SOLO OVERNIGHT OFF-GRID JET SKI CAMPING GOES HORRIBLY WRONG!

All of my Jet Ski Camping Gear: www.bit.ly/adamsamazon
In this episode I continue on my mission to jet ski as much of the Colorado River as I can. My goal was to camp off-grid from my SeaDoo Explorer Pro and explore the section of river between the Imperial Dam in Yuma, AZ and the Palo Verde Dam, 85 miles north. But unfortunately, things didn't go to plan...
Check out my previous episode where I went off-grid jet ski camping under the Hoover Dam:
• SOLO JET SKI CAMPING B...
If you want to know about any of the gear I am using or wearing in this episode, ask in the comments below.
Social:
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/ adam_swords
Business enqiries: [e-mail]
Send me something: PO Box 414, Corona Del Mar, CA, 92625
00:00 Road Trip to the River
02:48 Launching at the River
05:14 I hit a SAND BAR!
09:27 Exploring the Colorado River
10:28 Potential Campsite is FULL of Mosquitos
13:56 I don't feel safe.
16:23 Refuelling on a sand bar
17:39 Riding in the pitch black!
20:40 Setting up camp on the side of the river
23:58 Cooking dinner in my tent
26:34 Crazy star trails!
27:19 Waking up and breaking down camp
31:11 How I pack my SeaDoo
36:00 Heading towards Mexico
#adventure #travel #camping

[@matthewjcobb]

For those that don’t have the time to watch the full video, he’s traveling up the Colorado river. He’s several hours behind schedule and the river depth is way less than he anticipated so he’s not made it to the place he’s planned to camp. About the time the sun was setting, he came to a major highway that was closer to a town than he was expecting. The sketchy part is that he keeps seeing groups of homeless people in all the places that are suitable to set up camp. So considering he’s traveling with a few thousand dollars worth of gear, he’d rather risk traveling back down the river in the dark, to camp solo, than setting up near these sketchy homeless encampments. Not a strange choice at all, once you know the details.

[@AdamSwords]

Couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks Matthew!

[@zbomb33]

Maybe don’t make a short without context then, dude is getting dragged in the comments in that one.😂 Perhaps by design?

[@jeffreyscott1245]

So those are actually 2 towns on each side of that bridge one being Blythe California and the other Ehrenberg Arizona 15 minutes from where I grew up he is absolutely right those homeless u don’t go around and very sketchy part of the water to camp

[@AdamSwords]

It’s crushed it with the algorithm though ;)

[@Fossillarson]

Thanks ! I'm watching but he'll yeah after the short clip. I figured he was down south by TX Mexico area lol

[@5.56Media]

Lonesome was a rescue spaniel-mix puppy by Roy Morgan along the river and desert. Both were well known in the region and companions for about 15 years. A brief quote from the story ... "Roy grabbed some supplies and gathered up the ailing Lonesome and drove to a special spot along the Colorado River that he and Lonesome had shared for so many years. It was Mazzin Point, an overlook with a spectacular view of Martinez Lake. Lonesome died early the next morning, May 14, 1983." Keep up the great videos!

[@AdamSwords]

Where did you find this?!

[@5.56Media]

@@AdamSwords It won't let me post the direct link, but look up Lonesome the dog Colorado river .. and narrow it down by adding Rocky Smith. Hope that helps.

[@AdamSwords]

Amazing google-foo! Thanks

[@5.56Media]

@@AdamSwords No worries. Keep up the great work and enjoy life!

[@captgilger3439]

Such a special story, worth the bad experience.

[@carlocsgo]

Saw this video without looking how many subs he had. Was convinced he was at like 1.5- 2 mil. Jesus does he offer a good quality and content.

[@craigcooperxyz]

He’s been around the block a bit :)

[@blackhole7369]

Same

[@AXPortugal]

‘Not gonna lie’ drinking game is set 🍻

[@AdamSwords]

Not gonna lie that’s a great shout

[@grantjames3019]

Definitely up for some merchandise please Adam. For me, best channel on KZbin!!! My son and I always watch your channel and are hoping to do a few trips like yours in our country, Australia.

[@legomyyoda8454]

Instead of opening packet into pot. Put h2o in pot & place bag inside to warm the contents. Then pot will stay clean.

[@muddytify]

Deffo up for some merch! I’m very close to ordering my own Explorer Pro and going touring around Isle of Wight and places like Lulworth Cove. And yes, I’m from the UK, south coast 🙂 Love your adventure trips especially when you take the Explorer Pro with you. Stay safe.

