Surviving -3° on an Island: Kayaking Through a Flood to Go Wild Camping

Watch my failed attempt of this trip exclusively on: / edpratt
At the very end of 2022, the South West of England experienced some extremely heavy rainfall. This resulted in a large section of the Somerset Levels flooding, turning what is ordinarily farmland, into a reservoir.
Making the most of this change in the landscape, I loaded up a kayak with some camping equipment and headed off alone across the water. My aim: find a small island upon which I could spend the freezing night...
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For this video I experimented with pairing down my filming gear in order to save weight and bulk. Opting to take just two Hero 7 Black GoPros, my DJI MINI 2 drone and a Tascam audio recorder with connected lav mic. (Links below)
📽 VIDEO MAKING GEAR:
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Sleeping Pad (UK): amzn.to/3IUpb3H
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Tent (UK): amzn.to/3EGJX4y
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#wildcamping #stealthcamping #camping
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[@bartekdcm1650]

I love these little trips. World tour was fun, but here, there is no rush, and videos are so calm and peaceful. Watching is very relaxing. Thanks for making them. Hope you're doing great :)

[@elkefaber8873]

You should wear a drysuit because of the cold water. In case of capsize your Kajak is filled up with water and the riverside is to far away. Maybe the water is not as deep but hypothermia is dangerous.

[@fragilemaileagle]

He definitely should have, just as you can clearly see in this video, he definitely didn't manage to survive at all

[@Audioobscure]

A lifejacket would have been good

[@Audioobscure]

He should have brought a swan gun

[@lauriethefish2470]

Agreed, seems risky. Cold water shock could be an even bigger concern though.

[@astranger4810]

Intresting

[@8paolo96]

Nice to see you on a kayak Ed, you're not doing bad, just a little safety suggestion from a bike traveller that once was a kayak racer: never ever ever take your hands off the paddle when capsizing, the paddle is your only way to stay up! You can't grab water to avoid to end up upside down, but you can try to recover somehow with the paddle ahhaha

[@julianedebus7990]

And some more safety suggestions from a former certified canoe instructor: Please wear Neoprene or a dry suit. Never ever paddle on flooded areas alone. I saw lots of canoe accidents throughout the years - so many things can go horribly wrong. Stay happy and healthy, best wishes, Juliane.

[@JokkazArt]

And from a random dude on the internet. Just do wtf you want

[@8paolo96]

@@JokkazArt how touchy you are, mine was just a safety suggestion that doesn't imply any equipment, just a good abit.

[@JokkazArt]

@@8paolo96*swoooosh* 🙆🏻‍♂️

[@ManWalksDogs]

@@JokkazArt hardly a whoosh. Two people give important safety advice for Ed's future trips and for anyone watching, reading & thinking of trying it themselves and here's you acting the dick like: 'YOLO, who cares if you get into trouble, being careful is boring! Nobody tells me what to do!'🤪

[@louburnett6782]

Am I the only one who just finds Ed’s voice soothing? Super interesting location ❤

[@gruttewibe76]

Hi Ed, I've been enjoying your videos for a long time, and this one is no exception. I admire your feel for adventure. I'm probably the polar opposite. I do want to warn you and anyone else considering a cold-water-kayak adventure like this: Hypothermia is around the corner. Especially on large deserted bodies of water, if you tip over, that may be the end of it. Even for innocent looking water like this. On land, out of the kayak, windchill can get really severe. Some advice: Go together if you can, keep a phone (protected from the water) within hands reach for emergencies, use a kayak with water-tight compartments (like a sea kayak) or 'air sacks' so it stays afloat even if the main compartment fills with water, wear a dry suit or wetsuit, sprayskirt, layers of quick drying clothing, an anorak (or rain jacket), buoyancy aid, and definitely bring spare dry clothes.

[@HeuristicalWorker]

A gem of a man. Thank you.

[@althejazzman]

This was beautiful. I'm so impressed that you managed to shoot two on board angles, fly a drone, and do a night timelapse.

[@AT02129]

The reflection before sunset looks like you're sailing in the sky. Love these short excursions!

[@-Shibbi]

Somehow I missed it. Mind if you show us by timestamp?

[@AT02129]

​@@-Shibbiaround 8:30 is where the water is the stillest

[@loudoret353]

Great idea for a mini-adventure. I know that area of Somerset very well. Must admit I felt the odd twitch of anxiety about you getting caught on fences or barbed wire, or being swept away by random currents, but you held up well! Glad you didn't have rain during the night!

[@wahjudi]

My concern would be if something happened and he needed help then he'd be likely stressing an already overworked emergency team. Better off adventuring somewhere or when there isn't a natural disaster affecting a region.

