The Hardest Video I've Ever Had to Make

Update from the river about a tragic accident I was a part of this year. I touch on how I'm coping with the loss and moving forward.
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[@lysan1445]

I am so sorry for your loss! When you showed the place in the video, I thought, "How can someone get stuck there? How is it that he couldn't free himself or at least be freed by you?" I paddle around bridge pillars often. I would have hugely underestimated a spot like this. It is so valuable that you share this despite your pain - it is an essential warning to us all and will undoubtedly save lives. Thank you so much, and may the river heal your pain.

[@GG-ln3ft]

I thought the exact same thing. I would not have known that area was unsafe. To be honest I'm still confused as to how they got pinned down. I'm sorry for the loss as well. It's sad to think a nice day on the water with friends could take such a quick turn in such seemingly calm water.

[@lysan1445]

I watched the video several times. The key is the water current. A current like this is incredibly strong. From his description, I gathered that his friend couldn't get out of his kayak because, lying sideways, his legs were pinned between the kayak and the pillar and held in place by the strong current pushing against the kayak. I know I will be much more careful around bridge pillars from now on. It's such a terrible situation, being there, trying to help without success and having to watch your friend die. That is burnt into your memory and will not leave you, ever. I had a similar situation 50 years ago when I couldn't save a man from a car accident. I didn't even know him, but I can still see his face in my mind and how it felt when he died despite my efforts. You learn to live with that, but it doesn't leave you. I can recall the memory in a fraction of a second. I also remember the desperate cries of his wife; I can still hear her in my mind. So much more pain if it was your friend.@@GG-ln3ft

[@GG-ln3ft]

@@lysan1445 ok thanks for the reply. It makes sense it the kayak flipped sideways facing the pillar. For some reason I thought the kayak was flipped upside down, which is why I was confused how he was pinned.

[@juliekoester7776]

I’m so sorry that, that happened to you all. The man who died, his wife and family, and you. That’s a very tragic thing to happen. Witnessing a death is a very difficult thing but a tragic death, and a stressful, painful death is seared into your memory and it’s a very traumatic thing to witness. I’m so sorry that you were part of that tragic experience. I’m sorry you had to witness it and I’m sorry for the man who passed so tragically and his wife and family. You’re right something like that is with you forever. You learn to build your life around it. You learn live your life again, but it will always be part of you. It will never leave. God bless you.

[@wetwingsinsurf]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even believe how you even find the ability to take us through this emotional pain showing us the exact spot where you lost your dear friend. Hugh respect for that. The amount of fear and totally destroyful feelings it must have brought beeing in this situation of this big loss. I’m deeply sorry for this devestating point of your life where you find yourself not beeing able to help your friend out of this. Feeling so powerless. Yet here you are facing this and sharing this with us. I can’t even describe the amount of respect I have for you showing us how you’re dealing with this and sharing it with us. And it absolutely help us to see the invisible danger the river can bring at the wrong spot and the wrong current all together. For the people who don’t know about the right gear for this kind of rivers; The right gear is absolutely a must in this cold and current waters, like tow lines, throwing lines, drysuits, and the right kind of kayaks, like straight plastic river kayaks. And you can never underestimate the power we will have when repeating rescue training in this waters with this tools in managable currents and more as long with the skills we develope. There are available courses like Safety courses in rivers, International Sea Kayak Guide Allianse are able to arrange Insident Mangement courses whitch is higly recommended (ISKGA) for this spesific insidents. When situations like this happens there’s nothing more you’d like to have have as your education for upgrading your skills. Learning to read currents, learning about insidents and the power of the rivers and sea. I can’t even tell how shame I feel to tell you about this, because I believe for sure you guys did all you possible could to help your friend. So please, believe me when I say that this is more for the readers and future paddlers, and a hugh reminder to myself. Thank you so much for giving us the upportunity to watch and learn about this and to have the currage to share this with us, so we can talk about this hard stuff. All paddlers for sure have a mental health to take care of, and this gives a huge help in that matter aswell. This shows me what a great role model you are for the future paddlers who are eager to learn safety and learn about the dangers out there. Thank you soo much. I hope people see what a humble and generous, strong man as we truly see you are. Bless you and your friends for ever. ❤