[@AdamSwords]

You absolutely should! One of my goals is to circumnavigate the UK

[@muddytify]

I was going to say if that happens, but knowing your thirst for adventure it’s a case of when it will happen, say hi and if I have my Explorer then I’d love to join you for part of that adventure. Loving your content. Take care.

[@AdamSwords]

That would be awesome

[@TheOffRoadAdventureChannel]

We’ve been camping down on those beaches for the last couple of years. Definitely sketch up by town, and unexpected the first time we went. Enjoyed the video man, love the Colorado River content you’ve been putting out 🤙

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks mate! Yeah seems like south of 4S is the place to be

[@josephnasiri]

Hey Dude, I love watching this type of content , I’ve done similar type of campings before but now enjoy watching other people do it from the comfort of my couch. Enjoy while you can because it’s going to get old fast.

[@AdamSwords]

I’m trying to make every day count :) thanks for watching mate

[@jack5394]

love watching these videos, keep up the good work!

[@joevice247]

Love the content. Even my dogs wanna go to some of the recent places you have been. Keep up the great life. Keep the content coming.

[@AdamSwords]

They have good taste!

[@JuniorJr_23]

What a beautiful camping setup you have Adam. Cheers!

[@AdamSwords]

Thank you kindly

[@robbo10atyt]

Love this, fantastic footage, u going pppprrrrtt with the flies, haha, thx A 4 another great clip.

[@frankyalvarez6240]

We need more seado camping vids like thease plz

[@AdamSwords]

I agree!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

try pícnic boat hiñkly yahht aç geñertsor watrr nakers

[@ThePeaPodFamily]

Blythe is absolutely terrible bro. That stretch of river is the worst stretch of River.

[@AdamSwords]

Haha right?

[@sharonbraselton4302]

need interphas f9raward s⁹ñar

[@rossmclaren71]

Great you show the highs and lows mate !

[@AdamSwords]

Always, it’s all last of the adventure

[@garethv7331]

So glad i found your channel, love the content bro 💪

[@mattwharton9314]

Loving the videos. My bucket list now includes this!!!!👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@AdamSwords]

You should!

[@SherriRichLifeJohnson]

👍 awesome adventure Adam you did make the best of it I think 😊❤

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks 👍

[@craigm6062]

Hippie hole is the place to camp, u showed passing it on the video. I got a lot of great memories there

[@AdamSwords]

I’ll check it out

[@NigelHay]

I'll definitely would want to get a hold of the rashguard "everyday adventure' Perfect for my riding

[@AdamSwords]

Perfect!

[@Tony_TheAncientWorldReimagined]

Attitude Is everything! great Video!!, jAlways wondered about the 2nd seat, if removed you will have even more space!

[@AdamSwords]

I would but I use it to ratchet my dry bag to…

[@sean67618]

so for this section of the river from Martinez lake & fishers you want to ride just about as close to the toolys as you can and there is certain spots to cross over but the sides are the way to navigate around the san bars on that entire section of the river. some days it’s high enough to send the middle but the safest and deepest is along the banks

[@johnmedaris1]

Oooh nav lights? Like port, starboard and stern lights? Jet skiing in my state is illegal after dark, but if I were late getting back, I'd want nav lights for safety

[@Tennessee3]

Yeah be safe out there. Awesome videos

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks, will do!

[@BoogieMan568]

Thanx again for a cool long video :-) Nice work and good to se you can make a god thing out of a bad thing. At least you can say to your self it was an everyday adventure😉 Like your editing. Cheers from norway

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks again!

[@101doreen]

Saw your #short and had to venture over to your channel for what happened. Your fan base is very positive. Just subscribed. Looking forward to checking out more videos. Thx for sharing your journey with us.

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks Doreen! Yeah it’s funny seeing the comments on the short vs the comments I get from my actual subscribers. Really shows a difference in quality between the two type of viewers. Very sad that KZbin is pushing shorts so hard when clearly they don’t encourage quality interactions. I appreciate you taking the time to come and watch the full episode! Hopefully now you understand why I didn’t feel safe!

[@JoeyWilliams89]

11:27 make a fire city boy! Fire gets rid of mosquitoes. Lol still love ya tho

[@patricevv]

1:06 love the intro

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks!

[@geared4war]

In Australia we call them "Rashies" and you can get some nice designs.

