Spring Solo Canoe Wild Camp on a Thames Island

Hammock Camping on a river island on the Thames for Easter, cooking up some Ray Mears recipe canoe camp fishcakes on a Trangia stove. Bliss.
EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO...
BOATING
Itiwit X100 2/ 3 Person Kayak tidd.ly/3DfC4kn
Recommended paddle tidd.ly/36PaRc0
Recommended pump tidd.ly/3Hhv0Eb
PFD/ lifejacket tidd.ly/364EOo9
30L mountable dry-bag backpack tidd.ly/3rLYbLf
Secondary 30l dry bag tidd.ly/3oLmuaf
Wetsuit tidd.ly/3gFMpM4
Neoprene boots geni.us/uhhm
CAMPING
Hammock geni.us/hqF2Hx
DD 3mx3m Tarp geni.us/AI8f
Ultralight top-quilt (better than a sleeping bag for hammock camping) geni.us/HEUgQ
Hammock under-quilt by DD geni.us/emF4Cn
Trangia spirit stove geni.us/6rhAiCa
Pentagon Artaxes military soft-shell jacket geni.us/VoYZiAy
Filmed and edited entirely by myself using the following…
Main Camera: Sony a6400 geni.us/Ajfay5Z
Wide lens geni.us/IwFwq
Tight lens geni.us/92YTv
With this gimbal geni.us/jOknBIY
With this mic geni.us/i5K01p
With this main tripod geni.us/o4zvH5c
Kayak Camera: Insta360 GO2 www.insta360.c...
Drone: DJI Mini SE geni.us/7ouJ
Audio field recorder, with lav mic geni.us/4PbD5
Stereo mic capsule for above geni.us/Bawc
Solar power bank and charger geni.us/5MNc​
Edited in Davinci Resolve 17 www.blackmagic....
On a Mac Mini M1 geni.us/xxN9tv
With this 4K monitor geni.us/B7Bno5
Mixed on these audio monitors geni.us/2FQgb1M
With this sound card geni.us/icrH
Music licensed by Epidemic Sound. Start your free trial now bit.ly/3gX7a6d
// Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from sales at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for supporting the channel //
Follow me on Instagram / mrsteviewyatt
#wildcamping #itiwitx100 #canoecamping

[@lysan1445]

What a wonderful trip! Isn't it strange that we consider returning to our highly technological everyday life as "going back to reality"? Isn't nature more real than all that we engineered?

[@FalertTheDim]

That feeling you chased, and you found, "man alone, confident and at peace" is a beautiful thing. Some of the most memorable times in my life have been in that mood. Laying in a field in Dublin with a good book, or on the top of a hill in Spain overlooking a town who's name I cannot remember. You shared with us you finding that feeling on an island in Oxfordshire. Thanks for that!

[@StevieWyatt]

Spot on Aaron, thanks so much 🙏

[@ricky450f]

Just came across your channel 👍🏼love it, just a heads up at 24:00 I think you forgot to pack your camera 🙈

[@mazola666]

Hello Stevie What a nice camping, the whole trip was really amazing I’m from São Paulo, Brazil and I bought a itwit kayak for 2, my play is to do a wild camping with my daughter. Your video encouraged me to do it soon

[@studebaker4217]

Lovely film of a delightful trip, thanks so much.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks 🙏

[@mattwilmshurst8456]

ANother top video. Very envious and inspiring!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Matt 🙏

[@francoisgagne2651]

Great video...your videos about the X100 helped me make my choice....it will be the X100 in spring 2023

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Francois, the X100 is a great boat. Enjoy!

[@flightmonkeyuk6944]

Mste another class intro! Would love a whole no words vlog like that. The editing and vibe is just class.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much, yes I do talk too much sometimes 😂

[@GrimUpNorth_yt]

Everything about that was amazing. And how beautiful was that spot. You deserve more subscribers!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@billblogso]

Nice little trip mate. Nature therapy is the best.

