Where are we?

Let's talk about the future of this channel, and my future trip plans.
Also, the secret location to this video. • Better Camping Than KOA!
If you like this content you can support me by buying me a coffee, right here. ko-fi.com/adventureotaku
My most popular books are now available on the Ko-Fi shop. Including the 16 page Guides Way pdf's. ko-fi.com/adventureotaku/shop
I offer free stroke consultation! Send me a video of you paddling with the camera in front of you, and I’ll send it back with notes! [e-mail]
For inquiries about private instruction (Kayaking/Navigation) email [e-mail]
Wanna see how I get a kayak on the roof of a Sprinter Van?
• Kayak on a Sprinter Van
The Gear I use:
By Clicking these links (and making a purchase) it sends a few pennies my way.
Kayak - Delta Seventeen - tinyurl.com/bd6p26zx
Paddle - Lendal Voyager
Paddle - Werner Camano - alnk.to/goZBilR (But I use the all carbon version)
Paddle - Werner Kalliste - bit.ly/3L7GPCD
PFD - Astral Greenjacket - bit.ly/3mF0RKI
Drysuit - Kokatat Gore-tex Meridian - bit.ly/3JkUoMH
Personal Locator Beacon - ACR Resqlink - bit.ly/3L7wHtG
Compass - Suunto M3D - alnk.to/9T7z0bb
Stove - MSR Whisperlite International - alnk.to/6xJamH6
I recently changed the dry bags I use, these bags made by Zen Bivy are
The best I have ever used. You can get them here! alnk.to/c07BLPL
You can see a video about them here! • Are These the New Prem...
If you need help getting started paddling or backpacking, check out my books on Amazon and Apple Books. tinyurl.com/r79u9mnd
The Simple Guide to Kayak Camping - tinyurl.com/bdh55wb5
The Simple Guide to Kayaking - tinyurl.com/3kwmkcwr
GO! - the trip planning book -tinyurl.com/mrxa6vxy
The Simple Guide to Backpacking - tinyurl.com/mws2t92k
The Simple Guide to SUP - tinyurl.com/26y3m82d
The Adventure Journal - tinyurl.com/s8sefaw6
All my books for iPad - tinyurl.com/aya5pc3j
My Most Popular Videos:
Choosing a kayak - Length Matters - • Understanding Kayak St...
Choosing a kayak - Understanding rocker - • Choosing a Kayak Und...
3 season VS 4 season tents - • 3 season vs 4 season t...
First Aid Kits - • NOLS Wilderness First ...
Paddling in High Winds - • Kayak Instructor Life:...
KOA Campgrounds - • Now I understand KOA c...
Kayaking Skills Videos
Packing your kayak - • Packing for Kayak Camp...
Edging your kayak - • Edging your Kayak - Fo...
Turning a long Kayak - • Turning A Long Kayak*
Mastering the Forward Stroke - • Mastering the Kayak Fo...
Teaching the Forward Stroke - • Kayak Instructor Life ...
Tips for the outdoors:
Ten tips for Sea kayakers - • 10 Tips for Sea Kayakers
Ten more! - • 10 MORE kayaking tips!
The Ten Essentials - • The Ten Essentials For...
Follow me!
on Instagram / adventure.otaku
#outdoors #outdoorfun #outdoorgear #kayaking #safety #kayaksafety #outdoorsafety #kayak #paddler #paddleinstructor #seakayak #kayak #kayaker #kayaking #outdoors #outdoorlife #outdoorfun #outdoorgear #adventure #backpacking #backpack #backpacker #outdooreducation #outdoorgear

[@kevinharding2099]

I’ve been a subscriber for about 9 months. I have watched most of the kayak videos (even though I use a canoe for my adventures). I’m 75 and always appreciate content that is available to those of us who have aging bodies that sometimes hold us back. Cobscook is a great place and thankfully far enough away to not get overrun. The tides make paddling challenging, but the scenery is wonderful. If you are that far down east be sure to hike the trails along the Cutler coast or Great Wass Island. The southeastern portion of Maine is not yet a regular tourist destination, but I’ve gone there for years and appreciate what the area has to offer. The lakes are pristine, the fishing is great, and the coast is “bold”.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I haven't hiked there but I will definitely check those out. We hiked in Bay of Fundy National Park and it was amazing. Thanks for watching

[@55nimrod55]

Almost didn't recognize you out of your gray hooded paddling shirt (I have the same one)! Like others I will continue to be a subscriber no matter the content. I enjoy it all, along with your personality, delivery and knowledge.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for watching!

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Anything outdoors is good for me.

