Kayaking on Rivers | Paddling for Beginners

Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: americancanoe....
Learn how to kayak on rivers from expert Ken Whiting. Paddling techniques for beginners.
Gear I have tested and recommend:
Paddles:
Aqua-bound Shred (whitewater) tidd.ly/3HRZCyq
Aqua-bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece (rec/touring) tidd.ly/3jND8qB
PFDs:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) tidd.ly/3XodlTv
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) tidd.ly/3Yy7yMk
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) tidd.ly/3xcsXih
Dry Gear / Layers:
NRS Flux Drytop tidd.ly/3KfoYcH
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket tidd.ly/40Kf0pi
NRS Axiom Dry Suit tidd.ly/3YGUSmg
Jackets:
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket www.cotopaxi.c...
Shirts:
NRS Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt - Mens tidd.ly/3DVrNva
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt tidd.ly/3YIa6XV
Pants:
NRS Benny Board Shorts tidd.ly/3lrG78z
Footwear:
NRS Boundary Boot tidd.ly/3DXamKT
Astral PFD Sandal tidd.ly/3xjPtWI
Sunglasses
Wiley X Outdoor Sunglasses bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Other Paddling Gear
NRS WRSI Current Helmet tidd.ly/40EUkiB
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt tidd.ly/3YHTaBD
Surf Ears Ear Plugs bit.ly/3AbMl1y
GoPro Hero 11 Black amzn.to/3ZWVXHN
Rapid Pure Purifier amzn.to/3iuIo1C
Zoleo Satellite Communicator amzn.to/3kv0hOt
NOTE: These are affiliate links in which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of helping get people on the water and creating life-long outdoor participants.
Outdoorplay: outdoorplay.com
NRS: nrs.com
Wiley X: wileyx.com
Check out our full Paddling Gear Guide here: in4adventure.c...
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY and subscribe to our NEW Blog, In4adventure.com!
FOLLOW ME
Facebook: / gopaddle
Instagram: / paddle365
Twitter: / gopaddle
Blog: in4adventure.com
PRODUCED BY
Heliconia: www.heliconia.ca
Contact: [e-mail]
MADE POSSIBLE with the Support of:
Ontario Creates: www.ontariocre...
#PaddleTV #RecreationalKayak #RiverKayak #RiverKayaking #KayakTouring #KayakingSafety

[@PaddleTV]

Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: americancanoe.org/paddlesports-online-course/

[@matthewsoares1862]

❤i love your videos i watch every one you explain stuff so well! im in quebec and mostly do class 1 river and this videos great!! thanks

[@keystonedaytrip238]

I’m not a newbie , but I’ll still watch every video like this . You can’t be a “know-it-all” , gotta be open to learn everyday . Good video , thx for the upload !

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

Great advice

[@UpNortBassin]

Truer words....

[@MaYbYl8eR]

Im trying to be a know it all

[@kennyw871]

Hint: I always paddle upriver when I start out. That way when It's time to return, the journey is easier. This is especially important until you get to know your fitness level to paddle rivers. Also, I'm an excellent swimmer, but I ALWAYS wear a life jacket. No execeptions or it's a No Go. Great video, thank you very much.

[@dontall71]

Good advice Kenny!

[@lexwaldez]

PFD is a must. When I'm on Class II and above I'll always wear a helmet too. When you see the scuffs on your helmet after bouncing off a friendly boulder or two it's easy to see the value. 😄

[@karkitty202]

Thanks for the advice

[@peskycitizen7582]

As someone new to kayaking, I really appreciate your “beginner” videos.

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear you're enjoying them!

[@khoreydakers1905]

9 months later, how’s your kayaking experience been?

[@peskycitizen7582]

@@khoreydakers1905 … absolutely fantastic!!! I’ve had so much fun exploring local creeks and lakes that I’ve gotten my sister into kayaking too. My friend and I are planning a weeklong kayaking trip to Kentucky next month. I’ve recommended these videos to my sister and heartedly recommend to anyone starting out.