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

Around where I YAK now, most every one who spends time on one of our rivers has either seen, heard of , or knows someone else who has, experienced a major issue in either a yak or canoe (mostly canoes) where someone has impacted either a piling, a big boulder, or a large upended tree and gotten pinned by the flowing water- resulting in either major injury, or death. For all the people out there who doubt or poo poo the potential danger, try this: swamp/roll a canoe, then try to lift it from the water- then try lifting it with 3 or 4 of your buddies. The suction inside the canoe till air is allowed to get 'inside' the overturned hull is incredible. Now, imagine that situation with a few thousand gallons of flowing water trying to hold it down or crush it against a stationary object , and you get a sense of just how dangerous it can be; and that's not even counting where someone gets caught in between it and is ' held' there by the water. The sad fact is that some people are simply going to get injured or killed in not only this 'sport', but most every other physical one you can think of. Always been that way, is that way now, and most likely will always be that way in the future. Best one can do is what you've done, i.e. "spread the word", be ever mindful, and have fun on/in the water. I'm an old man now and have lived a rather full and NOT entirely uneventful life (so far) and over the years , I've found that if you manage to live long enough, you come to realize just how dangerous living a 'life worth living" turns out to be. Sorry for your loss, but in consolation, try to remind yourself that in the end, the reaper comes for us all, So,,, in the meantime, celebrate the good times and adventures you've created/shared with your friends and others you care about. In the end, that's going to be all that you'll consider of any real value.

[@timneely946]

Dear Dan, My wife and I are seniors new to kayaking. Having done quite a bit of research and witnessing firsthand a raft being sucked under after going over a river drop structure, I felt confident I understood what we were getting into. Until I viewed your video…. When I learned of your loss while watching your Trinidad Bay video, I appreciated the risks associated with a rocky surf paddle but couldn’t fathom how a trip down the seemingly benign sandy Sacramento River could prove fatal. You have performed a great service in identifying a hazard to an unsuspecting public and offered a wonderful tribute to a friend. Through your retelling of the incident, his death will not have been in vain. Here’s hoping you can take consolation from that and find peace. Best regards, Tim

[@iowaadventures4701]

I'm sorry for your loss. Telling your story will probably save lives.

[@migsy0]

Absolutely a wakeup call. No matter how fun and relaxing this hobby is, danger is always present. Thanks, Dan, for the reminder and we wish you and yours the best in your healing process.

[@DemoYTube]

Dear Dan, I stumbled on your site a while back, as I was looking for reviews of inexpensive kayaks. I was amazed that you were giving 100% legit and knowledgeable reviews of kayaks that were at a lower price point than your shop even carries! I continued following your posts because you were so genuine, and beyond seeming to be a really nice person, you had a real interest in just getting folks out on the water, at whatever $$ level they had to spend. My heart goes out to you for the loss that you have just suffered. This surely made all the more difficult that it happened on the water, which seems so dear to you...that the water could do this, could take a friend in such a way. Hopefully, time will in some way ease your pain... The fact that you were able to post this video is I hope the continuing of the healing process. You simply going back on the water, let alone returning to the spot is brave. The pain being so real, yet you also showed the deer near the shore, imagine a child in a kayak seeing that deer, the wonder and excitement, I know as an adult I still feel that way. You navigating that eddy over and over, turning this way and that...I can only imagine you trying to feel how your friend could have gone so wrong, a moment of inattention, leaning the wrong way... oftentimes things of great beauty can be dangerous. It was brave of you to share this video, I hope that the river will continue to be a healing place for you. david

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thank you for the kind words. 🙏 It’s a sacred place for me now. It was hard to bring the camera along yet somehow I knew I needed to.

