How to Kayak - Downriver Techniques

Come along with us as I am joined by Adam Davis and Scott Cheek for a skill building day on our local run - the Glencoe to Redslide section of the Haw River, NC. This is Scott's first day in this environment as he begins the journey to become a ww paddler. Adam is a little further down the line and looking to improve and take his paddling to the next level. This run is perfect for just such a day. We focus on catching eddies and how the boof stroke, Duffek stroke and timing are critical. We also start kayak surfing every wave we can find to allow the strokes and core body movements to become instinctual. Finally, we move to an introduction to hole play techniques and escape where in we go over side surfing, pivot turns, ferries and where/how to escape from a hole or hydraulic. Hopefully it will help in some way!
Want the most out of roll and surfing practice? Get a nose plug!!! - amzn.to/3cAJRLK
find us at riverkingpete.com
For stickers, mail a stamped, self addressed envelope and include $1 per desired sticker to:
River Kings
PO Box 222
Saxapahaw, NC 27340

[@PhotoShopAdmin]

This is the video I needed to push my progression a step further, I haven't been aggressive enough. Thanks kings!

[@dalyjolly5891]

What you said about the skill level in a video is exactly right. Watching someone effortlessly paddle big crazy stuff is fun but useless. Thank you for putting out the info and demonstrations of how it works and what doesn't.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Daly!

[@MountainsRiverSea]

“hopefully you can learn something, or at least be confused on a deeper level!” Lmao omg love it 😂❤

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! Thanks MRS!

[@rogervandall6314]

Beginner kayaker here and to be honest if it weren’t for these videos I may have given up. Thanks for taking the time and putting in the resources to make them. Extremely helpful for newbies!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That warms my heart Roger!!! Thanks for the kind words and its an honor that you find them helpful and important to your paddling!!! Thats what it is all about! Tune in tonight at 9! Yakkelberry is starting out his ww career and we focus on catching eddies! Hope to see you there! Keep grinding!!

[@Skuikidigitz]

Same getting my first one in a week been studying the videos super hype

[@chartagon8319]

Great video and learning experience!!! Exactly what I needed, and now I will focus more on staying in the white water than escaping it 👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks! Good stuff!

[@cathyr8941]

Thank you for breaking this down into small sections. My daughter and I are just starting out and it’s nice to see other “newbies” making mistakes so we can get an idea of what to expect. Thanks to them!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That's what it is all about Cathy!

[@danielwheeldon9180]

Thanks Pete, Adam and Scott. Literally had my first WW lesson today, so watching this afterwards is really useful as I have a greater understanding of the forces in play. I ache, I was cold, and the swimmer bell would have been rang 5 times if you were with me today, but, still smiling now hours later. Its addictive! Cheers

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It only gets better Daniel!!

[@jeanette4153]

I'm a beginner so it's just so good to see some 'swimmers' 😁

[@RiverKingsKayak]

for sure!!

[@rafikiAli]

Eager, enthusiastic, excited, and now more educated! Thanx, from a noob, bitten by the bug!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Rivht on Rafiki!

[@jakebrakebill]

Just because you know it, learned it and it's second nature to you, doesn't mean the other guy gets it. This was awesome and perfect for a beginner, which I am. Thanks.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Bill!! Thanks!

[@tylerderksen6937]

Absolutely love your video's! As a beginner level white water kayaker with no teacher your video's like this one have really helped me progress into a much better paddler, enough so that I have a buddy that is brand new to it and I can take him out and help him with the knowledge I got from watching your videos then getting out on the river and practicing what I learned. Thank-you and don't stop! 🍻

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Tyler!! That is what it is all about! Will do!

[@nicholasbearce2555]

Reminds me of my years on the rivers of Maine and New Hampshire back in the 70's and 80's. I started white water at 7 and never looked back!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Awesomeness!

[@paulward248]

i like the way you tells us what your doing with your legs an d knees no one else does this and it makes such a difference to the moves

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Paul!