[@ashtonians]

All of this is great advice, especially about recognizing and avoiding danger! Just today I paddled a few miles down the St. Marys River in Florida/Georgia at flood stage, in very fast current with strainers everywhere (in my new Bonafide EX123). I survived to tell the tale! For the next video, maybe talk about how to steer effectively to avoid obstacles (I have noticed this requires some pre-planning), how to properly approach bridges/pilings (they seem notoriously dangerous), and strategies for making your way upstream against the current (or just directly across the river from one side to the other). Also, how to get around or through obstacles that fully block the river (fallen trees, etc.), knowing when and how to portage, etc. Another good topic would be understanding the effects of tides on coastal creeks and waterways, and how to avoid trouble when kayaking around power boats. Would love to hear your thoughts on any of those topics. Thanks! Love this channel!

[@ChristelVinot]

yes all of this

[@Celisar1]

But what do you do when you cannot avoid getting pressed against a strainer?

[@shaggydudegaming]

I’m so thankful that there are channels on KZbin designated entirely to the hobbies I want to pursue

[@Trenz0]

Awesome video. Went on a (rental) kayaking trip with a buddy mostly blind. Been kayaking before, but only on lakes, harbors, and ponds--not really any currents to worry about. Did very minimal research about river kayaking beforehand besides general hazards and the like, as the route we were taking was very basic and in a fairly populated area. We had an absolute blast and we're both very interested in getting into the hobby (especially since we tried a pungo very much like the one you're sitting on. What a kayak!). This video was very helpful as it helped to fill in some of the blanks we realized after our trip. I had no idea those things were called eddy lines! So cool that the hobby is so fleshed out that there is a name for every part of the boat and phenomenon in the water! Having access to information like this in well made videos makes me happy to live in the world we live in today. I didn't even search for this stuff, it just pops into my recommended after I was looking into which kayaks are best for beginners. Now I'm deep in the rabbit hole and getting useful tips like this. Thanks for your effort. Sure beats blindly trying to find a book or stumbling across a person who can guide you into the hobby!

[@ADVENTUREKM]

In this day in age you could of researched where you were going to kayak even with a company renting boats, on that river.

[@charlessanne5689]

as a class 4 whitewater kayaker i must say this video is so needed here in norway the worst accidents we have are when ppl lose their lives in fishing kayaks on the rivers we have here becouse they want to fish for salmon when around the river bend theres a 10+ meetre drop down a waterfal with some logs stuck down it

[@vf12497439]

For those who haven't started leaning during a turn to make your turn sharper. Try this on calm water. Place your weight onto one butt cheek. Lets say you've placed your weight to the right and now your boat has taken a lean to the right. If your moving forward with some momentum you can low brace with a right paddle drag and make a fairly quick right turn without upsetting your boat ballance further. You could back stroke your paddle at this point to speed your turn rotation. In moving water a low braced turn can be effective done on a dime if you will. The moving current can be your friend in regards to maneuvers.

[@woolypuffin392]

In Switzerland the "Aare" (Rivers Name) Boating is very popular but we have a few drownings every year despite many warning signs. We have one place that has one of those big waves and luckily I can start my tour a few metres under this danger point, but many will just go into it and see if they can get out. Also, when swimming in a river, keep your feet up and in front of your body. That way you won't get caught up.

[@jayprinzing1296]

I began kayaking this year. And learning a lot from your videos. I see there's different techniques in using the pedal down a river turning and whatnot. It'd be nice for an in-depth paddle instruction on how to hold the paddle in the river for steering and keeping it going straight.

[@laureverville1849]

So I got a sea kayaking anecdote that involves a river. I was paddling with a group and to get back to launch point we had to cross a rapid (maybe class 2 at the heart of it, I'm not super familiar with white water classifications) created by the mouth of a river. When we left earlier in the day it was high tide, so we island hoped further away and were not bothered by the river mouth, but coming back we had no choice because other wise we would have been on sand. Anyway, I'm the last in the group to cross the rapid (second guide was dealing with rudder breaking issue further back though) and I know full well I have to show my butt to the current to prevent capsizing. Well my dumbass somehow managed to lose a bit of balance and of course that made me lean into the rapid, thus the current caught my boat and flipped me. So since I couldn't roll yet, I just got out of my kayak and flipped it upright, then saw the guide was already pretty far away and on the other side of the rapid (I was still in it) so I decided to just climb back into my kayak. I actually did manage to climb back in my sea kayak before the guide got to me (hurray for me! First time I did it when it was not practice) but yeah, just wanted to say to new paddlers that if you don't show your butt to the current while your sideways, it's going to just grab your boat and flip you super quickly, so unless you got good bracing/rolling, you're going for a swim.