[@kardwise9714]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you are sharing your story. It’s important to know the dangers of the water and to share stories like this. Hang in there.

[@crexthemage]

I just found your channel today, and it has been among the best I've found to prepare people for safety in a kayak. One of the first videos I watched shrugged off the idea of someone getting stuck in their kayak with you saying you had never seen it happen in all of your experience. The fact that you had this experience, shared this experience, and identified that you had been superficial in your previous videos shows tremendous growth and takes a kind of will and strength that I believe is in short supply these days. I am glad to see that you still make content after this incident and believe that your safety advice will be even more helpful in the future. I have no doubt that you are (and probably already have) saved lives with these videos, and that could someday include mine or my friends lives as well. Thank you Dan.

[@LookB4ULeap]

As a newer paddler I appreciate you sharing, showing me what to look for

[@skull465]

I do a lot of solo kayaking trips and if I am being honest I'm often times pretty scared knowing there's nobody else to help me if things go wrong. This story is another reminder of why it's so important to practice self rescue and take precautions

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Praying for you man! That is a side to this sport that I never want to experience. I have lost friends to the river, but was never there and it was never a close friend. When it goes bad, it happens quickly and sometimes there is just nothing you can do about it. Keep your head up and your paddle wet. Love you man!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks Pete. Appreciate the love from you. Always inspired by your passion.

[@robbossen]

Dan - your ability to be vulnerable and share this experience will save lives. It has to be hard to return to that spot, but the paddling community thanks you.

[@Livinglifeat60]

My condolence. We had this happen a few years ago to a fellow paddler during a New years paddle. He went to photograph a large ship that was docked. When he touched it the current was so strong it flipped him and dragged him under. Till this day I still refuse to paddle in that area. The best is to never touch anything when you are in a kayak and moving water. My heart goes out to you for your lose. Regards from Montreal, Canada.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m so sorry. That sounds incredibly hard. Love to you in your journey as well. ❤️

[@auntTdesigns]

Sorry for your loss. Tfs - I see you can't take it for granted, a simple, fun day of kayaking has danger lurking, like most of life. We all need to keep safety foremost in our minds. I will remember that.

[@audioeeze8396]

At 7:19 I cried with you. I also understood the healing process of what you were trying to do. As a avid kayaker, I have been following your channel for years. You have taught me so much. So very Sorry for the loss of your friend, and for what you had to deal with in that experience. I also have a drag car and I know that every time I strap myself in that thing, that anything can happen. I have learned that once I launch my kayak, anything can happen. But it's what we do. Just keep doing what you do my friend, and be well.

[@keithmccann6019]

I was recently with the fishing guide who was part of the incident, Trout Vision, I am sorry for the loss.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Oh no way. I’ve never been able to connect with them and thank them for the help. I can only Imagine how traumatic it was for them as well. Thanks for the name I’ll reach out.

[@katiebethhughes7688]

Thank you for your vulnerability Dan 😢 it is very productive to invite others along on your process. My prayers are with you and his family for healing and peace. ❤❤❤❤

[@brandonpeavey]

I am an experienced canoeist and whitewater guide. I recently lucked into an incredibly nice sea kayak and am spending my off season preparing to take on an entirely new sport with a new collection of skills and associated dangers. Since I paddle alone those dangers are amplified and I have worked hard to ensure my safety. Always in the back of my mind is the reminder to stay humble to stay safe. Hearing your story is a painful experience but one that serves to remind us all of the dangers we face every single day in paddlesports. While I truly wish you had never suffered this loss I am grateful you chose to share this experience and I hope it has helped you in your journey towards healing.

