West Fork of the Tuck

I join Tony Eyl from Southern Yak and Bryant Paddlemore for a run down the West Fork of the Tuckasegee. The day started with a near disaster at the put in rapid followed by a dangerous pin situation requiring our rescue assistance. When we shoved off under the spray of High Falls, an unforgettable day of paddling began. Come along to experience a day in the life of a kayaker. From endless miles of class 3 boogie to world class rapid, Flight Simulator, to avoiding fallen trees, this river has it all! Thanks to Tony for the good lines and beta! I tried to capture the total essence of this run from the hike in until the take out...It is a good one!! Tony Eyl is a class act. He is a ACA level 4 instructor and a great paddler. Give his channel a look for some great content!
Check out Tony's channel - / @southernyak
riverkingpete.com/recommended-...
Want the most out of roll and surfing practice? Get a nose plug!!! - amzn.to/3cAJRLK
For stickers, mail a stamped, self addressed envelope and include $1 per desired sticker to:
River Kings
PO Box 222
Saxapahaw, NC 27340

[@followingrj]

This is what I love about kayaking….the community and the camaraderie. When people react quickly and come together to help out somebody pinned, that’s what you call a Kodak moment of the greatest sport.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton FRJ! Just doing what we all hope someone might do for us one day!

[@treg2863]

Pete, thank you for taking the time to film your kayaking adventures. I'm newer to the sport so being able to watch your runs inspires me to keep working on my skills. I also appreciate you analyzing and teaching from the footage of things that didn't go exactly as planned. Absolutely beautiful scenery and your paddling skills are insane! Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through you!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Treg!! I have paddled with some of the best out there...I am far from that level, but it is just sooo much fun! Thanks for the kind words and I love to hear that the videos are connecting and helping out!!

[@jailen461]

Pete I watch quite a few of your adventures. Enjoy them all. The thing that made me smile in this one was finding Brian's paddle that far after he lost it. This was all good. That just made me smile alittle.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you! That was definitely a special moment!

[@rafeichelkraut8949]

Awesome rescue Guys ❤

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks rafeichelkraut!

[@lexwaldez]

Many that was scary at 8:00 and I was just watching from my PC. That's why you paddle with large groups. Whew.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

for sure!!

[@SchaeferYaks]

Thank you for this, Pete! This is going to help me tomorrow! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@billhamill]

Now I see why one of the locals called it the Wood Fork. Nice video.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Bill! For sure on the wood!!!

[@mtnbums2000]

From a rafter that’s ran the WFT several times I have to agree with ya man, it’s one of the most fun runs around, very high quality run! Great video man, really enjoyed it.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Such an excellent river!

[@creekboys6939]

CreekBoys~ River Kings. haha Your video is recommended right after our adventure!

[@nate4036]

I was not expecting that water fall to be so immense. When you approached the apex and started down, I had to say a censored phrase. I was too involved. Lol

[@RiverKingsKayak]

He he!! It's a good one!!

[@danenewman800]

Thanks for making where you choose to paddle a better place! I remember you reminding me to smile in that eddy! Great Video! Thank you for letting me relive one of the most fantastic and challenging days on the river through your eyes. Hope to get to paddle with you soon!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Was awesome to meet you Dane!! We will have to paddle together soon!

[@pascalou77pascal63]

Well done to the bad tree rollup under the tree 36:05 👍

[@pascalou77pascal63]

What is the level of this river ?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks P77! do you mean difficulty or the amount of water coming through

[@MonkeyNAround]

One of my more favorite white water river videos.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks brother!!

[@ronactive]

IT IS the good River and Nice movie. Greetings ronactive

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton as always Ron!!

[@SouthernYak]

Was @ the premier but well done video Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you sir! It is always a pleasure to paddle with you! Thanks again for the good lines and beta!!

[@31577bowie]

You guys are men amongst boys! Great job!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks Eric!

[@scottmartinjones]

Much respect Pete. Happy Father’s Day..

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Scott!!

[@canoesino9290]

One hell of a run!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It is indeed!!! One of our favorites!