[@MrDesmostylus]

Re-watched this and realized that I camping on this island two weeks ago when I did my Thames trip. Turns out this is where Lewis Carroll got his inspiration for Alice through the looking Glass. There used to be an old thatched cottage on the island and ruins of a old bridge can still be seen there. it's a magical place and even nicer in the summer.

[@StevieWyatt]

Oh wow that is so cool! I noticed the ruins of an old bridge when I did my initial sweep of the Island. That is so cool about Lewis Carroll, wish I would have known that at the time. It makes sense - it's a magical place!

[@jd3d_cgi]

@@StevieWyatt Hah - speaking of magical English authors - I wanted to say that the shot of the Geese at 21:23 felt like something from Lord of the Rings.

[@larrylivinginthenow]

Every video you make gets better and better. Love these videos of the trips best. Just magic

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Larry 🙏

[@russelltownley7404]

beautiful little vid stevie really happy you are back i have missed you mate lovely little island and camp and i am going to go for the itiwit x100 for my next canoe she looks a beauty. keep smiling stevie and stay strong lovely bloke

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Russel 🙏

[@stellajayne]

Hi Stevie, new fan here. This was delightful, thanks for sharing it.

[@MadJack122]

Videos keep getting better and better mate.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@kazibaksh1598]

Definitely enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing a part of your life.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks for watching 🙏 I've got many more like this planned this year 😊

[@naturaleza-viva]

Very nice video, really enjoyed this camping on the river. Thank you Stevie

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much 🙏

[@mikehuntley7562]

Great video Stevie, thanks for sharing. Glad you are well and were able to get out for some much needed therapy from the best supplier, nature. Keep well.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much, it was bliss 🌞

[@one-o-four8541]

Wonderfull film! Everyone needs a naturetherapy from time time. I'm exited to the more contest live this. Greets from Germany

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏🚣

[@MsTilda2]

Oh hello, we missed you😅❤️❤️🙏great you, r back

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks, I'm glad to be back 🙏

[@stuartfoulkes901]

Great video and inspiring

[@markusishere]

Loved everything about this! Def going for those fish cakes next time

[@Leeroynorthlondon1]

I camped there it was wonderful.

[@_andrewcullen]

Another great video, thanks Stevie. Glad you found such a good camping spot this time. Keep well.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Andrew 🙏

[@Paul-of3ut]

Thankyou steve for the upload I really loved it, I'm going to buy the x100 3 man this weekend,I tried the back pack on its manageable but at 18kg I wish it had a strap going across my waist too rather than just pulling on my shoulders. Your uploads give me inspiration to get out on the water with my Mrs and we also want to do some camping but how the heck do you carry it all.

[@ericx122]

You seem like very nice bloke, enjoying life. Thanks for nice reviews! Thinking about switching my Yamarin 59DC boat for a kajak. Slightly cheaper and no maintenance :) Cheers from Sweden!

[@popiadoudou]

Really nice trip ! Come to France, we have good spots too ! 😉

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much, I'd love to! 🇫🇷

[@nickhickton2395]

Great vidoe Stevie, so inspirational !

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Nick 🙏

[@lindashannan7232]

Hi Stevie, just came across your channel researching beginner kayaks. Great to see you enjoying the outdoors and appreciating life in such a highly populated area. We are from central Scotland and have been into hill walking and camping for many years, so expanding to kayaking for the lochs. Enjoyed your video, hope to see you on more adventures, new subs Linda & Mark. Take care and Happy New Year.

[@paulsharp7548]

Another beautifully shot film. Awesome!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Paul 🙏

[@MrThetame]

Brilliant, nice videos ...enjoy watching.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much 🙏

[@milesgriffiths894]

Another great video Stevie. Glad you're feeling better mate, keep up the good work.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Miles 🙏

[@МаксимПолитов-с7э]

Спасибо большое!!!! Скоро тоже отправляемся в путешествие только на 4х местном. Решился после твоего видео! Спасибо!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much, the 4 seater looks great fun!