[@melissaj1881]

Dan, I am so very sorry for you and your big kayak family. You were the best kayak instructor I have ever learned from, way back in Penguin days. About six years ago I had a bad concussion. A year in bed. A year on a recliner and from there relearning everything. Yesterday I talked with a friend about being ready to kayak again. I told them I would KZbin “How to kayak.” You were the second video to pop up. I remember you. I’ve been watching your videos all afternoon. Then I came to this one. You are the reason I stopped kayaking with my family. You taught us to be smart and safe on the water first. I’m praying for you all and hoping if I get to a place where I can take lessons again, Headwaters will be my go too.

[@rvmanmatt6643]

Sorry for your loss. But thank you for sharing. This one video alone will save others. I for one didn’t realize the rule was not to lean away. Keep teaching and healing.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Always lean into the obstacles.

[@MrMagnat007]

Dan, These things happen . You did all you could do. Every hobby has its risks. I mean the aqua-dynamics of flowing water around a pylon are complex and powerful. You got back out on the water and that is a big step. Telling this story is part of your healing process. Just take care of yourself and use this time you need to heal.. The channel can wait. Any content you make is always helpful. Just please take care of your mental health and take care of yourself. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@grantw6070]

I am so sorry. This video could likely save lives. I fish rivers a lot and rarely think of this water flow as dangerous, but your video calls my attention to remember that when on the water I need to have respect for its power and danger. Thank you for risking to share.

[@craigmarson6917]

So sorry for your loss. As a beginner your video’s have been a big source of knowledge. Your courage to share this terrible news also helps to inform and remind us to always be aware, you never know what can happen.

[@tranquility9325]

I'm so very sorry, Dan. I'm glad you are on the road to healing. That is quite emotional.❤

[@HeatherThomas-o5i]

I just wanted to thank you for making this video. I just bought my first kayak yesterday. I started off watching your what not do video and then came across this one. This video made me realize how naive I am when it comes to safety on the water. Like many who are new to this, I assumed that being in a boat and wearing a pdf was enough to keep me safe. I’ve done several kayak tours on rivers and under bridges/interstates and these kind of hazards were never mentioned. Your video has prompted me to do additional research on potential hazards, practice recovery, and be more informed on general safety on the water. I am truly sorry for your loss. By sharing this experience you and your friend are helping so many others.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the feedback

[@bradralph3317]

Very sorry for your loss. Friends leave a lasting imprint on your heart. Keep the good memories alive.

[@KellySouthern-c7m]

Thanks for sharing this honest, tough story. I hope it helps your healing. It may help save someone else's life. Wishing you peace and healing.

[@Lyndell1963]

Losing a friend is hard. Losing someone you know and trust is hard. Telling this story is hard, but in the telling will come healing. We all need reminders that accidents happen no matter how good we are. Peace be with you.

[@Heck_Ster]

Dan I hope that you find comfort whenever you go back out on the river. As time passes the bad memory will fade and a little each day and what will remain is knowing he will always be with your on the water watching over you and helping you to remember all the great times you had together. I have a feeling you will someday find a way to honor his memory in a way that would benefit others who enjoy the hobby. Peace and love to you and all who knew him.

[@SammysBaits]

Wow! I don't think the footage will ever need to be shared but the story should be shared. It is too easy for people to just buy (or rent) a kayak and go for a paddle. I know guys who I have met on the water who never heard of a strainer. How tragedy doesn't happen more often is remarkable. Thanks for sharing this, I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

[@jodyfillpot4799]

I'm sorry for your loss. I wish you strength during this difficult time and hope that with time, peace and the river will heal and comfort your heart.

[@markglynn813]

You’re doing the right thing brother. Sorry for your loss

[@jbsanger696]

So sad! Thank you for sharing.. may save a life moving forward!

[@GS-zv3qn]

Sorry for your loss. Your video will help people see that even peaceful looking water can have dangerous spots.

[@leemp337]

Thanks Dan. This makes me reconsider my safety protocols and the safety of the people with me and their skills levels. If this accident can happen with you and Gatewood, it can definitely happen to our group. Thank you for sharing.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

For the record Gatewood was not with me. He’s videos inspired the trip.

