Learn How to Kayak - Day 1

Have you ever wanted to learn to kayak? In this video, we watch a batch of first time kayakers take on the challenges of learning how to whitewater kayak. There is just so much to learn that it can be like drinking from fire hydrant. For this reason, I primarily focus on edge control. This is a skill that will be crucial for enjoying the sport of kayaking - whether in whitewater, sea kayaking, touring, recreational boating, fishing or any other type of kayaking you do. Come along for a look at Day 1 for a group of beginner kayakers!
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[@jerrymiller276]

I really like how you praise them for what they did right before you talk about how to do it better. Always with the positive reinforcement and then the what to do different next time. Never negative or concentrating on what they did wrong. Those are the signs of a, not just good, but a great teacher.👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jerry! I try!

[@jerrymiller276]

@@RiverKingsKayak Have you seen this video? If things had gone south that would have been a lot of rapids to swim! He has a bigger set of, uh, testicualer fortitudiness than I can ever hope to have. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6qUpHmIos1jn9U

[@RiverKingsKayak]

yes sir! Yeah, Bren is one of the best!! a sweet video too!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

For someone who "isn't a formal teacher"...dang you're good!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Bob! I do it for free...that way they always get their money's worth! LOL

[@bobmcelroy7289]

😂

[@zachpruitt3193]

Learning like this on the river would be one hell of an experience! Love the videos!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Zach!

[@nicholasfarrow2478]

Hi Pete, Your channel is simply fantastic. The combination of knowledge, enthusiasm and humour you show for the sport is off the scale! Please can you do a follow up video on these beginners - I found it so instructive. I am an english guy discovering kayaking late in life and rate your channel as one of the best out there. A pure inspiration!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Nicholas!! Will do!!

[@davezetec]

Also an English guy here discovering kayaking for the last year an a half, 36 now!

[@brianvail2446]

This video explained much about WW basics that I didn't get. I am starting to understand why boats have such different hull designs.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

good deal! There is definitely a science behind it all. Each design offers something but makes compromises somewhere else...

[@RobSchmidt434]

Thanks for another great video. It's a lot of good perspective for those of us that are brand new to all of this. I especially like it when you pause the video and draw lines to show where the eddy lines are, boat angles, and where the current is going. That makes it crystal clear what you're talking about.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Rob! That is what it is all about! I need to do more of that!

[@RileyOutside]

I love your enthusiasm for introducing folks to the sport and supporting kayaker development

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Riley!! It has become a really fun part of my kayaking the last several years...It never seems to get old!

[@deannamoslander4494]

I want to come kayak with you !! You covered a lot of ground : )

[@RiverKingsKayak]

lets go Deanna!

[@themaineoutdoorguy]

That looks like an insane ride my friend!! I hope to get your level of confidence. Great video 😊

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton! just stay at it!

[@omidindeed]

You’re such a great teacher Pete! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks a ton Omid! Thanks for tagging along for the adventure!

[@mylesanniss322]

please could you do a run through of all your boat

[@RiverKingsKayak]

not a bad idea

[@loicdallaire1714]

That hero line was truly amazing!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Loïc! LOL!!

[@IE_Tiger]

Love this video. Your contribution to the community in person and online like this has been instrumental in growing the community.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Tiger! I really appreciate that!

[@chrispecou9891]

Awesome video and very informative. Definitely learned a lot just by watching this video 🤙

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks C P!

[@ilariaz.143]

I loved this video as I can totally see myself in there! I just started with WW kayak and had a 2 days beginners course. Your teaching skills are awesome, I wish I could join you! Cheers from Italian girl paddling in Germany 😎

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Ilaria! Thanks! Let me know if you ever get over this way!

[@mitchdroberts]

Great Video! As a newbie, love watching these videos of other newbies advancing their skills. Also, thanks again for that how to roll video. It's a big part of the reason I got my first combat roll yesterday!! Taught myself to roll in my pool using your video. All that practice kicked in when I flipped in a Class III rapid and was able to get myself rolled over - felt great! Thanks again! :)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on mroberts! Thats what it is all about!!

[@billyskin7715]

I saw yall at Madison I'm still learning wish I would have came by

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on billy!

[@ava-brendadillard7131]

Loved this!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Brenda!!

[@AVAJourneys]

As always, excellent, and somthing learned! AVA Brian

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Brian!!

[@frantube20]

you're an excellent coach. Thanks for words of wisdom and professionalism. you say things that many coaches overlook or just missed saying?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Lionel!! I try!

[@troybennington3479]

Love the training transition from small nothing hole to hell hole. Same technique all the way through. I knew I would see that girl again, but that was fast, love it!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Troy!

[@brianwofford3831]

Good video, I am taking a first timer paddling next week. I thought I would look at this video to get my mind right.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Brian!

[@simonpe3trie102]

Great video, thank you he wouldn’t happen to know if there’s any such thing as a set in white water kayak for a 6 foot 3 140 kg are approximately 300 lb 🙏🏻

[@RiverKingsKayak]

good question...Look at a Fluid brand "Do It Now" kayak. They are a tank.

[@chillhilltravel9933]

I have learned so much, thank you! I’d love to see footage of you from a distance as well as from the headcam, to get the point of view of comparing a seasoned kayaker to the beginners. Well done to them, they improved so much! Great teaching!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks you CHT! I will try to incorporate that!