[@AdventureOtaku]

thanks for watching!

[@Richard-bs8xe]

Thanks for the heads up on the direction of the channel. I enjoy all of your videos. As for ideas for topics, age related activities. I am 62 with a shoulder surgery, several hand surgeries, bilateral knee replacements and a diabetic. I have been active all my life with fishing, camping, hiking and biking. I still do all those things but with more planning and at a slower pace. This is a very important in being able to continue my activities. Any helpful tips and tricks would make a informative video.

[@AdventureOtaku]

As I said, there will be more of a fitness for the aging adventurer coming. Not sure what it will look like, but it is the journey I am on. Thanks for watching.

[@suebrand4606]

Looking forward to continuing new journeys with you!

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks Sue! thanks for watching.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Diverse is good. Do what makes you happy. Take care, Al

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for watching.

[@MikeSG1960]

I like the diversity that you are bringing. Kayaking is not just about learning strokes or what paddle I should buy but it’s about navigation, safety, planning and fitness. Personally I’d be interested in more of the fitness aspects. It doesn’t have to be “expert” advice but things like what is a good yoga or stretching routine. Or weight training. There’s more but I won’t bore you here.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Never bored. But yeah, there will be some sort of fitness aspect, trying to figure out what that will look like. Thanks for watching.

[@Perspectologist]

I’m a new subscriber who found you through your kayaking content. I am also interested in many of the areas it sounds like you will be expanding your channel into. Recently seeing your camper van got me thinking about trying to do something similar. I enjoy learning from KZbin. A personal challenge I have is that I end up living vicariously through others rather than having my own adventures. I over think things and don’t like the stress of having limited control over dynamic environments. I wonder if having a camper van might help me to be more comfortable with traveling. Thanks for sharing your experience and adventures with us.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for watching. Small steps can take you anywhere. Take small steps.

[@nunyabidness3075]

There’s a LOT of good, high quality content on Algonquin, but not that much done on Adirondack State Park. And, it has everything. You could likely make a few quick pack canoe vids using your kayak vids as a blueprint and test it out. Seems like an under served topic to me, and more appealing to older audiences than sea kayaking. Though, the 90 miler classic is coming up, and there are plenty of sea kayakers competing. You should do it! Cross country skiiing, snow shoeing, day hikes, and all sorts of pedaling are also not over done afaik. Car camping is really well covered, but could pull in some new viewers to your channel that might stay for your other content. Finally, you might contact the Hut2hut guys in Saranac Lake. Much of their existing offerings are very bougie, but they have been trying to create offerings for lower budgets around paddle and hiking trips along routes with yurts and cabins. Hope that helps. Look forward to seeing what you come up with.

[@AdventureOtaku]

good suggestions all, thanks, Ill weigh them.....

[@tehbieber]

I always find the logistics type of stuff the most interesting, as someone who's never actually packed for an overnight trip and swears he's gonna get around to trying it one of these days :p. But I'll at least take a look at pretty much anything you put up

[@AdventureOtaku]

I find the logistics stuff interesting too! but it is hard to shoot it and make it interesting.... ill keep working on it.

[@kayak_homie]

First of all, I am jealous that it's cool enough you're wearing a long sleeve. Heat index was 110 in Virginia Beach yesterday and I was outside building a fence 🥵 I am really excited that when you have finally revealed the location of the campground, its in ME, I've never been up that way and my wife and I were talking about maybe taking the kids next year, so now I'm gonna set that as a destination point. I get you're tired of backpacking, but your reaction to the "ultralight" segment is curious and funny... I've not gone ultralight, but when I went out this past fall, my pack was way too heavy and for the first time I realized I need to prioritize lightening things a bit; its been an interesting spring as I researched and revamped my equipment. I don't think its a bad endeavor even for kayakers, sure weight isn't as much of an issue in a kayak but lightweight equipment tends to be more compact, and as you know space can be an issue in the kayak, so it's worth spending a little time exploring. I'm 40 so I guess that makes me a... Xennial? But I appreciate your emphasis on fitness because I'm realizing as my young children get old enough to be increasingly involved in activities, it leaves less time for my own activities, which has led to a decrease in my own fitness, and I'm realizing recently when I have the rare opportunity to hike a mountain or hop into a boat, what an issue that has become. Looking forward to seeing how the channel involves and enjoying your videos!