[@joannemacdonald3133]

I was fortunate to take a beginners white water course in my early 40s in Beachburg On, I believe you were part owner, best instructor, I am 67 and have loved being on any river in a kayak since. Made a convert out of me. Just retired this spring, the water is calling !!

[@funclaysculptures3758]

Your videos are great. I paddled in an inflatable kayak down a class 1 river (Provo River) today. First time ever on a river, and it was awesome. I was nervous the night before, and watched this video to help. Great advice, and it got into my brain a little better hearing from you in addition to the experienced kayaker I went with. The boat I borrowed was crappy cheap, and leaky and I still had the best time. I was so jazzed I came home and immediately bought one of the inflatable kayaks you reviewed on another video. Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

Awesome to hear you had such a great first experience! Congrats on the new boat! What boat did you buy?

[@funclaysculptures3758]

@@PaddleTV I ordered the Sea eagle 300X as I'll be using it equally often with my friends on flat lakes, and going down some of the beautiful class 1 and 2 rivers in Utah. It seems like exactly the boat for me.

[@lizdg3892]

I’m 62. Spent the majority of my life working. That being said I grew up in the country and have some experience. But now it’s time to enjoy life more fully and I know there is a lot of technique to learn not only to make it more efficient and enjoyable but most importantly safer. So thank you. I’ll take all the knowledge you have to give. Many thanks 🙏.

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear, and I hope you have many, many, many great paddling trips in the years ahead!

[@deannaseguin4342]

I am new to kayaking and recently discovered the Goulais River near Sault St. Marie. I would have just headed out to that river with no thought that there may be different techniques for river paddling. Thank you so much for this video, it was clear, concise and full of great tips!!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you find it helpful!

[@RitaSicora]

Great video! I wish we watched it before our scary experience last year. Now I see what could have happened but luckily didn't. One big lesson we learned was to have paddle bungees so we don't lose our paddles under the log like last time!

[@randycompton5543]

I just did my first run down flowing water, I did everything you said not to do and I flipped two times, just learned a great deal, thank you for this video, wished I had watched it before I went out! 2 thumbs up

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Well.. sometimes learning from your own mistakes is the most fun. :)

[@CopperTOPDave]

This is a superior beginner video!!! The only thing i would add is how to react in the event you get caught in a strainer as its a reality for a lot of beginners.

[@PaddleTV]

True... although I cringe at the thought of people going into strainers.

[@CopperTOPDave]

@@PaddleTV same, but most will naturally want to go under the strainer vs over. That little bit of info to your audience could save hundreds im sure! Keep doing you! Its a great thing what you're doing here!

[@danbev8542]

Don’t go into strainers!!!!!! Don’t go into strainers!!!! Go around! Get out of your boat & carry around if necessary!

[@jarroddraper5140]

Ya low bridges count as a strain er right I did the rock problem but pulling my self to the other shore of the river next to a bridge

[@jakebrakebill]

Like people that try crossing a flooded roadway in a car and have no idea the power of 2' of water. You just can't stress enough the power of a flowing river which is virtually docile till something goes wrong and in a second your beyond your capabilities. Great video. Oh and PFD, PFD, PFD.....

[@adammitchell3462]

I'm a bass angler and have recently acquired myself a nice angling kayak and have been studying your channel before I even attempt this and you've brought a lot of things to light that I never even considered

[@Mary-sf8cy]

Best kayak videos my husband and I have seen in all our years watching them

[@melzahneemelzahnee1423]

Best explanation I've seen of getting in and out of eddies. There is an eddy on a river near my home, it flips almost everyone because they lean the wrong way. Now I get it. Seriously, light bulb moment here. Thank you!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

This is a fantastic resource Ken. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Teaching an intro to river class tonight so I was doing some research. This touches exactly what I’m hoping impart on these first time river paddlers.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Dan!