[@CareyCarolinaCamper]

Video ideas: (I'm sure you've touched on some of this already) "Budget Boater"Locating, evaluating, purchasing used gear? >>>"Beginner considerations for buying used gear for Touring, WW, Rec. or when it makes sense to buy new" "Trip Planning or logistics" the where, the when and the wonders of the the 5 P's (not to be confused with P5.... lol) >>> I think you've recently done "what to bring" but maybe River selection, transportation, or Emergency Plan B's or C's (again you've certainly touched on some of this in other videos) Mini segment idea "Royale w/Cheese" review of the best river foods from the last several trips Just some random ideas! looking forward to the next video!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

All good suggestions Chuck! Thanks!

[@joshinfwtx4506]

would love more videos on "budget boating" and boat repair/upgrade/modification

[@acousticfixation]

Quite often I’ll watch a couple of river king videos before or on my way to the launch. Either grab some tips or just get pumped up for the run!! Thanks again Pete!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on AF!! Glad to be a part of it all!

[@FancyMayo]

Your advice is invaluable. I will make sure I take the time to practice the next time I'm out

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on FM!

[@marcusvaldes]

Addicted to your channel. I want to come kayak with you once I learn the basics. I'm in Atlanta.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Marcus!

[@mikeemmons4062]

Another great video! I love your commitment to teaching the sport to new kayakers.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mike! It is where I landed at this point in time. So many of my friends and now P5 and Ryan getting into it. Figure I should go full bore and make the most of it!

[@mikeemmons4062]

@@RiverKingsKayak You're doing a great job!

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

Or at least confused on a deeper level.....friggin loved it.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Tim!

[@snriggs]

I love these videos. Having you break down the technique and walking folks through the move is priceless. Thanks from the UK!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Simon!

[@mariongallup5668]

thanks so much for your videos you will never realize how much help you have been to a brand new kayaker.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Marion! Love hearing that!

[@ADVENTUREKM]

Learning what the river throws at you is valuable. This helps when trying to pick where to go. Cheers

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks KM! Hope it helps!

[@KazSchofield]

Thanks Pete for another great educational video. New kayaker here, and I'm constantly inspired and learning so much from your channel. Thanks again. 👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Karen! That is what it is all about!

[@rosscampbell4884]

Pete I'm not a whitewater guy just a kayak angler and I have learned a ton from these videos especially about how to read the water i suspect it's kept me out of a mess of trouble I know it it helped me help some others in trouble so than NM s

[@rosscampbell4884]

That was supposed to say thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks!! Glad itis helping!!

[@andrewbissell6533]

Fabulous film thank you guys. Your commentary Pete is so relaxed and that itself is reassuring to those new to W/W. It's encouraging to see that others don't simply achieve and the rest of us are left wondering. It's all about repetition and practice. I need to get out more! Great. Thanks.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Andrew! You are absolutely right, practice, practice practice!

[@foamplusultra3399]

really cool channel man! just bought my first boat . i think these videos will help. keep at it man!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks foamplusultra! Enjoy the ride!!

[@dirtdobber2185]

Another good teaching day. Thanks Pete.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks DD! Missed your call yesterday...

[@davecundiff3663]

This was a great video, I have two days on the river at OhioPyle. I'm being taught to do this same thing, eddy out and surf everything. It really teaches you how the kayak reacts to your movements. I see a lot of myself in these guys. I'm already hooked.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Dave!

[@fayleya3865]

Fantastic coaching! We don’t have any white water instructors where I live because they can’t get insurance - so it’s awesome to watch what you’re doing and read the river in front of you while you comment . Thanks :)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Fayley!

[@bashy2.0]

Great video as always and im a bit late to it as usual lol, Having done my intro to WW at Lee Valley (UK) last October, i have booked in for the developing WW on the 4th of May so whilst very nervous i am also excited because i will be hitting the top of the grade 3 (Legacy) run by the end of the 4 week (1.5hr x4) course. Your videos have helped me greatly, especially the roll, last time i tried in the pool, i managed 2 out of 2 tries :) thats not to say i can do it on the river or WW center though but its a start, thanks again, Pete! PS, wouldnt mind seeing a carving videos, i.e. S turns etc.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks bashy2.0! That is what it is all about! And thanks! Not a bad idea for a video!