[@elliott.camera]

Genuinely one of the coolest videos I've seen in a long time. Makes me want to buy a kayak and camp in some inaccessible spots. Cheers ed.

[@AW99017]

Wow, I used to live in Long Sutton and had friends in Muchelney. The levels and farm next to our house used to flood most years and that road would be deep but passable but that looks crazy high. Love seeing my old area being filmed so beautifully.

[@acma200]

Neat little adventure! I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and I'm now rediscovering the joy of hiking and camping for just a day or two. The transition from big adventuring back to just being able to backpack on the weekend is a bit jaring, but life goes on. Best of luck Ed with all your future endeavors.

[@TheNails3]

From drinking your own wee in the wastes of Kazakhstan to drinking pasta flavoured coffee on a frozen temporary island in Somerset, you sure have done some interesting things, Ed!

[@gufolo-fi7242]

man that's pure art, the colors, the music, I loove that I want to do that too

[@sinatrabone]

Hey Ed, just wanted to leave a note here and say that your adventurous spirit and your wonderful videos have been really inspiring to me. I’m around your age, and I’m working on getting my first bike packing/touring setup going. Can’t wait! I loved this one. What a fun, spontaneous adventure. I hope you’re doing well!

[@maxlutz2115]

Ed is the kind of guy that makes the heart happy!

[@jpetrik155]

i would love to see you camp there in summer again when there is no water :)

[@EdPratt]

Great suggestion. May just have to try it!

[@freshy2774]

Your starting to get crazy ideas like beau miles 🤣 keep it up 👍🏽

[@ILikeMotorbikes]

That is no bad thing!

[@edzeppelin933]

Ed and Beau should do a collab! That would be amazing

[@Stewkeithmtb]

The night sky time lapse was absolutely beautiful.

[@vincentcomerford5376]

Saving this to watch on Saturday, always a good day when Ed drops a video !

[@EdPratt]

Happy to hear it Vincent. I'm confident this one won't disappoint!

[@garth_4367]

Fantastic video! what a great idea. The timelapse was beautiful

[@EdPratt]

They’re a bit of faff to set up in the moment, but always worth it. I was particularly proud of how these timelapses came out :)

[@ILikeMotorbikes]

Great work! Good to see my old local area being filmed and so well. I used to live in Stembridge. Keep it up!

[@Cloudface77]

I used to do a bit of camping love but I got painful leg cramps the last couple of times. You're such a nice lad. I bet all the girls are after you.😍

[@dagmarschmitz4984]

Hello Ed, But you also come up with ideas, wonderful! I really enjoyed the video and it's amazing how beautiful a flood can be. Your little island, super beautiful! I'm looking forward to your next adventure. Best regards dagmar🥰🤗👍

[@Nicepicha]

You are a crazy fellow in the best way possible. You are very entertaining in how you tell your story 👍

[@imoffthehillma8013]

Always enjoy your videos Ed, and this new series is interesting. I am really impressed that you repaired that tent though. When I watched the China series I thought it was a goner but obviously you didn't just ditch it. There's something - I don't know; comforting? / reassuring? - about an old, faithful shelter. I'm making my own one last as long as possible - patches and glue in places, brand-new shock-cord in the poles and almost all the guying elastics have now snapped and been replaced with cordage. Anyways, good on you mate and looking forward to the next installment!

[@jezmarshall9941]

A great video story, very honest. As others have said, a drysuit is vital for safety in really cold water, as is a companion paddler in case of emergencies , Also, just think floodwater is mixed with flushed sewers, wheelie bin contents , slurry pits etc - not great to paddle in.

[@Heisthe1ne4242]

Oh the tension at the end!

[@FireWaia]

Me and girl have stopped taking expensive trips abroad and started airbnb'ing small cottages, usually without water or electricity, or just camping with tent around our homecountry of Sweden and i love watching you do the more extreme versions of our trips. Beer or coffee on us if you ever visit Sweden!

[@NexusSpacey]

I am not much of a camper myself, but i always love seeing it. Can't wait to try it myself at some point :D

[@TJStellmach]

You know, since you discovered that island, you get to name it.

[@davidsmeath4556]

Great video, those nighttime time lapse shots are incredible!

[@Pxddy-1]

Getting around the world vibes again from this one!

[@ReillyMichael]

Love your videos and thanks for sharing. I am grateful that you didn't capsize in these conditions with the gear you had. I think you would have been in a whole world of trouble. Concider the 'what if's'

[@EdPratt]

I’m grateful I didn’t end up in the drink either - although it could’ve made for some exciting footage. I did try and waterproof my gear so that in that eventually I wouldn’t destroy electronics or get my clothes/ sleeping bag wet, but it still wouldve been a miserable time

[@travelooky1560]

Cool adventure. Looking forward to doing some kayak canoeing myself in the near future.