[@Dakiraun]

A good tip perhaps for an up-and-coming video might be to talk about force in relation to the size of the kayak. You mentioned in this one that water can exert a tremendous amount of force, and that's so very true; it's what most often catches people off guard. Where I've seen (and experienced) that be a multiplied effect is when you have a longer boat. So, for example, if someone's got a short 9 foot recreational kayak and they start a turn on a fast flowing river, when the full length of their boat is against the current, that's the maximum force of the water pushing at them. If there's someone with a 17 or 18 foot sea kayak, that's a lot more surface area for the water to push on when fully against them. Where I've seen that catch people off guard is how quickly a big kayak is pushed away, or how quickly you can be in trouble if it jams up on a rock or strainer or some sort.

[@PaddleTV]

Good point!

[@debmaclyman2547]

Thank you, this is a very helpful Video for me as a newbie. Waiting for my kayak to arrive today.

[@PaddleTV]

Enjoy the new river toy! :)

[@madenny326]

Clear, simple information with good visual explanations. Excellent.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@raymondsmith2194]

Hi.im raymond Smith from dalhousie nb. And just want to say I love the way you teach.your videos every thing is awesome..you captured alot of people by the simple ways you explain things.want to say a big thank you.

[@PaddleTV]

I appreciate that Raymond! I'm jealous of the paddling you have near you! Happy paddling this year!

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Fantastic videos. I'm getting back into the yaks after many years and injuries and finding them useful. Never drift down river sideways. You come across an obstacle and things can get very serious very quickly. One young lady ignored the repeated advice to her and she came to some old bridge piers. Strong current tipped her over to the piers, force on hull of yak crushed the foredeck onto her legs trapping her. Took a couple of hours to get a rope attached and a number of people to haul an end upstream to free her while someone held her head just above water awaiting release. A saw would have been useful.

[@tominnenPL]

Big thumb up Ken 👍🏻 I know it's just a teaspoon information kayaking on rivers, but now you are opening the door to wide knowledge reading river, paddling and behave on that sort of water. You are experienced kayaker, and consider to share with us some of your wisdom what to avoid. Ken, perhaps you make a video how to body excercise, especially paddling parts. Or even dealing with long term paddling body aching... 🤔 Gym with Ken! That would be interesting. Great video! Super!

[@Beowulf002]

Thanks I live near great falls and the Potomac river both beautiful but we have had plenty of people drown in the Potomac during recreational activities

[@whalesong8040]

Thenk you, Ken, for these very helpful videos! I so appreciate how clear you are in your descriptions of potential conditions, and how to manage them safely. I am an old whitewater rafting guide...haven't been on the river (sadly!) in far too many years, and I am now having a thrilling time getting out on flat and slow-moving waters in my sea kayak. It is a whole different animal from guiding rafts through Class V water, and I'm loving it! Your videos help to refresh my memory, and to tailor my river knowledge to my current level of capabilities. I would add that using a sprayskirt in a closed boat is a great way to keep waves from swamping, and makes things a lot warmer as well in cooler season boating. Can't wait to watch more! Many thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! I appreciate it. I totally agree about it being a different game paddling current in a sea kayak... a super fun game! :)

[@tombowater2589]

As a beginner paddler this video is so valuable! Thanks Ken. Helps to keep me safe on the water 👍🏻

[@goranmileusnic2586]

Thank you so much for all the videos you make. Got into kayaking fairly recently and getting ready to try my very first paddling in current. All your videos so far are of great help and I take them into account every time I'm on the water.

[@chevyvantravel9735]

Best explanations, clear, specific to the point telling you why and when and how. and awesome examples. thank you, sir!

[@PaddleTV]

You're very welcome! And thank you!

[@sagacious5732]

Newbie here, had a very interesting experience a week ago, class 2 - 3 trip down the river in my backyard, had an open cockpit sit in kayak, wheeee, sank that bad boy 3 times. Managed to survive with minor scrapes / bruises, but certainly learned that I have a LOT to learn!

[@PaddleTV]

:) Sometimes you have to learn the lessons the hard way, right? :) This is why open cockpit sit-inside kayaks aren't designed for class 2-3 whitewater. They can handle fast moving current, but not real waves. You need to be using a sit-inside kayak that uses a skirt and has bulkheads, so the whole kayak doesn't swamp. Or, use a sit-on-top kayak that won't swamp. This is the 'easier' option.