[@jenkinstpj]

Indeed a boring part of the River but worth the exploration once to say you did it. I have spent a lot of time on the river be careful beaching the ski as water levels due fluctuate significantly at times. I usually use a box anchor at the bow and sand spike the stern to float the ski so of water falls I am not beached. Great video, keep exploring!

[@AdamSwords]

Good advice, I’d called the Imperial and Palo Verde Dam and asked about their proposed water release and they said it wouldn’t fluctuate much at all (it didn’t). Question for you though, when you run the bow anchor and stern line, I presume you’re getting wet coming back in to shore? Or do you leave a longer bow anchor then just push it out a little from shore then tie off the stern?

[@GorkyparkJoss]

Lovely adventure Cheesecake!

[@AdamSwords]

Thank you 😋

[@johnkane]

Even though you didn’t, have the trip you planned. You made watching it fun. ‘I’ve I sleep in some very dangerous places in my old job, and couldn’t like you did just move somewhere else, or have the kit you had.

[@AdamSwords]

Always gotta make the best out of the situation!

[@charlesrocks]

Adventure baby

[@acemannw]

It is nice m when you say the air and water temps each day. It gives a lot of context to the conditions for the day.

[@AdamSwords]

Great feedback. I’ll be sure to keep doing that

[@blackhole7369]

Damn this is amazing brother

[@madsensArmy]

The machine!

[@KurNorock]

I always figured I'd bring a large inflatable platform and just sleep in the middle of the lake/river if i couldn't find a place on shore.

[@Chillerguy48]

Nice time lapse at night! Still a good trip, good luck next time.

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks 👍

[@AZXplorers]

Haha we camped at the same spot in the truck water much higher…Ehrenberg has too much trust land most live out there because there is no one to patrol it sadly…it’s a mess but we love watching your camp videos 👍

[@AdamSwords]

Small world! Thanks for watching :)

[@Terry11111]

Nice adventure!

[@AdamSwords]

Yes it was!

[@Jez2008UK]

Adam, I'm 60 and you inspire me. BTW, my son's name is Adam and he's in the states right now, studying. He watches your channel :)

[@AdamSwords]

That is awesome!

[@patricevv]

Great job Adam. And giving feedback isnt always negative. For some other people it can be the bomb. Its nice to see how youre doing a good job advancing your video's. Great work!

[@AdamSwords]

I appreciate that!

[@flir67man84]

Yes your advancing your videos

[@TheCrawf28X15]

And watching The Machine 😂 epic trip🤘🏻

[@markhowe3898]

I love it because its real, I have cycled around California and Motor Cycled around Australia....... love it Swords, Mark for Meleourne.

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks Mark

[@peterdavidlilley4396]

Bet that tent smelt well in the morning after them bonbay potatoes 😢, great vid adam , u had fun in the end , stay safe mate 👍

[@AdamSwords]

Hahaha

[@curlzdakidd675]

This is why I camp with a firearm, if all else fails I can protect myself and my expensive gear

[@porkchop8131]

Wow great adventure

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks!

[@the_voice_of_reason]

😱always trust your instincts and maybe next time no night rides!!! Be safe 🙏

[@WatchFlares]

The Clooney is where one's didgeridoo rests of course. Kudos, Adam.

[@AdamSwords]

Hahaha, glad you get the reference

[@badllama8090]

Some great cinematography there chap, obviously using your knowledge of photography to great effect... You might be onto something there... 'Adam's Overnight Oat's' or 'Adams Oo's' lol 👍👌✌🤘🖖🤙🍻

[@AdamSwords]

Hahaha right?!

[@user-ok2vl1yo5s]

Can I recommend a drift sock anchor for when your stuck on the shallow like you were, just clip it to your bow an let it fill up itll help drag your heavy load down stream, I like to tie a 10 foot line to the cone of the sock so I can stop the drag force if it gets flowing to fast to control. Good luck on your adventures, and hello from alaska

[@AdamSwords]

What a great idea! Thank tou

[@J.Da.Goat4597]

Subscribed homie

[@flir67man84]

Great video

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks!

[@user-en4qp8xq2l]

Unshake the shackles of fear bro. You'll meet some amazing people on the other side

[@brandond2868]

Great video Adam. I am leaving a comment and a like due to your positivity.

[@AdamSwords]

I appreciate that!

