

Why no paddle leashes ?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Paddle leashes are really dangerous in current. We generally avoid any and all entanglement hazards in whitewater. Surprisingly, very few paddles are ever lost.

[@alexnguyen9472]

Looking into getting into white water kayaking in summer of 2021 any recommendations on where and how to start?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Where do you live?

[@alexnguyen9472]

@@RiverKingsKayak Chicago, Midwest is preferable for starting off, but travel anywhere in the US would not be an issue.

[@thewonderingelectrician]

"Just lead out Kevin!" 😆

[@scottmeacham1738]

Good job Kevin!

[@thewonderingelectrician]

@@scottmeacham1738 thank you

[@mellowman8695]

Lol maybe the funniest whitewater video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mellow Man!

[@lonnbergt]

What River was this vid filmed on?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The Haw Rivier, Middle and Lower sections

[@VWcurtis]

Where are you guys at

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Middle and Lower Haw

[@VWcurtis]

@@RiverKingsKayak I used to live in Greensboro when I was a kid.

[@MonkeyNAround]

So that is what you were doing Friday!.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

This was Thursday

[@doubled5037]

“While the owner waits on the bank with one shoe” now that’s when you know your having fun!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

You got that right Double D!!

[@JosephWolf]

I am, at long last, almost no longer beater. Thank God.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That was worded perfectly

[@johnpuckett899]

Why are new people are people who are not really educated in the way of the river called beters

[@RiverKingsKayak]

He he! I have never figured that one out for sure. I have always assumed it is because of how beginners beat the top of the water with their paddles when stressed.

[@georgy1024]

Очень круто 👌

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Georgy

[@naranjoandres32]

Im a certified beater! 😂

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL!!

[@markblanch4178]

I'm really quite disappointed these beaters weren't put through at least 2 or 3 extensive training sessions on flat water/slow river before they went here. Some appalling lack of the basics of safe paddling

[@RiverKingsKayak]

they had already had some limited and basic instruction. Here is the thing. They are grown men and I cant control them. They were wanting to go 2 days prior either to a different class 4 river or this one when the river was really up. I couldn't talk them down so I talked them into waiting 2 days till I could go with them on this one at a lower sane level. It became a scared straight sort of day...Take it or leave it, but after this, they realized they needed to take a step back. They are doing well and have progressed nicely since.

[@markblanch4178]

@@RiverKingsKayak Yep, I wouldn't have cared what "pressure" they put on me. At all. It kinda doesn't exist unless they'd physically demonstrated prior that they had simple basics. Not even knowing to angle up water to cross, to power their boat instead of cork around, not knowing to push with the right paddle to orientate to the left, only 1 competent paddler with 3 beaters .... A second Swimmer could have been tragic as there was no-one else to be there for them I realise it's very benign water relatively speaking, but I've seen paddlers nearly drown in flat water simply because they have no idea what is going on and panic. Which would be the number one cause of drownings. I'm all for all the positives in this, as a paddler though, some of what happens in this video is concerning to day the least Paddle on, stay safe, enjoy 🛶💜

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@markblanch4178 to be clear, I was under no pressure. I just decided to use the opportunity to expose the need to dial back their river selections before they really got in a tight spot. They knew these basics but had a false sense of how well they could employ them. The river cleared things up for them. Thanks for the concern and thanks for watching!

[@markblanch4178]

@@RiverKingsKayak 👍 Keep on Kayaking on Safe, happy and adventurous paddles 👍🛶💜🙂

[@pop4725]

Mike was me two years ago …

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on Pop! I need to make another run or two with Mike. Life came at him with some grandkids recently...It has been too long!

[@mkfishing4458]

why would you take a beginner out there?that's something you have to work up to. o.O

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thats IS why. The VA Boys were going to do this without me the day before when the water was even higher. I talked them out of it to wait and go with me the next day. It was a scared straight moment. Now they understand why you work up to it.

[@mkfishing4458]

@@RiverKingsKayak I'll never understand how someone could not know it's something to work up to,you have to gain experience to know what to do in that type of waterway.I just started last fall and would never consider going through that water yet,doubt i will because i just want to fish and explore.

[@Jason-qe4tp]

I wish you were my neighbor......

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on jjgm!