[@sagacious5732]

@@PaddleTV Oh the things one doesn't know! I thought I'd be able to handle the waters around me, after all, the river on my property is calm, sedate, I can easily paddle upstream and change directions with ease. But go a mile downriver, and it turns into a beast (comparatively speaking). The kayak I have is very inexpensive (

[@Humberto9637]

I’m a beginner and this past summer I went paddling down the Delaware River with my son and wife, from Bush kill up north down 9 miles stopping once. I went through 5 rapids the last one was very challenging. I was in my Pelican 10 ft Mustang and I wasn’t expecting or prepared for this rapid. I could hear it from far as I paddle down. I freaked out at first but I remember what I learned from watching your videos. I must say, for a sixty five year old dude, I handled it like a pro. My kayak was awesome. I learned how important it is to scout and study the river. It was an awesome experience.

[@PaddleTV]

That's awesome to hear! Maybe you'll have to try whitewater kayaking next! :)

[@stevenbrogna1100]

Delaware river is class 1. You can easily paddle in it. Swim hell no. 90 deaths since the 60s.

[@sidilicious11]

“A conveyor belt through the outdoors.” Love that description.

[@Shedosky1479]

Wow! I will revisit this one a few times. Been kayaking for 2 years now on small protected lakes, class 1 river and Mississippi backwaters. My previous experience was canoeing, but that was 45 years ago! Have been lucky with some tricky situations, being a cautious person and having good instincts, but those things only go so far. Thanks so much for these well presented videos. Being prepared is priceless!

[@PaddleTV]

Glad it was helpful! Happy paddling this season!

[@TomSilver_42]

One little hint towards the gear flowing when you flipped yourself in any boat .. Any free gear is, or will be, lost. Sooner or later. So tie down your gear inside the boat! Dry sack can be at least minimalistic floater, as there is still some air left inside, so it will help to keep your boat afloat.

[@amyleibman9573]

Great video! I just went on my first kayak trip today on Jack's Fork in Missouri. I struggled and flipped twice. First one wasn't bad and now I know what I could have done to prevent it. Second flip was scary and why a) life jackets are necessary and b) why it's nice to have others with you. I don't know what I could have done differently as the majority of kayakers were eating it at this spot. But I got trapped underneath my kayak. So, to not let fear keeping me from kayaking again...learning some more. Great video and I will watch more!

[@seanc7886]

This is fantastic information, I saw a video I think you mentioned the ACA and I started it, thanks for putting out the great content and educating everyone

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! My pleasure.

[@6Sally5]

I’m brand new to kayaking. Thanks very much for this!

[@matthewjleaman]

Thank you for your videos. they are easy to understand. You are a good teacher and helping keep people safe.

[@PaddleTV]

You are very welcome! Thank you!

[@elizabeththomas8098]

This is brilliant and so very useful. I really appreciate your generosity and guidance.

[@jm-bv1wh]

Great introductory video covering a lot of basics. I've only flipped once in my life, and that was caused by a "leaner" - a large tree branch protruding into the river from the river bank (more of a problem on narrow, twisty creeks/rivers, where you can't easily get away from the leaner) - having the same effect as the rock in the river that he mentioned. Leaners could have been covered along with strainers. Any gear/dry bags in your boat needs to be secured to the boat/deck lines with carabiners; otherwise, if you flip, your gear will be gone.

[@jm-bv1wh]

Correction - what I called a leaner is actually called a sweeper.

[@PaddleTV]

Good point. Glad it was just a leaner and not a strainer!

[@ToolEnvy]

Looking to start Class 1 (slow and fast flowing) river kayaking on sit-on-top kayak next spring/summer and really appreciate these tips. Great tutorial!

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear! Happy paddling!

[@kamael1125]

It's like being on the conveyor belt through the outdoors. :D

[@TrailHiker52]

Thank you for this. I will be hitting a calm river on Sunday, but for first time.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks again, Ken. It's always good to learn new things. 🙂😀🚣‍♂️👍

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Brian. More to come!

