How To Kayak - Keep Your Paddle In The Water!

[@blakefowler3712]

I’m no expert kayaker but I will say Pete your videos have helped me on more than a few rivers including the green river narrows, Talluah, and cheoah! You might not have all the fancy moves but your down to earth style of making videos will always inspire people to get out an paddle! I think I speak for a large group of kayakers when I say your awesome! Thank you for river kings!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Blake! That is what it is all about!

[@michaelraab4907]

Pete, at 11:00 you were explaining how holding the stroke at the stern of your kayak and opening and closing the blade angle to control the boat direction. This is something I struggled with a lot when first starting out, still do from time to time while surfing. If you ever get a chance to dive deeper into this and those other subtle movements that would be great. You really should do an instructional series with a mix of 1st and 3rd person view so we can see what you are doing. You have a great way of explaining things and sometimes it’s hard to see what is happening from the helmet mounted GoPro. Great video as usual

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Active blade techniques! That would make a great video! I usually keep things more basic and conceptual in nature in the videos. Much of the fine tuning is best done by an in-person highly qualified instructor like Ace Kayaking School or H2O Dreams. I might give it a go though! Thanks for the idea!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Seems like every time I watch one your videos, I learn a whole new level of depth to WW kayaking I never really gave much thought to...keep on keeping on!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Bob!

[@brynwilliams6738]

Pete, I just started out in WW recently and being in Australia I'm limited as far as runable rivers to practice and available mentors. Your videos have been so helpful mate, I really can't thankyou enough. I have learnt so many techniques that ive been able to take to the water and practice and watching you school newbies have enriched my experience and strengthened my hunger for WW. Your an absolute legend Pete May the road rise to meet you and the wind be always at your back.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Bryn! I do what I can to pass on what I do know... Some of the folks that have helped me out are incredible paddlers! I am so thankful for their help and remember what it was like just starting out. I am stoked that the vids are helping!

[@followingrj]

That place is so epic

[@RiverKingsKayak]

indeed!

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Great video. I know what you mean about the kayak 'giving you that look'. I bought a little Bliss Stick Blitz Special and just potter around a little lake. Not what it is designed for but at least I'm on the water. Just getting paddling again after a false start about 35 years ago.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on gadgetman!

[@macfawlty]

Love your instructionals. I gotta make a trip down there. 6 hours from DC, but worthy of a long weekend.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks macfawlty!

[@merlinmess3793]

you guys are so lucky to have hat place... nearest one to me smells of 1&2 and you have ssto sign a disclaimer saying you cant sue if you get a bad stomach.... double thumbs up for video @riverkings ....

[@RiverKingsKayak]

We are indeed blessed merlin! Thanks!

[@dangosner]

"My boat is capable of so much more. It's probably bored with me."... I'm going to be hearing that for a while. :)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he he!

[@lukewomble9572]

It was good meeting u! See u on the river 🤘

[@RiverKingsKayak]

likewise!

[@johnpusey7561]

Have you tried paddling the French Broad? It's a fun river to practice any tricks or even just a day float. It's not incredibly big or insane but it's definitely worth the day.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yes, I have put together several videos on the French Broad! Here is one of them... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6Kxp6h5pZV8gKc

[@WhiteH2O]

This is the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte NC? $35 /day to paddle? Looks like a great place to practice and learn.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thats it Douglas! It is fantastic!

[@jeffolsen4983]

Great stuff, as usual. Where is this whitewater center? And is it publicly or privately owned and operated?

[@davebishop2566]

I believe it is the US White Water training facility. Should pop up on Google that way.

[@davebishop2566]

Charlotte North Carolina.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

USNWC in Charlotte, NC

[@jeffolsen4983]

Thanks all y'all. I didn't know such exists.

[@Stonecole828]

I moved my scorch seat back because my knees were hitting too far forward and I was catching edges like nobody’s business. I think it’s just the nature of these new creek boats

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yeah, those edges will talk to you! Each boat has that sweet spot...

[@FeWolf]

Took me 8 runs in my Director to find the spot, and it was were I started from, center.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on!

[@troybennington3479]

Heat instructions as always

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Troy!

[@bryanreed1000]

Where?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

This was at the USNWC.