Top 5 Things I Hate About Paddling | Kayaking and Canoeing

[@pgirl9406]

I’m convinced to only paddle in great weather and stick with my sit on top...very funny...loved it.

[@maryhenry3257]

Can I offer a suggestion to the water up the nose thing? I’m 60-something, a lifetime swimmer lifeguard-instructor now masters swimmer, recently turned kayak lover (3 seasons, can’t get enough). Whenever my head is under, whether upside down & rolling, deep diving, swimming back crawl, ANYTHING - I release a slow and steady stream of air bubbles from my nostrils. NO water can come in, and it encourages the normal in and out flow of breathing (ie not holding breath) which is a key to relaxing. It becomes muscle memory. Every distance swimmer does this. So simple, so effective.

[@rickquist3992]

+1 (learned it in swim class as a kid)

[@BladePressure]

I hum.

[@jenniferlauck4337]

So so funny, I adore the "dork" factor and how you "own" it! Will never look at skirts the same.

[@sprintershepherd4359]

lol . youre always so professional about everything which i like and respect . this was pretty funny in contrast lol

[@Cotivity]

This is my first season, as a Kayaker. Good to know in a few decades, I'll lament my hobby too!

[@slighwentwalking2025]

I started a 2021 mile paddle challenge in January. My goal was before years end to paddle 2021 miles on pottsburgh Creek... It's a local waterway here in Jacksonville Florida. The challenge is nearly complete I have 36 miles left and I'm headed out for a paddle session in a few moments. I taught myself to kayak using your instructional videos. I expect to be finished in the next day or 2. It's posted on KZbin and Facebook at 2021 Mile Pottsburg Paddle Challenge. Thank you so much for your instructional videos and gear reviews.

[@slighwentwalking2025]

Challenge Completed ...2022.35 miles over 156 days

[@maryhenry3257]

That was very creative! Your #5 was on my list too!

[@AntonAeonEder]

Oh, it's a new video ;). And a really good, funny one. Loved the spraydeck, "Stayin' alive" walk. Booties are less annoying if you use neoprene socks, I think. So smooth. Paddling rocks!

[@mrjeffjob]

Here’s the secret to putting on and taking off booties. Wear silk socks. Wet or dry they slide easily. Rubber neck gaskets? Screw that. I got a “paddling” suit which is the same except for having a neoprene neck gasket. Much easier on and off and more comfortable on.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@roywarriner8441]

I wore a dry top once without a shirt underneath, I got it off just far enough to cover my head and it stuck. I almost needed to be rescued.

[@rickquist3992]

If it were easy, *everybody* would do it! The sucky points keep the crowds down...

[@sheldons1501]

Great video! Loved it. Upping the production value! lol

[@PaddleTV]

:) Glad you enjoyed it

[@cmAwesome207]

Wow your paddling sounds like torture... I've been paddling for 30 years too but only on Flatwater along the creeks and waterways of mainly South Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.... my rule is no white water and no going upside down. Wearing Teva Water Sandals... super relaxing👍🌞

[@SQWIB]

Same here, I wear crocks "Swiftwater Mesh Deck Sandals" and neoprene socks in cold weather, do a lot of paddling in the colder months, no bugs, no people, lol. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is my favorite paddling area and the roughest I've done so far, Killens Pond and Trap Pond are on my top 5 so far. Headed to Core Creek Saturday. And the only thing I can roll is a stromboli, lol.

[@duncanmcinnes5819]

Great fun video, Sarcasm rocks. Good common sense which people don’t think things can happen to them.

[@charliemorrison8168]

I don't need to have my nose pinched. I hate prepping for the paddles, but love it all once I am in the water.

[@learntechwithruth2147]

This video was too funny. Didn’t expect that. The only thing that I think sucks is getting the kayak to the lake and back. I finally just shoved it inside of the SUV yesterday instead of struggling to put it on top and being at the mercy of total strangers to help me out.

[@shawnkdodds]

One thing you didn't mention was choppy water and banging your hands against the side of the kayak when your up and the water's down. It's not a big deal at 1st but after about an hour it gets kinda sore. Loved the whole bit, thanks for the laughs!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! It was a fun video to do.

[@jakebrakebill]

This could be a bit of a Kayak hack. Everyone's nose size is different but I've found that the foam ear plugs you use to protect your ears while shooting or using power tools, work great as nose plugs. Soft, somewhat comfortable, pretty water tight for my nose and almost hidden. Odd feeling at first, then eventually you kind of get use to them. Depending on your nose size, it might be worth a try.