[@dannylaurence8089]

Great video, please keep them coming! That looked like a very peaceful and serene setting for a camp. Looking forward to the next trip.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Danny, more on the way 🙂🚣‍♂️

[@willoffer87]

That was 25 minutes of relaxation to watch. Will you be doing another full length of the Thames but without bruising your tail bone on the first day?

[@StevieWyatt]

I hope so, thinking about doing it on a SUP. I have never been on a SUP before, but that's a minor detail!

[@ilikeitwhenitssunny7067]

Yes, definitely try it on a sup!

[@StevieWyatt]

@@ilikeitwhenitssunny7067 I'm thinking very minimalist - SUP and one dry bag, very little camping gear. Bare minimum.

[@ilikeitwhenitssunny7067]

@@StevieWyatt that sounds like it will be amazing, can’t wait

[@TheFalcos22]

A wonderful video man, thanks for taking us on this journey! Stay blessed, and I pray the water ahead is full of life joy and hope. Subbed!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much, great to have you here 🙏🚣

[@Rednaxela1]

Love your videos

[@Dazbox]

Cool vid, nice one matey! You're pretty good at finding these little wild camping spots. 👍

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Darren. Most of the potential sites I have in mind don't work out, but every now and again I come across a corker

[@CyclingMikey]

Enjoyed this rather a lot! I'm so tempted to get a 2 person Itiwit x500 now. I'd carry it around on my bicycle and trailer.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks!

[@CyclingMikey]

@@StevieWyatt I went on a month long tour (bicycle) from the source of the Rhine to the sea in May, and saw quite a lot of kayakers. I love touring and camping. Took me a week to get used to my own bed again after sleeping in a tent for a month. Also I really need to take video editing notes from you - you make super pleasant videos. Mine are easy to do, but there's not so much skill involved.

[@rocha2333]

Such a beautiful video. Thanks for sharing!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Andres, thanks for watching

[@paulcarter8215]

Great stuff Stevie - love it.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Paul

[@charlesdoctor3986]

Absolutely brilliant videography!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Charles 🙏

[@Molo2b]

Great video !! plz keep doing this, this is amazing

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much, more on the way 😃🏕🚣

[@Waterscout24]

It's a very nice Kajaktour. Good Bye 🛶⚜️

[@jesusmartinezsanchez9737]

Loved this video. So relaxing and beautiful to watch. You've got one subscriber more. Hope you keep doing content as good as this one. 👏👏

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much! I'm itching to get out filming again so expect more soon 🙂

[@nikolat1696]

Your videos feel so genuine. Well done mate. I'm glad I've stumbled onto your channel. Looking forward to seeing your next adventures!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Nikola, planning more as we speak 🙂

[@BenSou66]

Wonderful! 🤗 👋🇸🇪

[@stacysmith5760]

BTW, love your videos, just great, fun and inspirational 👏

[@neilclarke-smith9431]

love the video(s), I took out my itiwit 100 2x person person with my boy on the weekend and forgot how much fun we could have. We were out at sea so some hard work when the breeze picked up and tide started pulling but none the less total enjoyment. Watching you're camping video is something I need to do with the kids, though I'm very tempted to sell the itiwit 100 and go for a drop stich for the trip. Anyway keep up with the videos :)

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Great video. What a nice spot. Say, do you ever have anyone come up to you asking to see your small craft water licence? Just wondering.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Lyndon! I have gone through a Thames Lock before and the lock keeper did check. I always lash my British Canoeing membership card to my PFD so it's always on me. He said they just check at random so he can tick a box once a month. The British Canoeing licence is such good value for money anyway, it's well worth it 🚣

[@JasonSmith-dw3vp]

Great footage. Where was the island?

[@tman5634]

Brilliantly Stevie, this is my kinda thing. Freedom to roam & wild camping. Love it. I'd like to see you review a Aqua Marina Memba 390 drop stitch Kayak, if possible. Is it possible to Kayak all UK canals, rivers & waterways?