[@mitchellchilders7245]

Very informative and excellent illustrations.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mitchell!!

[@noahgreen1366]

Thanks Pete for the video!! Ready to hit the river once we get some rain!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Noah!

[@adamashe9536]

Shout out to the RIver King! You taught me the Haw, and I really appreciate it! A Gauley run would be exciting!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The Gauley needs an RK video for sure! Was going to go this year but my schedule just fell all to pieces for that one! Too many rivers and not enough time! I will really try to make sure it happens next year!

[@dyks21]

Awesome video! Thank you for helping beginners, like myself, with some very solid instruction and explanation. I truly admire the guys' go-for-it attitude (a little jealous) and their dramatic improvement. Kudos!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks dyks21! Keep grinding and before you know it, it will all come together for you!

[@billc7211]

I think these are exceptional videos. The editing and voice-overs really make them excellent teaching tools. Thank you for taking the time to do them so well.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Bill!! It is just so much fun and worthwhile when it connects and helps out at least a little!

[@CW3358]

Great job River King Pete for all the great introduction videos to whitewater! Would love to see a Crossover review!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brad, I did one back in the early summer... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6iYlIV8hLyMr8U Let me know if this is what you are after...

[@joshinfwtx4506]

@@RiverKingsKayak that's a good one, but I'd love to see someone in video or writing compare and contrast the various WW Crossovers (Katana, Remix, Fusion, Traverse, and any others I don't know about) I've googled and just can't find good reviews comparing these boats to each other.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@joshinfwtx4506 gotcha! I'll see if I can get my hands on some

[@joshinfwtx4506]

@@RiverKingsKayak I rewatched this video and picked up some details I missed the last time. Also found some really good info about differences in LL remix and Dagger Katana in comments.

[@HunterTravels]

This is a great break down.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks HP!

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Going on a pack rafting trip to Alaska summer of 23 and even though I've been on dozens of WW rafting trips, i've never done anything other than what the guide instructed. I'll be on the OhioPyle this summer and next getting instruction but these vids will give me a valuable head start. Excuse me while I return to binging!!!! GREAT STUFF

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks farbeyonddriven!! That sounds like some amazing plans!! I love Alaska!! Did you by chance already check out our pack rafting adventure from a few years back?

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

@@RiverKingsKayak Sure did. I think that was the first one I watched. If you don't mind, catch me up. Do you own or operate a commercial river running company? It seems obvious that this is more than a hobby for you.

[@SideTrailAdventures]

What about a video that goes through your boats...talking about what each one is good for, compare/contrast?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Great idea Austin!!!

[@kevinspear1949]

Great tutorial - we’ll done guys

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Kevin!

[@travishalford5223]

Thanks for the upload. So much goes into kayaking and little things for beginners like me often go overlooked

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Travis!!

[@RobBrown2288]

Can’t believe I didn’t find this one sooner! Definitely saving and re-watching. You made an excellent point about watching expert paddlers vs beginners. Just one more reason I just thoroughly enjoy watching and re-watching your videos Pete! Looking forward to contributing to the content again 😎🐐

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brother!!

[@michaelraab4907]

Thanks Pete, I love your videos and watch them over and over to learn new things and to reinforce things as I increase my skill.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Michael! Thats what it is all about!

[@andrewmarshall3891]

Great video. Your content is always action packed and fun to watch.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Andrew!

[@michaelwityk3990]

Exclant yet again well done and stay safe while haveing fun

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Michael! Will do!

[@naranjoandres32]

Great video Pete. Cant wait to try these beginners techniques. Thanks for being so informative and helpful.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Andres! Thanks!

[@pop4725]

Great advice 👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Pop!

[@dylanagli1577]

Very helpful thank you.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dylan!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Looked like a good day of instruction and gaining some confidence! Enjoyed the video sir! Thanks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Chris!

[@BAK87]

Nice playground and instructions :D

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks BAK87!