[@kayasper6081]

I laughed my eyes out Ken, hahaha! It is nice to know we share the suffering (and we do it with joy!)

[@TR-jz4zv]

I loved this. I'm brand new to kayaking, and I agree with all five.

[@owenphillips9166]

I paddle, surf and fish surfskis in sub-tropical Okinawa. I suggest you do something similar!

[@ericstoever9577]

Thanks for the smile!

[@flt528]

LOL I agree with all of these. First time I took my dry top off I realized you could actually drown if you tried to do it on the water and capsized!

[@BillReno]

Nailed it Ken!

[@boblem5994]

Up the comedy level! Hilarious in watching this. I only rec kayak so a lot of your pet peeves are solved.

[@hollymelville462]

Same - none of these bother me, except #5 - I can't do it every day!

[@courtlandbates2683]

Hilarious! Especially the dry top part. :D

[@PaddleTV]

:) Thanks!

[@tominnenPL]

Wow, Ken 😀 that was freakin' no.1 of all I watched from Paddle Tv. Realy like your humor, and yes, very cool acting! You simply did it great! 👍🏻 and 🍺 coming to you!

[@PaddleTV]

:) Glad you enjoyed it!

[@prayfornathannatureshow]

Entertaining video as always! Cheers!

[@jaymedeerwester4843]

I have the same NRS Freestyle booties as Ken and I have to say, I love them. Everyone I was with this weekend lost a shoe in the mud expect me. They would be perfect if they had just a little more tread like NRS' Paddle Wetshoe. As for odor, I hose them down after every session and try to avoid smelling them.

[@PaddleTV]

Love those booties too! Good solution to bootie smell... don't smell them. :)

[@ombrom.6040]

With a fishing kayak it would be hard to get to some of mine gear if I used a skirt on my sit in kayak and I use a sit on Kayak for a lot of Missouri small rivers but if I go farther north then I would understand your pain more

[@kristaps2010]

Definately thumbs up! I see you with your skirt going to retrieve that nose clip. Padling is all about looking cool! I ordered inflatable, not sure about my eskimo roll with Escape1, possible?

[@PaddleTV]

:). Yes, it's possible to roll the Escape1... although it's not as easy as a hardshell sea kayak that is narrower.

[@kristaps2010]

@@PaddleTV will have to try, the easiest one,, I think farmers roll. I could roll “plastic” kayak before. Will have to do a video how not to roll inflatable : )

[@TvanBoven]

Great. Laughed hard because it felt all so familiar .. but my number one complaint is (because I often go out alone or with my daughter): you have to circle back. It 's hard to organise return trips and I don't feel comfortable leaving my gear (or my girl) because I have to return to get the car. Wondering how you guys do this ...

[@FlatlandMando]

I can understand this too as I mostly paddle solo. Sometimes it has (objectively) been unsafe, however I am still here & the memories of each trip are still strong. Self reliance is it's own high

[@butchbinion1560]

Fun video. ✌️👊

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks 👍

[@amateur_adventurist]

that was so funny, lmao, loved it, please make more videos paddling great lakes (ontario, erie, niagra rivers), Canada has million places to paddle year around, would be awesome if you could showing it to the world, your videos are so professional, Thanks a lot

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Will do!

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Only been paddling (trying) for a short while. I thought it was only me!

[@Packraft_Stories]

Absolutely great Video!

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you enjoyed it. I had fun making it. :)

[@Patriotic327]

After just doing a 2 day intro to WW, I see the need for a nose plug. The roll and just being upside is very disorientating. Need more practice to develop confidence. Had a lot of fun and thinking about a remix79 or a Katana. For the class I was in a Nomad.

[@PaddleTV]

Nice! There's nothing natural about rolling a kayak is there? Once you get it though, you'll have it for life, and it will give your paddling a huge confidence boost. Good luck!

[@311rooster]

That’s why I haven’t bought a spray skirt yet

[@johncheung4005]

i would like to know that the performance of paddle will be affected by Neverwet cover ? (Neverwet can prevent water drop into kayak). it is because the water resistance of the paddle surface = 0,

[@PaddleTV]

That's a great question! I would love to test Neverwet out on a paddle, and on paddling gear!

[@johncheung4005]

many many thanks ^^

[@iviewthetube]

My neoprene boots go straight to the boot dryer after every paddle.

[@tiaxanderson9725]

2:37 I believe you meant to say "It's a dork!"