[@Chris86Engelhardt]

Love your beginners videos as I'm new to kayaking thanks for sharing

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@Colorofmysoul]

I am a newbie, and love your content and humor. Thank you!

[@veronicaalessandrello1022]

You are a very good trainer. Thank you for your videos.

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@karlalabath3699]

Thank you for doing these videos. As a newbie paddling some big rivers: Mississippi and Chicago having some info like this really helps.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad to help

[@PaulKRedd]

The best way to learn to do rivers is to go with experienced river paddlers on familiar rivers, or rivers well under their skill limit. Watching this video is a start, but not enough to turn you loose. There is way to much detail to proper trip planning, river-flow volume, access points, gear checks, etc. The blind leading the blind is a common problem. Good paddling leaders can keep it fun so you don't have to learn all this stuff at once. I've done tons of this kind of trip leading, and their is no substitute for going with people who know what they are doing. Then you are obligated to pay it forward down the line.

[@Dutcharmytent]

Just the information I was looking for, thank you.

[@titusbc]

Always good videos to revisit. You know it’s spring when… :)

[@vas.milivoj]

i just got my first kakyak(inflatable)..but still had not tried it. i am supper happy for finding your videos. thanks you very much :)

[@PaddleTV]

Glad to hear they're helpful! Enjoy the new kayak!

[@changanga2566]

Sir.. 🙏 it is a great video about safety and other things kayaking.. I am so glad that i came across your video. Iam very new to kayaking.. only spend 2 hours so far in water.. Thanks again..

[@PaddleTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@trcass1]

great segment sir. appreciate the tips and instruction.

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure!

[@OnetoWatch]

Brilliant video again Ken! I’ve just started to do some easier class 2 river trips and this has completely put things into perspective!! 🎥🛶👌👏

[@PaddleTV]

Glad to help!

[@bullscrazyadventures9941]

Wow, Just got me a sit on top, never kayaked in my life, and you Just helped me out alot!!!! I subscribed as well brother, thank you for the tips!!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Awesome! Happy I could help! Have a great season on the water.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Thank you so very much for these helpful techniques.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you like them!

[@ticker4083]

Thank you so much for your videos, They have definitely helped me appreciate my new life of kayaking, You are awesome, thank you.

[@dewaynecummings5210]

I absolutely love your videos and so glad I found your site. Thanks for all your teachings.

[@PaddleTV]

You are so welcome!

[@rhm021m]

Hey Ken, Thank you so much, i really appreciate you diving into this topic, I was hoping that you did not forget when i asked you to do a vid on how identify different classes of whitewater, now you're doing that and much more. Beginners and experienced all will benefit from these vids, thanks again ken.

[@bindig1]

These are great videos. I am new to kayaking and recommend viewing these before going on the water

[@CourtneyVisser]

There’s so much information in this video holy crap. Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

:) My pleasure

[@videowynn]

Just starting into this fun activity and got a lot out of this video thanks. Paddling on the Bow River in Calgary and at the Glenmore Reservoir to start.

[@PaddleTV]

Happy I could be helpful Mike. I have some good memories paddling on the Bow River... Paddled from Lake Louise to Banff once, which was a stunning day trip. Cheers!

[@henrycheng8]

Super clear! Thanks!

[@LindaTomes]

Thank you for the info for beginners

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers!

[@richlavine01]

Getting ready for an upcoming trip with my son. Super helpful info. Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear!

[@BushKayakersCampingAustralia]

Nice one Ken all GREAT ADVICE !

[@Daniel_Clem]

My first kayak experience I put my kayak in the St-Lawrence river, I'm lucky I didn't die or something. There's huge boats making waves multiples foots high, massive currents, rapids, debris ... It's almost like kayaking at sea now that I'm more experienced ahahhaha.

[@DB-cx6cb]

You have excellent communication skill❤

[@asifhussain2074]

great Informativ. Danger foot LocK ! carving, stucK en un rock ! Lean in, I Like

[@nearperfecthome1043]

As always great video mate. Just getting back in to Kayaking so this is great advice. Stay safe at this time mate and thank you.

[@josieespada-hartselle4778]

Thank you for this very helpful video. I am new to recreational kayaking.

[@Kayrenar]

Excellent video and tips! New kayaker here that ❤️ calm water. I’m staying there!