[@user-tf5ki1vb4s]

New to the channel so just wanna say hello from Downunder and keep doing good inspiring things (I'm getting jealous now lol). FYI, for your cooking gear, try to put half ammonia and half hot water is it. Put the lid on and leave it overnight (outside coz ammonia stink). Then next morning just clean it normally. Try that and let me know ;)

[@AdamSwords]

Awesome thank you!

[@jesusmelo1472]

I love you channel brother bless to you-🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@AdamSwords]

I love you watching! Thank you

[@neilmoonman]

Wait- what??!!! Cancel my last Ads ..!! It was a bit of a pony trip until the Lonesome memorial! 💙💙💙💙🥰🥰🥰

[@mikec3344]

Adam, you should a camping episode with Michael. I can see him freaking out over every little sound during the night. :)

[@scottirwin1693]

Rule of most any river brown makes you frown any other colour get home to mother? Sounded good in my head but thatss what i go with. Never let me down. Ezcept once. We wont speak of it. But it works, go with that. 😅

[@AdamSwords]

Hahaha, this river was almost brown after I hit the sand bars

[@JohnBraman413]

any update on light kit?

[@habbanden3480]

Greatings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@AdamSwords]

Yo!

[@bretbeer]

Pro-tip heat the food while still in the bags with boiling water.

[@AdamSwords]

Solid tip!

[@brianpreston3509]

If you don't see others out on the lake or river...pretty good chance it's not a good time to ride.

[@AdamSwords]

Or it’s winter

[@louboxjelly3426]

Great Job Adam! Haha was just wondering how many times you change your gopro batteries in a trip!?

[@AdamSwords]

On this trip zero! I have about 12 batteries fully charged at the start of the trip and each time one runs out it goes on charge in the charger in my front compartment of the ski so I never run out.

[@orangutanmalaysia5909]

I saw you using icom walkie talkie ,, since you alone , with who you communicate with ? And this brand walkie talkie is good ?

[@AdamSwords]

This VHF is for my ocean stuff mainly it just lives on my life jacket. I had a HAM radio in my backpack if I needed help.

[@Farallonjoe]

Well now i feel bad about suggesting that trip. That said, South of Picacho is where it is at and you are right, more of a hang out on the river type place. 4S is the campground you were thinking of most likely. The side quests in that area are good though. There are little paths through the reeds into little lakes, cliff jumps and tons of wildlife. Saw a beaver and a bobcat hunting duck one trip. The water looked super low but good job only hitting bottom once.

[@AdamSwords]

Yeah the side missions didn’t look rideable mostly. Still fun to explore though!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

jet skíes show water darft 11.t inch draft

[@iangroves9023]

Hi Adam why do t you get a petrol Coleman stove as your carrying fuel for the seadoo .far better than the gas model your using

[@AdamSwords]

I’ll look in to them. But honestly the jet boil is so small anyway.

[@rickhavingfun]

Experience is the sum of all the things we've done that haven't killed us - what's the big deal? No one died. You left shore, came back to shore....there were some fun bits in the middle. Near perfect, mate. Was looking at one of these rigs for the New England coast. The only knock I've heard on this rig that matters to me (I think) is the hull and rough water handling. That it hunts and is a bit of a bear to keep tracking when the sea gets lively - a sea state I traditionally have enjoyed immensely. What are your experiences with hull performance and rougher conditions? Great vid btw.

[@AdamSwords]

Rough seas are fine, cross swells it definitely hunts. But I am making some sponsons that will hopefully fix that ;)

[@rickhavingfun]

....the mark of a true jedi - constructing their own kit. if you get that sorted, be sure to post it. @@AdamSwords

[@AdamSwords]

I will for sure

[@zkyphto8965]

Hey! Next time you make those packets of food, instead of opening them into the jetboil, just place them both into the water IN the the package! Makes no mess and they should cook great!

[@AdamSwords]

Not a fan of boiling plastic though haha

[@mkprivate7523]

@@AdamSwords No need to boil the packets mate....that food is fully pre-cooked and only needs to be reheated a bit. Just try it, out of curiosity if you will. Water, packets in, jet boil on slowest heat for 10mi max and voila: dinner is served without having to do the dishes :) I do this often during my overland adventures in my old ass Jeep. LOVE these videos mate.....Not many people around with the skills to put out high quality content like yours!

[@adrianp9618]

When are you exploring lake mead?

[@AdamSwords]

It’s on the list!

[@ComputerGeekOnTwoWheels]

Mosquitos are the worst in and around Colorado River. What happened to Diesel??? Did I miss something?