[@JasonJarvis-uz6vv]

hell of a teacher i just wish i had a teacher like that never been on the water but i love watching

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jason! Just having fun out there and enjoying the progress!

[@ocpbmuse]

Man, what a blessed crew! Would love to get this kind of instruction when I jump into a boat!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks for the kind words Jameson! Where do you live?

[@ocpbmuse]

@@RiverKingsKayak currently in Southern California but moving to Asheville next summer

[@jonathancoley3622]

Heck yeah! It’s been 2 long months since I have been in my Boat 😫 waiting for the new motor to get to the shop. Soons it is Ready I want to do a nice 2-3 day trip!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh man! That's too long Jonathan! I know you are ready to be back out there!

[@troybennington3479]

So that’s where the clip came from in the previous laugh at yourself video!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he he!!

[@guth3891]

Such a great video Pete !!!! One of the best ones !!! Keep spreading the paddle ! You are the man.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Guth!!

[@iowaadventures4701]

Engine is so important know matter if you run Class five Rapids like you do or lakes, ponds and swift moving rivers with occasional class one rabbit like I do! Regardless it’s awesome to watch you pass your knowledge two others. You are a credit to the spot!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed IA! Thanks a ton for the kind words!!

[@shannonmink7488]

I’ll be ready for this one! As a rookie I can tell you first hand what happens when you have poor edge control.

[@mikeburton1234]

great video, I would love to kayak with you sometime

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Mike!! Lets go!

[@jamielewis510]

That’s is great video. It is so important with edge control and surfing. You helped out me and so many others. Thanks.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jamie! We need to hit a river again soon!

[@ryanmalynn]

My favorite video yet….Watched this last night; today I bought a Rewind. Wish me luck and I’ll see you on the river (I’m in the Triangle)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ryan! We should hit a river sometime!

[@ryanmalynn]

I’d love to

[@anselmoreyes6160]

Wow, you can see the improvement Amazing

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Anselmo!

[@Jwarick1231]

Very Awesome!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks!

[@StefanFuhrmann]

You’re doin a very good job as a teacher!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Stefan!

[@bradyridgley6338]

Thank you sir

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brady!

[@ron9543]

I absolutely loved this video. I'm a new kayaker. Fun to watch, but extremely informative! I must say though, the music ruins it for me in the spots where it plays. I'm trying to clearly hear the advice you are shouting, and music gets in the way.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ron...Sorry you dont enjoy the music! I get that from time to time...

[@gw6797]

Fantastic

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks gw!

[@chrisnadollek2208]

Pete have you ever been whitewater kayaking with someone that is paralysed? I'm paralysed and have been whitewater kayaking for 18 month, not being able to use your legs makes edging very hard, and when edging, balance becomes a big problem. rolling is also very difficult. I was lucky that when EJ was over in the UK for the Worlds just over a month back he spent time with me to work out a method to get me rolling. there is little on youtube to help paralysed people to go whitewater kayaking

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Hey Chris! I have not. I have seen a few paddlers out there with similar conditions/challenges. I may have such an opportunity soon...perhaps I can learn how all that works and possible put up a video that may help those looking to take on just that challenge! Keep grinding!! EJ is my hero!

[@BrittanyVanderlinden]

This was SO helpful! Do you offer lessons or clinics?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brittany! I dont offer any formal instruction or clinics, but am always out there on the river with folks and helping out where I can. If you want formal instruction, I recomend H20 Dreams, Ace Kayaking School, NOC, Endless River Adventures and Boyd Ruppelt with Clean Line Kayaking.

[@BrittanyVanderlinden]

@@RiverKingsKayak Thanks! I love H20 Dreams and NOC. Hope I see you on a river soon!

[@josh8058]

Some naturals in there for sure.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed Josh!

[@ChrisTankCrasher]

Love this. Am I right in thinking, if I lift my right knee to lift right side, I would sort of press my left foot to the foot board?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I do less pressing with my off foot and more lifting knee/body crunch with the high sided...You can also press down with your left hamstring if your outfitting is perfect...It also affects the attitude of the edging...

[@FDCaptain02]

Great video! What boat(s) would you recommend for a beginner? Plenty of flat water and small rivers/creek experience but no whitewater.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

There are so many. What size and weight are you?

[@FDCaptain02]

@@RiverKingsKayak 5'9" around 175

[@DawnBroom]

Julianna listens!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed!

[@bhgant813]

Would you recommend the Remix? I’m almost 50 and just getting back into it after 20 years away. Last boat as an S6. Just interested in running rivers, nothing crazy. Also been looking at Antix 2.0 or maybe a Machno.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

remix or machno would be take care of you boats. Antix 2 would be a fun sporty boat.

[@bhgant813]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you! Really enjoying your channel!

[@royhawthorne8405]

We're is that river at that you are on? I'm thinking somewhere in TN. Know the ocoee.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Mayo River, on the border of NC and Virginia

[@earth-2-ethan]

Gotta find a more friendly tone for that ding… 🙉

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! DING!

[@mountainmonk1862]

❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks MM!

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

100% of flips I've done in moving water has been due to edge control, or rather lack of it 🙂🙃😂

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Mine too!! LOL

[@ShortyAKALestat]

Such an awesome video! Good job all! I know I need to work on my edges for sure!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Shorty!

[@canajian]

👋😎👍