[@DrCYRisk]

From this Summer, I am going to the paddling world. This "HATE" things version of the video is funny and understandable. But I guess this would be far level for beginners. Haha. ..

[@bobm9509]

#6 The less than casual paddlers that spread their gear out across the launch while they stand around talking and carry one item at a time to their car.

[@truckinedchannel9982]

I guess I am just not hard core enough. I don't have any of the gear he mentioned. I wear a life jacket and breathable hiking shoes on my kayak.

[@lauranadeau5312]

Very Funny stuff!

[@Zak_McKracken]

Your "it's like a birth" makes me totally rofl.😂 Great video!👍

[@jaymedeerwester4843]

At first, I thought he was going for a gimp mask joke.

[@WildWonderfulWeekends]

Great video!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@phill.6572]

Ahhhh Man, the dry top one made me laugh out loud, could not agree more!!

[@sergeykopylov652]

5 things I don't do. But I don't like strong front wind.

[@BladePressure]

Called a headwind

[@hope4surf]

Try an OC1, we get none of that...LOL!

[@iviewthetube]

Rolling is my yoga. To keep water out of your nose, breath out of it very slowly.

[@markarmesto]

Putting the boat on my vehicle and taking it down… twice!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Haha, well played, Ken. 😁👍🚣‍♂️

[@_multiverse_]

Why doesn’t this channel have more subscribers?

[@packratty]

I can't pull my drysuit on over my face without snot being squeezed out of my nose.

[@dwarfer2309]

I dont have any of these problems i wear summer clothes and water sandals and i dont wear any crazy gear i live in Arizona its great what this guy need to do is move to arizona lol

[@barriereid9244]

I am a Scotsman and I always rock my kilt...which is not a skirt!

[@PaddleTV]

Do they make kayak kilts? :)

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

I've been paddling for 31+ years now. I love it. It was a life changer, saver, soul rejuvinator for me. The minor inconveniences are just that, minor. If your a flat water paddler, your missing out on 99% of what paddling can do for you. And where paddling can take you. Hands down the best personal sport rec activity I can recommend to anyone.

[@qaannat]

then why do you wear those nasty boots? I have thin reef walker socks with a rubber sole, perfect. Or stohlquist's water moccasins with kevlar sole. Neoprene is great, just have to keep it clean. Love NRS hydroskin.

[@TheMiccamuk]

ever tried rowing?

[@PaddleTV]

I row a raft... still wear booties and dry tops when the conditions call for it. :)

[@PaddleDogC5]

Never had any of my gear smell because I maintain it.

[@hankb1604]

Putting on cold neoprene stinks.....only other bad thing about paddling is having to clean gear after a paddle (yes, I'm about 97% paddling in salt water).

[@ALoonwolf]

All of these things have nothing to do with paddling. It's all about what clothes you choose to wear, and what boat you choose to paddle, and what life you choose to live. I won't experience any of those things because I'll either have good boots or bare feet, and wear normal clothes or else wet pants and rain coat, my boat is wide and stable and I have many different hobbies - I've not even started paddling yet. Maybe this week...

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he he!!! love it!

[@PaddleTV]

:)

[@grahamashby1409]

HA! Brilliant.

[@TR_Swan]

I never thought about it till now, but I have been in a canoe for 50 years! Starting at age 3 with a WWI (yes the Great War) vet who was a family friend. Granted I am mostly a good weather, quiet water paddler, but this year I started right after the ice melted and was out in the cold. I completed 9 trips this year (over 30 hours on water so far in 2021!) Consider me a traditionalist, so neoprene, dry suits and real men don't wear skirts (LOL - I'm in a canoe). Give me a wool coat, hat and tall waterproof leather boots! What do I hate about paddling? COVID! Ever since this PlanDemic started the traffic on the local lakes has been 10 fold. Nothing bugs me more than a group of yappy women 1/4 mile away bla bla blabbing. I'm out there to see the wildlife. To be alone, with God and his glorious creation. Voices on the water carry far. I mind as well be in their conversation. The other thing I hate is Bluetooth speakers. There s/b a rule leave your battery stuff at home! I hear noise (well it aint music I hear, and I do like both kinds - country and western). In fact, I may start to carry my own speaker so I can play the banjo from DELIVERANCE! The problem is they all are too young to get it!