[@AdamSwords]

Those ones were like helicopters lol

[@JVan-ic6ic]

20:43 what is the magic machine?

[@lanners86]

All the gear no idea 😂😂

[@AdamSwords]

Made it just fine didn’t I 😉

[@martinklaus2203]

You should have gone from Blythe north up to parker dam. Water is deeper and not sketchy.

[@AdamSwords]

Don’t you worry that’s on the list! Then it’s lake mead and beyond 😉

[@aliamatbigul4353]

veryy nice

[@snowylilacs7952]

with how so many rivers are drying up I'm surprised you are able to go jet skiing at all

[@AdamSwords]

All our lakes and reservoirs got a ton of water this year thankfully!

[@MonkeyNuts348]

Love the chilled content mucker and channel keep it up

[@AdamSwords]

Thanks! Will do!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

good thing osyove stórf up botém mak ot déper lilr dregeiñg

[@P-J-W-777]

Looks like you need to put some much brighter headlights for night driving.

[@AdamSwords]

These are actually incredibly bright. They’re also not meant as “headlights” because technically riding at night isn’t legal. The whole lighting setup on my ski is for poor visibility conditions and Dawn / Dusk. The amber spot lights did a great job of cutting through the water 4-5ft to show me how deep it was.

[@P-J-W-777]

@@AdamSwords as long what you meant them to work for is all that matters. I’m used to riding a night in Texas a song as we have the proper lighting. The only thing we can’t have is rear facing white lights that run all the time. I do really like the setup of the Ski though.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

called navagatión lights noats usß

[@PTRRanger951]

Bert is awesome. Love “The Machine!” If you haven’t see the movie yet he made for the Machine, check it out.

[@AdamSwords]

That’s what I was watching lol

[@PTRRanger951]

@@AdamSwordsah. I didn’t know if it was the comedy act or the actual full length movie lol. And if you google “Lonesome dog grave Colorado River” it will bring you to the story about the grave. Rockysmith is the page you want to look for.

[@MrScby11195]

I’m curious how hard that would be to roll back over if it rolled with all your gear.

[@AdamSwords]

I’ve no idea how I’d roll it over in the first place, I’ve never even got close

[@MrScby11195]

@@AdamSwords you have a point I have a 2016 gtx limited 300 and I have only had it roll on me a few times and it was when I was going slow and had 3 people they are extremely stable

[@ssbazza]

merch it up

[@AdamSwords]

Yup!

[@РОССИЯЭТОСИЛА]

зачетно

[@300rummer]

Mule canyon and some bert.

[@jamesnewport150]

Sitting on the beached looking at the beaches , daa da da,,,,,

[@moedeez7654]

I think that bird was a roadrunner haha

[@H4iryP0ppins]

The Machine 😂

[@AdamSwords]

I watched literally 10 minutes then fell asleep gaga

[@H4iryP0ppins]

Was it his stand up or the movie? The stand up is worth the watch. His Netflix show The Cabin is great 👍

[@AdamSwords]

The movie. Yeah I watched the cabin, that was great

[@ursusss]

It's like going on a motorbike camping trip, but on water

[@scottwylie3805]

Your nuts?? Merch yes still waiting on mine pal 😅

[@AdamSwords]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@MikeT808]

Any chance you can ram in a few more buzz words into that title mate? 😂

[@AdamSwords]

Hahaha gotta feed the algorithm

[@nycbbq]

You should keep a firearm with you when you camp.

[@AdamSwords]

Who says I don’t?

[@Coopdeville06]

Donkey is your best protection

[@max88991]

Arn’t you the camera guy for Producer Michael?

[@user-xb8bs9vh5q]

You should play on the TV show monster Chef, not Master chef🙈🙈🙈

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

You should do a shirt for each place you have gone...

[@AdamSwords]

That would be cool

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

@@AdamSwords yes it would for your subs to buy ..

[@TheCactusRoomMusic]

There’s something quite dystopian about all those homeless encampments lining the river. I feel this needs a John Carpenter soundtrack.

[@AdamSwords]

You’re not wrong!

[@andrebrodeur3253]

Im going off grid camping,ewwww bugs lol

[@Banshun]

I think you missed a good opportunity for a clickbait title - "Adam gets his oats with donkeys (GONE WRONG)" - or maybe that's too 2015...

[@crulove7530]

You should have tried to catch dinner, maybe fish.