[@PaddleTV]

Welcome aboard!

[@noggusdoghus5262]

Great information to hear as a semi - beginner. Thank you very much for the info and thanks for the upload!

[@lawrencestokes5745]

Great video thank you. Please, can you demonstrate hugging the rock and how to swim your boat to shore?

[@PaddleTV]

I actually searched the river for a rock to demonstrate. I was surprised how difficult it was to find a rock like this! I'll definitely keep my eyes open for the opportunity to demonstrate the rock hugging and swimming.

[@mikecarol7004]

Very informative, thank you

[@ombrom.6040]

Thank you for the information it is very helpful it will come in handy this summer when I am on the small rivers in Missouri

[@PaddleTV]

Glad it was helpful! I'm jealous of your rivers in Missouri. Paddled the Current River and Meramec River last month and had a great time!

[@ombrom.6040]

I spend most of the summer going up stream on the Meramec

[@JaniceKJones62]

Great video.Thank you. Clear and useful guide to understanding what the water is doing and how to paddle - really helpful o getting from an eddy onto the main flow.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@ChristelVinot]

I've kayaked on like 10 rivers this summer as my first kayaking experiences, all by myself. I should have watched this first lol but I've been getting through it.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Learning lessons the hard way can be fun sometimes. :)

[@ChristelVinot]

@@PaddleTV btw it's been a year since I made this comment, and I just got my first whitewater kayak... I'm upping the ante!

[@nathankarpinski5280]

Very informative. This reminds me of the old Jackson Kayak training videos I saw once years ago. Great channel!

[@PaddleTV]

Glad to hear you found it valuable.

[@Hsquared]

What about padding against the current when it’s really calm? The rivers I tend to go on are calm enough to be able to paddle up. I would love tips on that

[@cheryzheng]

Just be aware of obstacles

[@patsutherland7284]

Paddling upstream is great exercise and you get to scout out porential hazards before you and your buds do a river run with the current

[@Jim_n_the_wilds]

Watching this after my first untrained flowing river trip. Makes me wish I watched this before my first untrained flowing river trip.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Cheers.

[@jarroddraper5140]

Ya my fist one was about a dusy had more tree water falls than the other part of the river I'm kinda used 2 I gave up after the 4 th one and started walking

[@Jim_n_the_wilds]

@@jarroddraper5140 went down the rapids that had me end my trip last time. Wasn't really as bad as I thought they would be, but this video helped.

[@jarroddraper5140]

@@Jim_n_the_wilds ya 6 foot water falls are above my current level

[@nvelsen1975]

"How do I move from the eddie, into the main flow?" Me, an intellectual: "By paddling"

[@GrandmaAbby1]

As always, well presented, very informative and helpful. I always learn so much from you. Thank you!

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you too!

[@nancyhainline2517]

Good advice as always. Have you done a video on taking sharp curves in quick water. I seem to always be pushed against the outside bank, which is usually rich with brush and overhanging, spiky limbs.

[@RedHempHead]

thanks, one of best of safety vids out there buddy

[@PaddleTV]

I appreciate that!

[@davidredmond1761]

Great video always get something from them great stuff

[@rowdyryder7643]

I'd like to see some tips on inside storage for sit in kayaks

[@angelakeene5752]

Glad I know what I'm doing already or you would have scared me out of going. Taking a newb out in 2 days too unless she sees this first I guess.

[@ilan690]

Thanks Ken! You're awesome!

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure!

[@koejoe]

Great video !

[@ChristelVinot]

The trips I do are always solo, so I will paddle up a river for about 5 hours before floating back down. I'd like to know more about paddling up river currents. I've kinda got the ferrying thing down.

[@PaddleTV]

I will definitely keep that in mind for future videos. Thanks for the thought!

[@karensiddall3511]

Good info for knowledge of being on a river!

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

Very interesting and helpful, thanks. I have just started to Kayak and have been watching many of your videos, you even helped me choose my first kayak ( The Challenger K1 ) after watching your review I thought yes that's perfect for me to start, and you will be happy to know they fixed the problem with hitting the side tying of points ( bet I got that name wrong ) So wanted to say Hi and thanks for all the great info, and looking forward to watching more from you...