[@neill45]

I’m a newbie too and I’m loving these detailed videos. Such a great help to study and understand how the water effects the boat and what I’m meant to do. Big respect to you and all the students, especially the swimmers. I’ve been doing a lot of that, but it’s great fun. Next river run this Saturday River Irwel Manchester UK.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Good stuff Neill! I really enjoy hearing that the videos are helping out! Thats what it is all about!

[@darksidecarnival5385]

I'm new to river kayaking too and this is such a great video for me to see. Thanks!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on DSC!!

[@jean-paulcarrier7873]

Great tutorial, well explained. Not yet kayaking, going into it, so getting some good tips before hitting the water. Many thanks.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Jean-Paul! You are gonna love it! Thanks!

[@kazibaksh1598]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it. Just thinking about getting 8nto WWK. 👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Do it Kazi!! so much fun!

[@thisandthat_music]

great video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Evan!

[@elijohnson7915]

Video was great man

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Eli!

[@paksaokayaking4234]

I don’t think I’m going paddling today... wait, riverkings video... gear up, let’s go!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Love it Pak Sao!!

[@filbilly]

I just started and I appreciated seeing guys used as examples for your instruction. I could relate to them rather than seeing more seasoned paddlers. Made me want to get out on the water to practice. Love your video! Can you explain the mechanics more of a boof stroke coming into an eddy. Thanks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on and thanks John! Did you watch my original video on how to catch an eddy?

[@filbilly]

@@RiverKingsKayak Not yet, but now I will! Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYWym3qHhbaDrMk

[@filbilly]

@@RiverKingsKayak Perfect. THANKS!!

[@simonshort8581]

Awesome video great skills and narration

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Simon!

[@simonshort8581]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you Pete your videos are superb I'm just starting out white water and find the rolling video particularly helpful keep going mate best of luck cheers

[@kuviakk1]

great .. and thanks... gracias waiky

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks kuviakk1!

[@AndrewMoizer]

Thanks for this video. Watched this and your 'flat' one and it sums up my mistakes from the past weekend. So great information and insight on what to work on to get my confidence back on track.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Andrew! Hope it helps!

[@AndrewMoizer]

@@RiverKingsKayak I'm confident it will. I'll let you know.

[@biggjeppe]

Great! Thank you

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ragnvaldr!

[@gedifox4586]

Thank you!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks gedifox!

[@jwmav528]

So many things I struggle with in this video. Thank you!!! It’s a little chilly For me to get out a lot right now but I’m excited for spring weather.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Good deal Jeffrey. drysuits!!! then you are year round provided your area doesnt freeze over

[@jwmav528]

@@RiverKingsKayak I have a dry top and dry pants. Is that good enough? Or should I go for an actual dry suit?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@jwmav528 i prefer the drysuit, but if they seal up tight, they shud b fine!

[@christophercurley3999]

Thanks for this video...it would have been more helpful a few months ago but its still a nice reminder in why we play...i did pick up a thing or two though...like i always ferry across the seam..never though to punch up onto the tongue and bypass the hole... Another thing i would like to add is practice ferrying backwards...its kindof awkward but sometimes u end up backwards and the best thing todo is go with it sometimes

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks. Right on! Yes, that is called a switch ferry. We practice that all the time as well.

[@payakadventures]

I've gotten really good at eddies in a heavy fishing kayak. Still waiting on the stinger xp to show up for more fun, but after watching all your videos this summer I want a playboat now. Lol. Kayak camping is still in the soul though.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Rightbon PA Y A!!

[@payakadventures]

@@RiverKingsKayak I've been eyeing up a jefe grande about 6 hours away though. I'm a big boy...6' & 225. You think that would be a good fit for me?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@payakadventures shud be fine!!

[@johnnyadkins8216]

Video on swimming thru rapids and fast moving water, rope throwing skill work

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Great ideas Johnny!! James and I have been talking about doing a safety video for a little bit now...need to get that one done.

[@nicholasbearce2555]

Whenever we would Paddle the Sawyer's Rock Run on the Saco teaching Setting Ferrying and Eddy Turns we would have to rescue those that weren't with us. I remember being sent out after three canoes that had ended up on rocks at the age of 12. They were telling it was to dangerous for me until I got them off the rocks and had them join us the Appalachian Mountain Club Trip for the rest of that day. They sobered up and quieted down pretty quick.