[@just-dl]

Damn, bro. This is hard. I think it’s healing to go back out there. As you said, to remember your friend. Dan, you did all you could do. No one asks more. I’m glad you detailed what happened…hopefully the words you say in this video will keep someone safe. When I was much younger, an old sailor told me the sea is kind to the broken hearted. True of all water, I think. Gulf of Mexico saw me through a painful childhood. The Chesapeake through troubled teen years. I almost jumped in the Potomac when I was 20. (Met Jesus that night.) The gulf of Maine has taken my tears, the Presumscot has brought me peace, and I had the joy of sharing the Mighty Andy with my daughter this summer. I don’t know where my sojourn will lead next. But, I’m guessing there will be water near. thanks for being a blessing to many (me included). Happy Paddling to you as well. Stay safe. Stay strong.

[@bucstart]

Hey Dan - Thanks so much sharing an episode in your life that anyone could see has hurt you to your core. More importantly, I hope it gave you some solace to help cope with this tragedy in the long-term. I'm just getting into kayaking and this was a valuable lesson to learn. Like you said, anything can happen anytime. Wise words. All the best to you my friend.

[@enricakita1]

Not a second of your video is wasted. We all need wake up calls and reminders before we get too complacent. Thank you for being so brave and sharing. Your video IS very valuable xxx

[@elainecrawford6891]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏❤🙏

[@jacobturner9947]

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@Infidelio]

Thank you for making this video. I know it was hard, but recalling the event for us was a real service. It reminds us that we need to understand and respect the dangers of quickly-moving current. It is such a beautiful setting, but, as you pointed out, the water can be deadly.

[@mdsf01]

Truly sorry for your loss. Really brings in to perspective many things. Unpredictability of life, the danger in this sport, and how we always think this kind of stuff happens to someone else; never us.

[@lonesomejubilee]

I really appreciate your inspiring videos. My son and I got kayaks last summer, in part to you. Keep up the good work. I'm sure your friend wouldn't want you to stop kayaking. Keep paddling forward. There will be more good days ahead.

[@ryandoll3684]

The river is my happy healing place too Dan 🙏 When my girlfriend passed away 4 years ago i was at the river every day and still haven’t stopped ! I’m sorry about your dear friend.Thanks for sharing and don’t ever stop doing what you love.

[@snotpu]

Thank you for undergoing this difficult task. It will help increase the safety of anyone who watches.

[@MarcelaLizcanoEhardt]

Hi Dan, as a new paddler your insight, experience and reflection you shared in this video have made a difference. Your passion for this sport is evident. As in every sport and in life there are dangers and although many can't be predicted, the knowledge you shared will increase safety awareness and preparation. So, thank you for sharing. I hope the waters restore and strengthen your spirit. May your your friend rest in eternal peace. ❤️‍🩹

[@mikebrady7501]

Sorry for your loss Dan. Really appreciate you sharing. Take care.

[@lorenyoder8696]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all involved.

[@ohblackwater]

Very sorry for your loss. You're a good man. We all take chances when we go out on the water. You have the right attitude about this incident and you're treasuring your friend. Wishing you the best, and again very sorry for your loss.

[@jimyoquelet5005]

A good reminder for us all . And no doubt your friend would want the river to be there for you . Tuff one bud , chin up. With much love and respect. I bought 2 kayaks because of you and your channel please keep um coming

[@katinadiep9268]

Just discovered this channel. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how painful it must've been not being able to proceed to a rescue. 😢

[@TheFishingMommy]

I am so very sorry for what you and your group went through and of course, for the loss of life of your friend. One of these days I may actually get around to having the courage to try sharing my own story that took place at the end of August this year, and very nearly ended up like your friend. Rivers are to be respected.

[@allonsy9808]

Dan, first and foremost, I am profoundly sorry for your loss--made even more tragic by being in the context of an activity that has always brought healing to you. With that said, I am grateful that you've shared this. I've been kayaking for several years, but would still consider myself a novice (watching you play in the eddies illustrated your long-practiced skill--skills that I do not yet have). I KNOW I would have underestimated the water around those pilings, and I thank you for making me call out my own ignorance/arrogance--it will make me a better and more respectful kayaker. I hope that you continue to heal.