[@andrewwmitchell]

What a wonderful little adventure. Great concept, really well shot, and a delightful diversion through the ice.

[@scottcooper4619]

Great video Ed. I like these 20 minutes or so videos, I found it very relaxing to watch.

[@AdventureCyclist]

That camping spot was for a lack of a better phrase, "the ICING on the cake" of an amazing adventure. The ice-breaking must have been really satisfying.

[@stretch4666]

What a brilliant little adventure Ed and so close to home too. I remember going kayaking in the floods back in 2014 around Burrow Hill area.

[@rodgonbass]

Great content, Ed. Loved the eery winter atmosphere. With this video you gave us some of your best cinematography. 17:53 in particular is maybe one of your all time best shots! Tarkovsky would be proud

[@brotherandythesage]

Thanks for another adventure!

[@jonny7491]

Would be nice for a comparison to see the island and watch you go through that gate on a scorching hot summer’s day.

[@moragh4457]

Ed, Terra Nova tents usually have YKK zips & it's a fairly easy to job replace the zip pull on them (there are you tube videos). Also Terra Nova now offer a repair service. If there are no other problems with the tent it might be worth fixing the zips.

[@EdPratt]

I never knew that, thanks! I’ll get on it if the zips begin to get temperamental again.

[@jordonpilling]

Is this the first time we’ve seen Ed driving a car? Proper threw me lol - awesome mini adventure - loved it. Inspired me to go galavanting next week!

[@120Livi]

This was such a satisfying watch. Great filmmaking, great music. 👌👌

[@NewZeroland]

Beautiful video, man! I really loved the drone shots and the subtle music. Thanks for sharing!

[@Jaqaroo]

That was great Ed! Really enjoyed that one. The nighttime time lapse was fantastic!

[@2curlicue4u]

Beautiful work with the drone! This has to be one of my favourites you've done Ed

[@marissapratt5423]

I like your videos and cooking

[@tymanot]

Crazy young man. In a positive way. Love it.

[@wendysplace3867]

What a lovely interesting camping trip. Very imaginative.

[@framedman]

Literally, a very cool thing to do

[@NamelesshunterGaming]

Ed your adventures keep inspiring me and I enjoy them everytime. thank you.

[@standardannonymousguy]

Ed! Good to see you again making adventure videos! Beautiful footage, hopefully you'll keep doing what you do. Cheers.

[@garyhall4449]

Love it. Great little explore Ed 👍🏼

[@mol3y]

̶B̶i̶s̶c̶u̶i̶t̶s̶ ̶ Wellies are my motivation. 😂😂

[@adambrestovansky7275]

Ed, I absolutely love this new format! Keep it going!

[@EdPratt]

Cheers Adam!

[@Reskamo314]

What an adventure! Loved the video

[@cherylsibson2529]

Just a great video you made, was thinking about the weather? And I had wondered if you thought of Neoprene socks? Brilliant trip!

[@Heksu99]

Life is good when feet are dry. And even better when you get to switch wet socks to dry. Best way to dry shoes or boots is putting newspaper sheets in and waiting for it to get moist, then put new ones. Obviously possible only if available. Another way is to have silica gel, as it can be more easily reused by heating it up if needed.

[@theinspector1023]

Another corker! Your dinner looked much more appetising than the pink sausages you had last time. A cracking video and a real mini adventure (not without a little danger either). Thanks.

[@senbilverglate9638]

Absolutely gorgeous shots in this, wow

[@SafeTripping]

Thank you for this, beautiful scenery and filming

[@jerry2wheels618]

Yellow icebreaker. Very nice Camping. Alone no neighbors just water. Very good video. Have you checked for signs trespassing? 😀😀😀😎🔥

[@fastcircuit]

A damn, a new Pratt vid! Sweet, bring the channel back! Let's go! Camping with Ed! 😁👍 Also, get a soft kayaking helmet and gortex boots! Lolz

[@waggytail289]

Great video, Ed. Thanks. I know that camping spot next to Huish Drove and have cycled from the car park near the bridge.

[@AndrooJeanPierre]

Where you anything near of those fields covered in solar panels ? And if so, what happened to them ? Could such a flood damage them ? I'm surprised you didn't wear rubber boots... Thanks for your adventure and sharing it with us.

[@ManWalksDogs]

Those are all raised off the ground slightly, though don't know how high or how bad the flooding would need to be to partially submerge them, but in any case they must be built to withstand year round conditions and be fully weather proof, otherwise that's a huge investment wasted.

[@adam_wetton]

Absolutely love these videos Ed. They made me feel like a child again, thanks man 🙏

[@tristanpage6805]

Loved that. Great content

[@fogrunr5075]

Thank you Ed! 😊

[@Rockmaster867]

That was a once in a live time adventure!