[@TimberHillRedboneDogs]

Lol i loved this😂😂

[@BlueEffigy]

head winds suck when you are paddling your hardest and going nowhere fast inch per stroke lol brutal

[@MrPlooky]

I'm convinced, I'll never do it!!

[@The_Varza]

I was typing up long paragraphs of "solutions" to these problems when I realized that this is a joke, so I deleted it all and 🤣

[@debrascheer4577]

Lol funny video, that is why I don't were neoprene foot were, flip the boat and don't put on that jacket

[@chefken2387]

Lots of people do things they don't love for thirty years.

[@n8goulet]

Solution is not to do rolls and avoid wearing a skirt. I have a sit on top inflatable kayak. No rolls needed. It's the most stable kayak on the market, and after 425 uses so far in all kinds of conditions including rip tides, ocean surfs, cruse ship wakes and ferry wakes, I haven't flipped it. I did surf a few very large waves however that rocked even the largest ships around. No wet suit needed. Avoid the cold water. I tried wearing a wet suit just in case I feel in. Too uncomfortable, and very hard to put on. I feel off the kayak for the first time in early April over reaching for my paddle that fell in. I was back on my inflatable between 5 - 10 seconds. I never even felt the cold water, went back and changed as I leave extra clothes and a changing booth in my car. Fortunately I wasn't several miles away. I wear an inflatable life vest and manually inflate it, so there is nothing behind me on my back. Very comfortable. I wouldn't recommend it for white water or super rough conditions where you half expect to fall in. Paddling every day. Because of time or your tired from paddling? That's the best part of my kayak. I have a Sea Eagle Paddleski, most versatile and stable kayak in the world. Slow paddling performance though but fine on calm days. I have a powerful Torqeedo motor and a full Sunfish style sail rig. When I'm too tired to paddle, I motor usually. Also great on windy days after you've paddled for miles, you can relax coming back. The sail rig is the most fun, but a lot of work. My whole boat fits in my trunk too, has traveled the east coast a couple times and been to more than 125 locations because it's so convenient to transport and inflate with an electric pump. Check it out on my KZbin account. Lost some Go Pro accessories when I got the camera last summer so I don't have a lot of videos, but should be making more soon as I found the accessories. Avoid the GoPro 7 Silver Hero by the way. The built-in battery makes it very unreliable as the camera crashed sometimes and you have to wait til the battery dies to stop it.

[@PaddleTV]

Good idea!

[@Corcioch]

Booties are indeed awful, really really awful, and latex neck seals are an abomination . . .but spray decks/ skirts are brilliant. Rolling is also brilliant (never bother with the nose clip tbh, sea water is good for the sinuses etc).

[@cup_and_cone]

>when you live in Florida and most of this list isn't applicable :-\

[@mrjeffjob]

Yeah but the alligator thing tops all Ken’s list so there’s that. 😎

[@MooseBarrie]

Number 5. Head winds. Head Winds SUCK!

[@PaddleTV]

Head winds do suck. I have a solution for them though... Spin 180 degrees and paddle backwards. Problem solved :)

[@MooseBarrie]

@@PaddleTV it’s that kind of out of the box thinking and solid paddling tips that I have really enjoyed since I have found your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@ArthurHanna]

awwww

[@kevincasey2947]

I think 5 day old chicken salad sandwich squirts suck! :-(

[@nancystrickland1623]

Funny!!!

[@yvikhlya]

#1-3 are not necessary, just throw that shit away. If you can do #4, you are hero, you should be proud of it. #5 really sucks, but are you sure you really can't do it? Come on!

[@PaddleTV]

:)

[@uflip06]

Hilarious!

[@danielbarry836]

Don't do what I did a put on my booties without checking for cockroaches.

[@golfgirl0214]

🤣

[@paulbergman8228]

Wow, I never thought about putting on short boots full of water! Yes, neoprene sticks, so don’t smell it, or borrow anyone else’s! Nor, have I ever wanted to roll, as I have previously injured shoulders from non-paddling accidents, and dry suits, yes the necks are snug, but I store mine for a couple of days before use with the neck on a coffee can or something just bigger than my neck…dah! My Seals spray skirt has a Velcro strap, that makes it easy to put on and remove, so I don’t hike around with it on when transporting my kayak. If you are self-continuous about spray skirts, well, take it off when you get to the beach, dummy! Cockpits are for gear when you move your kayak, stop on the beach to rest, or ? I wouldn’t think of keeping my spray skirt on when going to the park bathroom to pee! Hey Ken…get over your self pity….you’re a kayaker or just a paddler?