[@paulryan509]

Thanks Pete, love the channel 👍🛶

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Paul!!!

[@jasonwalker7166]

That was one heck of a walk to the put in. Carrying a kayak down those steps.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure!!

[@AirMike61]

Tough Work to do and lots of dangerous woods

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Michael!

[@scottpiner2149]

Whoa. That parking area looked familiar! We were at the Pines Rec Area last summer. Hung out at Lake Glenville and hiked the High Falls trail. Great video.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks Scott! that is such an awesome area!

[@kevinblack7766]

Happy Father’s Day!!

[@311rooster]

Great video amazing river

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks Rooster!

[@patchymcq]

what a cool run, especially the mini gorge part. nice moves getting under that tree, woooo! 👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Patch! Was a little sketchy there!! LOL

[@xxfaction6xx]

Solid adventure yet again.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks F6!

[@melissachilders25]

Just sat down to watch this!!! Looks beautiful!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Missy!

[@KZ-yu4jz]

Great video - That river looks like the hardest class IV that I have seen from your channel. Would you agree? All the wood makes for some scary encounters. Wilson's Creek at average levels looks like it was easier. Was there access past the mini gorge? You mentioned in the end P5 could have ran the river at that point. Thanks again for helping us learn to be safer paddlers by learning from mistakes.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I would say it is probably the sketchiest class 4 Ive done. So much wood. The unexpected in that river is the x-factor that demands full on attention at all times. Otherwise, it is such an awesome run!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

And that right there shows how to wear the "River King" moniker right. Period, end of subject. Definately one to ride the river with, as the saying goes. Just to show how serious that was....I started watching on the couch, halfway through....somebody pass the tp please...again! 😄

[@RiverKingsKayak]

He he!! Thanks Bob!!! Just happy to get out from under that log!

[@larryadams3674]

Love the.vids, keep them coming. What are you using there to protect your paddle blade? Headed to USNWC Charlotte tomorrow, that concrete is pretty unforgiving.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Door edge guard from auto zone...that carbon paddle is 13 years old! Keep those edges good and they last a lot longer.

[@issssunia]

Love the video 💙. What is that strap on Your paddle? I recently bought a Werner strike and I see it’s wearing down quite fast. Seem like solution? Did you make it yourself?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That is door edge guard form auto zone...and that paddle is 13 years old! I have to replace the trim every so often, but it def keeps the paddle going.

[@issssunia]

@@RiverKingsKayak thanks! I would love a video tutorial 😅 i’m a polish kayaker girl who needs some guidance here 😅

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@issssunia I'll do it!

[@mikeemmons4062]

You had your work cut out for you with all of those strainers.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Mike!

[@willm6705]

yeah !!! :)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Will!

[@williambritton5424]

Looks yall are about to have a lot of fun ,wish I could join you, Did you get the envelope to mail me some stickers ?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks William! They are on the way!

[@JohnSmith-ih9rh]

Im watchin your old videos and everyone has 85 likes and im 86 everytime. KZbin playing games agian. Just so u know.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Crazy!

[@Wavetrains]

Hey man what model is that red Perception??

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I don't remember...

[@Jmarcum1]

I think it’s a Perception Phat

[@ckrakra2954]

There's alot of other things that could've been done besides going for the strainer. I like your videos but that's terrible advice. Point down stream and paddle aggressively NOT towards the strainer.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

"Point downstream and paddle aggressively" I would love to have been able to do that. LOL!! The strainer backed up the entire hole, just mostly under water - and the part of the tree with the limbs as well... Downstream at that point was already into/over the strainer. I was basically locked in that side hole surf and the prospect of rodeoing an exit just upstream of the really sporty part of the tree did cross my mind...briefly...the hole is also diagonal and typewriters one to the left pretty quickly. So...while obviously I don't advise paddling into strainers, I was out of other options, I saw the opportunity to get under there and remain in control and took it. Things happen fast as I am sure you know. I didn't want to get jiggy in that hole above the more dangerous part of the strainer.. I would love to hear what exactly you would have done after getting stuck in the hole there...I am far from perfect and am all ears...