[@ManWalksDogs]

...global warming, blah blah blah, same time next year, blah blah blah, return of the floods, blah blah blah...

[@AntiBunnyStudio]

Seems cool to try different methods of travel. Also I love that time lapse overnight shot.

[@BorderRambler]

Great to watch a video not ruined with bad audio , I guess you capture it separately to the cameras then sync in post . Excellent mini adventure atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@lilsleepy1969]

That's the exact same cooking gear that I use with my dad whenever we go down a river! Love kayaking!

[@EdPratt]

Cool, is it really. How to you find it? Mine’s a little temperamental at times, but Ive have it 8 years and it’s had a pretty rough life

[@atmrtwbike]

Great little video, Ed! Love the flooded countryside!

[@jockeyfear]

yep now i'm sure, he's the real life Alan Partridge.

[@harryfletcher5622]

Brilliant Ed, hope the bath warmed you up!

[@Audioobscure]

Your house is so cozy

[@TedJM]

I now declare that peice of land in a swamp in North Somerset to be forever known as Unicycle Island

[@thiemofischer2230]

Thanks Ed that was so nice. And brought back some good memories of first spring flooding. Nobody was kayaking though 😄

[@terranceandcopper]

nothing like a sunset on the water ! Great video

[@Whittickk]

amazing work

[@alfiecurnow7429]

Brilliant idea for a video! Well done

[@manu_n_attend_plus]

Beautiful video Ed ! It is stunning ! Love those drone shots

[@stefanmollmann8788]

Great idea for a little adventure. Really enjoyed watching it!

[@natureology2145]

Edd was waiting for your video and was thinking why your video wasnt released but you tube failed me to notify your this video was released 2 weeks earlier accompolished to see your video. A lots of love from Nepal Kathmandu.

[@jamesharvey7227]

Excellent, loved the paddling through ice, glad you didn't have a titanic moment!

[@valentin3142]

great stuff as always ed!

[@Taladar2003]

Might be interesting to see that site again in summer and without the flood if you can find it, just for comparison.

[@EdPratt]

Haha, happy you said that. You may be interested to watch day 3 of my new river series when it drops… ;)

[@johna7075]

Fair play for getting out there and having an adventure but if you'd come out of that kayak you'd have been seriously knackered and you wouldn't have long before you'd be hypothermic. Also, you really want to avoid trees and low hanging vegetation when kayaking as it's very easy to get trapped under them.

[@keefmillard]

Thanks Ed,Cracking job once again,Loving you work man :)

[@Rabbitunderground]

Possibly the most beautiful video you've ever done

[@GingerManWithACam]

This is brilliant content.

[@wayneholden1973]

Once again thanks for taking us with you marvelous, I have sent you a pm...

[@SebCam]

"That's all part of the fun, isn't it." #EdQuote Impressive to see ya getting out there to create this uniquely-timed local adventure :) ....and a pleasant reminder for me not to come home anytime soon! Hahaaa :)

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome Episode :) Ice breaker Kayak was fun :)

[@marcfuchs6938]

Makes me very aware, how much I am looking forward to finally turn spring and then summer. Living close to Munich, I am intending to be having a 4 day trip to the Alps and back in a few months. What is amazing me about your tech: For how long did that Gopro keep on running? In such freezing conditions, batteries usually run out of power very quickly. I must know, I am using my phone on the bike handlebar through all winter, and it can happen, that it may shut off at 50%. Lithium batteries just don't like the cold at all, which is also a big issue for electric vehicles.

[@EdPratt]

It’s interesting you mention that. I have about 10 GoPro batteries in total, which I kept in an inside pocket close to my body to keep warm. Same thing at night - I stash my batteries inside my sleeping bag. The drone literally doesnt take off if the batteries are too cold so I tuck one in an armpit until it’s warm enough. The struggle with cold weather filming is real, but multi day trips are more of a struggle batterywise, than these overnighters

[@EdPratt]

Hope your trip goes well!

[@marcfuchs6938]

@@EdPratt Thank you for your answer, Ed! I am sure you have learned so many things about how to handle your tech on your world trip and your additional ones. Maybe this whole battery story would be something to implement into a future project? I am sure people would like to know about your struggles and methods used for dealing with the batteries. While also educating them about what you should keep in mind about Lithium batteries. Because I assume some people have had a randomly dying phone when the battery still showed capacity left. Or stuff like, if you don't use a gadget with a battery for long, don't store it empty or fully charged, but preferably at 50%.

[@mikemulvihill6895]

Brilliant video mate. What an idea.

[@stevegreenwood8168]

I've had Panacota and Pain au chocolate but never had pan of coffee😂. Nice time lapse.

[@Techywelath]

Nice videos edpartt