[@firekeeper2005]

Hi Dan, So sorry for your loss. I paddle alone most of the time, It's my therapy!! Thank you for sharing your story... It will help me be much more carefull out there alone. I have learned so much from your posts, I wouldn't be near as good of a paddler had I not watched so many of your lessons. Thank you. My native friends would say seeing the DEER is about gentleness, Go easy on your self. They also have very acute senses. It's vision is designed for clarity, they can detect contrast & edges in low light. They also have acute hearing, they may hear things that others don't. The Deer can also be a sign of a new adventure! Happy paddling.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@StevenKuehnle]

So sorry for your loss Dan. Very powerful. Thank you for sharing.

[@CelticLassCreations]

Love you too. It’s been a terrible loss but also like others have said… it will save lives by educating us all. I thank you and Bryan so much for the small river clinics this year. It’s so important. I was so scared to go back in the river after what happened but was feeling better after the second time. Hugs and prayers.

[@shelleymountain-collette7886]

Thank you so much! I wouldn't have known that that could be dangerous. This video could save lives! Thank you so much again for sharing!😢❤

[@stupadasol5911]

Condolences from an "old" pEddler that your family connected me to my passion in retired life. Spending less time on salt and more time on fresh. Thank you for the wake-up call on taking the Sacramento for granted. Bless you and your entire family.

[@KMLifeadventure]

Sorry for your loss, tragic accident for sure. Bridges and pillars really scare me, even with mild river flow. I will keep in mind how the river can sweep you into trouble.

[@JELaVallee]

Love to you and yours from The James River, man... Thank you for sharing this. You're an inspiration, good times and hard, alike. 🙏☮️

[@kenwebster5053]

I too lost a friend, pinned on a snag in a river. A large number of paddlers attending were unable to rescue him. So, I feel deeply for your pain. People go through different things, but I know the consuming paralasys of survivers guilt. it's not logical & you know it isn't, but it's there all the same. There is no life while that has hold, no attending to other loved ones needs. The only thing that helped me was prayer, so I say peace be to you & bring you through this horible experience a better & kinder man. Trust you instincts for healing & do what you need to do.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[@oldguyriders]

Prayers for your friend Dan that must have been very tough. God bless.

[@agentwynnoutdoors]

Man this is hard to hear but folks need to know. Thanks for sharing and so sorry for your loss man.

[@mpmap2129]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you decided to post and honor your friend in the best way possible. Doing what you all love to do ❤

[@mattmeir1246]

First of all, I'm very sorry to hear what had happened to your buddy. Can't thank you enough for being strong and sharing this video. I know it's tough, but people like me enjoy your videos on kayaks and the insight and knowledge you have on kayaking. So we really appreciate this and God bless❤

[@donnamccullough1375]

Prayers to you and the group, that is so hard, so very sorry for the loss

[@charlieboutin3341]

God bless your friend, you, and all affected by his passing. I’m sorry for this great loss. Thank you for showing this Dan. I wouldn’t have thought of that as a dangerous area, now I’m fully aware. I’m glad you’re back on your healing waters, I know your friend would have wanted that. Take care and best wishes my friend. 🙏❤️

[@DanMotta-e7o]

I'm very sorry for your loss Dan. I am new to kayaking and your message has helped me to see how quickly things can go wrong. Tank you for sharing

[@seanlawrence972]

So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way. 🙏

[@jimschreiner6482]