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! I am trying to get some Aqua Marina boats for review, waiting to hear back. For UK rivers and canals the best thing to do is become a member of the organisation British Canoeing. Annual on the water membership is about £40 and that gives you a licence to paddle on almost all waterways in the UK. All the major rivers, canals and lakes are covered. You can also get temporary licences from each individual waterway operator (eg. Canal & Rivers Trust, Environment Agency) if it's just a short visit.

[@tman5634]

@@StevieWyatt Thank for your reply Stevie, it's appreciated. I've not had favourable responses from a couple of Aqua Marina dealers & so I've just purchased the Itiwit 100 from Decathlon. Going to fully waterproof it before using it. Looking forward to getting out on the water.

[@Luketsmith78]

I really enjoyed that! What was the contraption you were using when washing up. We all went oooh when we saw it.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Luke, it's cool isn't it! It's actually for showering but great for washing up and rinsing, hand cleaning etc. It's called the Bottle Shower from Lifeventure. Thanks for watching 🚣

[@althejag679]

Thanks for that Stevie, I've been debating with myself about whether to get the X100 or the X500 for my first inflatable and you've helped me to plump for the 100. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks Al 🙏

[@piersgooderham8674]

Hi Al, did you get the X100, and if so how is it?

[@althejag679]

@@piersgooderham8674 yes I did and I love it. I've done a couple of trips round the islands on Loch Lomond, along the Forth and Clyde Canal and a couple of smaller lochs near me in Glasgow. I've done solo trips and 2 person trips. Highly recommended.

[@piersgooderham8674]

@@althejag679 thanks Al, finally taken the plunge myself! Dry run last night in the lounge - I may wait until the weather warms up a little to take it out on the water!

[@TheLensSchwendi]

Awesome and inspiring video, I loved it!!! Thank you, brother! 🤠👍

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@tedh79]

Great video and very relaxing to watch. Inspirational ✊

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@tman5634]

Doesn't matter on reviewing the Aqua Marina Stevie, I've not had favourable responses from Aqua Marina dealers & so I've just purchased a Itiwit 100 from Decathlon. About to make it fully waterproof before using it.

[@StevieWyatt]

Good choice, will last you years

[@tman5634]

@@StevieWyatt Well the difference in customer care & a sale between Aqua Marina & Decathlon made me go for the Itiwit. I'm happy it turned out that way, as on further research I think the Itiwit will be more durable. Thanks Stevie

[@MrSolidito]

Recently found this channel and i've gone through all the videos, great job, looking forward to more! Do you have any plans to go elsewhere in the UK in the future or probably not?

[@mattwilmshurst8456]

Absolutely love your videos Steve. So inspiring. I have just bout the itiwit. Yet to inflate and take it out but can't wait. Quick question if you don't mind. I'm much more inspired to explore the Riverways as opposed to the ocean. Just wondering where i stand legally on rivers and canals. Do I need permits etc or am I free to roam. Thanks in advance. Matt

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

BEAUTIFUL

[@byronwellburn]

This is what I need ❤

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

Great video and awesome spot. Keep up the good work, my man 👍🍌

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks very much Sam 🙏

[@ox5016]

Is this the island you stayed on during your Thames trip? I have stayed there before and thought I recognised it.

[@MrMichaeldan1]

what a nice trip ! can you tell me how does the seat feels? when I tested it in the shop it felt very low back and uncomfortable.