[@charlesballew7368]

I'm a beginner your videos help, maybe one day hope to join up with your group flowery branch ga. Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Charles!

[@billstewart898]

Great info, would love to join you sometime if there is ever a opportunity 🤪😎🚣🏻‍♀️ !

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Bill! Where are you located?

[@jclute8089]

Just got my 9 year old her first kayak this season, a remix 47 of course and your videos have been great with helping her get comfortable in her new boat. I was wondering what you use for edge protection on your paddles, it looks great and I'd like to do the same for our blades.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Fantastic! The paddle protection is actually door edge guard from an auto parts store. Super simple and lasts years. My paddle is about 13 years old! It really helps prolong the life

[@jesamacher4365]

Just getting started. Your videos help me a ton. Would live to have you as an instructor

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jes! Glad they are helping! If you are ever nearby, let me know!

[@jesamacher4365]

@@RiverKingsKayak I most def will. Had my first taste of whitewater this past weekend. But it was in a solo duckie on the Nantahala. Ran it clean including the falls. But that’s a lot different then in my Karma. I’ll fb message you next time we are up there!

[@crudeoil9347]

could you do a review on those paddles where you can unscrew the paddle part and use the stem part as a drinking straw, so you can 'drink straight from the river' without having to get out of the kayak ? thanks !!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL! that is a new one on me! can you give me a link and I will try to get one in!

[@crudeoil9347]

@@RiverKingsKayak lol!!! Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about 😉

[@elijohnson7915]

Sunday

[@eligolding1709]

Sunday

[@AirMike61]

Would like to have such a nice spot here in Germany...

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on MIchael! I am sure there is just such a spot somewhere over there!

[@cw2126]

👍👍👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks C W!!

[@movari]

Is there a good break it down instruction for entering an eddy with a boof stroke?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

these may help...let me know if any of these are what you are looking for... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYWym3qHhbaDrMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/jojTkoqbnbasp9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZofEnaSaiZqem80

[@jenhamilton]

Any tips for surfing a longer boat? (not just side surfing : )

[@RiverKingsKayak]

how long?

[@jenhamilton]

@@RiverKingsKayak 10.5

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Great instruction! But Definately needs immediate wet followup! Haha

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Bob!

[@HunterTravels]

I lost an astral shoe haha but I didn’t tie it well enough.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh man! LOL!

[@rosebatham3342]

How do you know when you roll a rocks not under you so you could slam into it?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

you never really know. You can get to know certain spots and have confidence that they are safe places to practice. On the regular river, you just need to tuck tight and roll up.

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Can you speak to canoes, or is that a different subject? Also, seeing these techniques in heavy white would be great, as you showed once in this video?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Most everything will apply to a canoe, I just dont paddle canoes really ever. I do need to get some big water runs in soon! Thanks Bob!

[@poppybudrow10]

Do you ever run inflatable kayaks?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I did a pack rafting adventure that was pretty fun as well as a pack rafting whitewater run... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqetpmiGrqemjbM

[@clarkkent3271]

These look like hybrids what kind are they?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The Blue one is a Liquidlogic XP10 which is a crossover. The yellow and green boats are whitewater kayaks

[@clarkkent3271]

@@RiverKingsKayak would you recommend the hybrid, and are you familiar with the dagger katana?

[@sagecanshoot3989]

do you remember about what level this was?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

5.5 ft on haw river at haw river

[@jaznkeiram.8423]

Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you Jaznkeira!

[@Theatrelove]

Why dont they attempt to roll

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL.

[@mosiowaty1573]

What stroke? Boot stroke? Boost stroke? Booth stroke? Sorry, completely new to kayaking 😅 intuition tells me "boost stroke" but your pronunciation does not match Oh, and, thanks for this video, it's exactly what I've been looking for after my first kayaking in a few years

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Sorry about that! It is a "Boof" stroke. Awesome you are getting back out there! Thanks mosiowaty!