Sorry for your loss man. This is a good video though, to show how easy it can go from having the time or life to the last time of your life and to be prepared for the unexpected things. When I was only 8 and my older cousin was 14 he wanted to float on a couple of inner tubes from a boat ramp on a lake that my aunt and uncle owned property on over to their properties. The property was about 300 yards across from the boat ramp. He slipped off his tube and it got away from him because of the wind. He didn't know how to swim and panicked so he grabbed my inner tube which flipped me off of it and it got away also. So there we were in the middle of the lake, no life jackets both yelling for help. My dad and my cousins older brother heard us yelling for help as they were cutting trees on the property. They ran down to the Shoreline and my dad swam out and was able to get me in but my cousin wasn't found until a week later. I thank God at my age that I had swimming lessons and was able to stay above water until my dad was able to get me. It shows how fast something can go from fun to tragic in seconds. I still fish the lake with another cousin who's about the same age as I am (both in our early 50s now) from are Old Town predators. Just last April him and I were fishing on a cool rainy morning on that lake and I had just caught a 5# bass and as I released it I leaned way too far over and rolled my kayak and was in the water again but also wearing a PFD. I only lost a couple of rods and reels that day that I managed to get back the next day this time. I don't care how good of a swimmer you might be or how confident you might be, always respect the water. Sorry about this long winded reply and thank you for telling your story.

[@SSchiltz05]

My heart goes out to you and the loss of your friend. Not that it means anything coming from someone you don't know, but I've used your videos to LEARN! You've helped teach myself and many others what it means to kayak and have fun while being safe. I've used this knowledge and passed it to others I've been kayaking with. Your videos have passed along techniques and etiquette for fun and safety - Just think how many lives you have saved because of the helpful content you've posted for others. 😀 Thank you for all that you do, Dan!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thank you for sharing, Dan. Life can change on a dime, but this video will save lives and you're friend's loss will not have been in vain.

[@boatman222345]

Sorry for your loss Dan…. Watching this made me realize how fortunate I've been. Nearly 60 years of all sorts of outdoor adventures - many of them solo - as a guide and other than the occasional bump or bruise no serious mishaps. Not sure how much solace this will provide but at least your friend was doing something he enjoyed when the accident happened rather than a car accident, etc.

[@bradleysonthemove5790]

Our deepest condolences ... we're so, so sorry ... hopefully, your being there when it happened is somehow a source of comfort, instead of being haunted by WHAT IF because you weren't ... be safe ❤‍🩹

[@Anonymous-ui5cm]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Thanks for sharing this. Having been through a capsize under an Amtrak bridge I know how easy it is to flip when a couple simple things conspire against you. Keep up the great posts. Hoping that time off & on the water will lead you to a place of Peace. Be safe out there my friend.

[@mikekey6906]

Sorry for your loss. As a 1st year kayaker, I find your tutorials and the way you present them very valuable. Hopefully you will continuewith those in the future. We live in Wisconsin and enjoy your You Tube channel. Thanks.

[@spencer123123123ify]

I’m sorry to hear about your friend Dan 😢. Keep up the awesome videos. Those ferrying moves were graceful.

[@outdoorguy3787]

So sorry for your loss Dan, but thank you for sharing it, we can all use a reminder about what can go wrong , and how quick it happens.

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Wow!! This just popped up. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a tragedy. :-( Thanks for sharing. You never know who you might help by doing so…hang in there.

[@AliexFolgueira]

heartbreaking to lose a friend like that, while doing the things that make us happy, I hope you fully heal soon.

[@jeffdietrich2903]

I can't even imagine. Such an awful tragedy, but thank you for sharing with the paddling community. A sobering reminder that terrible things can happen at any time or place. Just watching you paddle in the same eddies was extremely emotional and moving for me. Peace.

[@male42nfree]

You are a good friend as you try to make sense of this accident, this tragedy. But you are also honoring your friend, not only by remembering him, but by giving his death meaning by using his accident encourage others to stay focused on safety at all times while on the river. May The Lord Bless you and all those grieving his passing.