[@andrew675]

Hi Stevie. Great video and well put together. I am interested in buying the 3 man x100. It would be my first kayak and I’m hoping to take my 2 young kids out on it. However I’m not sure if they’ll take to it. I have read a review that said to stick to the 2 man if you’d be more likely to be going on it solo compared to the 3 man. In your opinion, is there any reason to be hesitant about buying the 3 man incase I end up being the only one on it? As I said I haven’t been kayaking before therefore I wouldn’t be able to compare it to other types of kayak. Would be interested to hear your thoughts

[@jipples9934]

Really nice video, no idea what you were doing with those sticks with your knot lines, but keep on going. I loved your shout out to the other itiwit kayak user 😂. The kayak you are using which seems only to have a drop stitch floor seems to do you well, worth noting for people looking to buy an inflatable and wondering whether to go full drop stitch or not.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! The sticks are for quick release tarp setup in case I have to tear down camp in a hurry. You never know when wild camping if someone with a shotgun is going to show up and tell you to get off their land 😂

[@jipples9934]

@@StevieWyatt ha, I hear you. Stay low and stay fast!

[@Jake-Curious]

Can you make a camp fire on this island and islands like this? I know that in the UK (in England) you can only start a fire either on your own land or with a permission of a landlord. And since everything is owned by someone it is not so easy to do not owning some land. But what about the islands?

[@WestMalvernMummers]

Do you ever have any trouble canoeing through locks? I read somewhere that you can't paddle through them, you always have to carry the canoe around the lock. Wasn't sure if that's a regulation, or just safety advice! Thanks.

[@StevieWyatt]

I go through the locks when I can and if there are other boats doing so, lock-keepers will let you through but you must be licensed. If it's just me and I haven't got too much stuff to carry, I'll carry the boat so as not to waste a whole lock of water

[@rafb4048]

Just wondering how 3 person version handles with just single kayaker? Seems very easy and smooth on the video? Thinking going for a small one 2 person

[@StevieWyatt]

Handles great, but the 2 seater will be even more responsive if it's only ever going to be just you or 2 people. Payload should be your deciding factor between choosing a 2 or 3 seater

[@johnchoice1371]

Can you stand up in this kayak, as it has a sturdy floor? I have seen a few people standing up in their kayaks.

[@StevieWyatt]

You can, it's very much like a stand up paddle board with inflatable side pontoons.

[@Canigetanawwwwyyyyeeeah]

So fun fact about geese in London, they actually symbolised a rather old men’s clib which later became a political party. Once was an old zoo around Hyde park and stuff and moved it and left the geese for symbolism. Something makes me want to say it has something to do with the fact there is two London within London itself. The one we know and the Greater city of London still controlled by the 16 remaining eldersman…’if’ I’ve spelled that right lol

[@johnstevens8912]

what paddle are you using and would you recommend an alternative.......needs to split of course.

[@stacysmith5760]

Would you recommend this kayak for the sea?

[@StevieWyatt]

It would be great on the sea. They are developed and tested on the coast in the South of France. It wouldn't be suitable for long distance coastal touring, or in any challenging conditions. These are beginner or occasional use boats. But for summer fun down the beach they are much superior to a lot of the cheaper PVC inflatables around

[@stacysmith5760]

@@StevieWyatt would I be safely able to fish from it, they're very stable arentb they ?

[@StevieWyatt]

@@stacysmith5760 I don't fish so it's hard to give advice on that. But I have seen another review of this boat on KZbin, an Australian guy, who does fish from it. The drop stitch floor is as stiff as a stand up paddle board so I think it would be fine. Boat would have to be anchored or tethered though

[@stacysmith5760]

@@StevieWyatt I've just bought one... It comes tues... Youre confident this will be safe at sea?

[@HurricaneMiltonsDad]

@@stacysmith5760 You will be fine. I just kayaked the sea coast in huge swells last week in my own inflatable.

[@TheRiot187]

Great video. Sub'd 👍🏼

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@isilviu1979]

😍

[@williamj8349]

FIRST! Will watch later ;-)

[@StevieWyatt]

You'll like this one 🛀

[@jasonaldridge1177]

Cheater...! 😂

[@williamj8349]

@@jasonaldridge1177 haha

[@MiNkOYu]

Great video .. tch , tch, tch.. Done ✅ 😅