[@kayak_homie]

So sorry for your loss. I know this is hard for you to share, but thank you for sharing it because it brings to light dangers that we take for granted. This video very well might save someone's life by shaking them out of complacency

[@Junior-jm5tq]

Sorry for the loss of your friend. Anything can happen, anywhere and anytime! I know this my self as you do now! I have seen people die in the blink of an eye, yes the saying is true! May God keep you safe and watch over you as he has me!

[@chrispetersen4863]

So very sorry for your loss, Dan. Thank you for educating us on what happened and the dangers that can often be hidden in plain sight. Prayers for comfort and the continued healing of your soul. God Bless!

[@terrirossman4659]

So sorry for your loss 🙏

[@chrispychrisperton]

Sorry for your loss, that sounds like a paddler's worst nightmare. Something similar happened to me in a two person canoe on the first day of a canoe trip down the Potomac River when I was 16. There was flooding the week prior and a lot of debris piled up in the water. I took the adventurous route under a bridge and the guy up front stopped paddling at the wrong time and the canoe got pushed sideways into a large log that was pressed up against a bridge piling. The canoe was pushed down and flipped over, then began to bend around the log. The guy up front had bailed and floated down river and I was left alone. I was able to climb up on the debris and put my back against the piling and pushed the canoe off with my legs and a lot of effort. I learned the hard way how strong the force of water can be around pilings on a river and have been wary of them ever since. My dad was down river and witnessed it happening. As a father myself now, I realize what a bad situation it was and how terrified and helpless he must have felt. Thankfully we were all ok and the canoe survived the incident to finish the trip. I just wanted to echo how dangerous places like that can be and I'm so sorry that you and the others went through that trauma and lost a dear friend.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@ellenkroon8444]

Oh my, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this. As a more novice paddler , I appreciate your description of what went wrong - even with an experienced paddler. Nature/ water is a healing place. 🙏

[@CoryKent1997]

Just seeing this for the first time. Thank you for sharing and instructing. So appreciate your vulnerability to let us in to this.

[@pinkpackraft]

Thank you for sharing-- I'm very sorry for your loss.

[@johnshannon]

I too am sorry for your loss. That would be hard to ever get over. I could not find a news article about the incident.

[@abellforanimalwelfare]

I feel that you sharing this with us was very productive. I would have never known the dangers of a potential situation like this. Thank you, my friend. And I am so sorry for the profound loss of yours. 💔

[@ronn6471]

Sorry for your loss. One should never underestimate the power of moving water, even with no rapids!

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hello DAN i am so sorry to hear about the lost of your friend. I know that is not easy trying to talk about it so soon. I do thanks you for taking the time to share this Story with us cuz that is very very hard to talk about. Thanks you for Reminding us the danger and how to read cuz things like this will happen & that not what We want. Again, thank you for taking the time to talk to us to get it off of your chest in your Difficult time. The MACK E family send our prayers 🙏 to your friends family. & be safe out there.

[@DebraAmes-y7v]

Hey Dan, we love you and our deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability.

[@johnbates8964]

That was deeply emotional, a reminder how fast things can change, of just how precious our true friends, our brothers are. I am truly sorry for your loss.

[@windsup2day]

Dan - I am so incredibly saddened to hear of your loss.It's hard to believe that something so tragic could happen so quickly while someone is doing something they love.❤💔❤️

[@dansouthcomb5439]

A very tragic event that I'm sure you'll have on your mind forever. I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. I hope making this video will help you deal with this internally. On thing to think about. Most of us don't get to pick how we leave this earth. Rest assured your friend left this world doing something he apparently love to do.

[@davebrogan7941]

Sorry for your loss Dan. Thanks for sharing your story and talking about the importance of safety on the water. I know I speak for many others when I say your videos have been instrumental to many people in the kayaking community. I hope with time, you find your peace and closure. God bless.

[@brianm4709]

When I lost my brother years ago, my hope was that others would learn from the experience. You telling your story will hopefully do the same.

[@timroberts1109]

That stinks bro, I'm sorry Youre a mighty man! Talking about it is the place to find healing. My wife grew up in Sacremento