[@AdventureOtaku]

answers in order. I shot this in early June! I tend to wear long sleeve sun protective clothes unless it is super hot. Like a heat index of 110! Cobscook Bay is well worth it, we are already planning our next trip there. Im not doing ultra light for a couple of reasons (besides I don't want to backpack) A) those people are crazy B) at 57 I want a little more comfort than the ultralight community allows. C) Ultralighters don't plan for emergencies well, and I have so much Risk management training it is hard for me not to.... Increasing fitness really started for me at 41/42.... so yes, it will only get harder for you, but the more you work now, the easier it will be. Thanks for watching!

[@bobrein8093]

Brett, as an avid and long-time follower, I have mixed emotions about the upcoming changes. When you say diversification is coming, it seems too broad without specifying the types of content beyond what you hinted at. It is perfectly fine as we evolve our interests to expand into new horizons without letting go of the fundamentals that got us to where we are now. This very thing has happened to me. I am excited for you and am super interested in the "new" direction.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Hey Bob! Kayaking will always be a big part. I can't talk about what's coming because it is still forming. We will see how it plays out. Thanks for being a long time follower, and to this date the person who has traveled the furthest to do lessons with me.

[@roastawk]

On Yutube!

[@AdventureOtaku]

Indeed!

[@escapewithed3995]

Newer return viewer here. I've been watching a lot of your older videos, trying to learn how to be better at kayaking but also a better group leader. I like all the outdoor content and I continue to watch b/c you keep it real without resorting to constant click baity videos(a few here and there re part of the game, no?). As I work through your back catalog, do you have any advice for planning 'day trips' or how to plan a multi-day trip which leaves non-interested family members behind without feeling guilty? What are your thoughts on going to "paddling/watersports" conventions or trying to find groups to paddle with? Have you ever done trips or races like the Adirondack 90 miler or the Eerie Cancel challenge?

[@AdventureOtaku]

In reverse order..... I don't do races. I grew up uber competitive hockey player and am just done with it. I am thinking about joining a group to do a Manhattan circumnavigation so I am not opposed to groups. I am not opposed to meet up groups, but safety and leadership can be hit or miss. be careful, keep your eyes open. Every year I think about doing canoecopia... I used to love the east coast kayak festival, it doesn't exist anymore. I test paddled my delta at East Coast kayak festival, there are benefits. I wrote a book about trip planning (link in bio) I feel like I did a video about planning day trips, but I could be crazy. Ill check. If I haven't I'll add it to the list. I would say even my click baity videos are about something I feel strongly about it. it doesn't make them less click baity. Thanks for watching!

[@suebrown8129]

I’d love to see a video about the balance brace / hip snap / back deck roll, where you don’t have a spray skirt, and the camera focuses on what your legs are doing.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Well… you cant do a hip snap, or a back deck roll without a spray skirt. Ive done videos with a camera in the cockpit but not for rolling. If I could find a small light that wont electrocute me when it gets wet….hmm, a head lamp maybe…. I normally do a front finishing roll, it’s been a while but let me see if I have a back deck roll…. Balance brace is a usually a Greenland kayak thing. I did one once at work shop. So for that one, you are going to have to look elsewhere. Great suggestions, Ill work on the hip snap / back deck roll videos

[@suebrown8129]

@@AdventureOtaku In googling just now, I learned that there's a white water back deck roll. I meant back deck as in a standard Greenland roll. And the balance brace can be done in any kayak, by someone who knows how to do it! (I'm still learning and haven't quite got the hang of keeping the boat from collapsing on top of me, which is why I want this video.)

[@AdventureOtaku]

@@suebrown8129 most rolls can be front or back finishing. I used to do both. Balance brace can be done in any boat, I did it in my delta in a workshop with dubside but it really comes from Greenland paddling. You have to arch your back really hard.

[@TheDostergaard]

Hi Brett! I discovered your channel as I was beginning to use my outdoor adventure interests as a road to better health and fitness and to get me out of my office chair. Your channel is a great resource and I love how you engage with your audience! I would love to head up to Cobscook but I am currently adventuring on the other side of the world exploring China. I like the direction it sounds like you’re headed! Wish you the best!

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks for watching, enjoy China!

[@EsMiguel-j4w]

Thank you very much for all the content you provide. You have rekindled my love for the sport and I just purchased my first touring kayak. I have a few kayak specific questions that I couldn't find answers for in your videos, where can I email you for specifics? Thank you again

[@AdventureOtaku]

absolutely, BrettATadventureotaku.com

[@pxtn]

I can’t believe you were spitting distance from me and didn’t stop in

[@AdventureOtaku]

Sorry brother. Both times we were near you we had appointments we had to make.

[@Simon_W74]

As I get older my Adventure side is growing once more. I have become interested in Cycle Touring once more, and even Backpacking. The later I only did in the British Army during Basic Training. They called it Exercise where you go off to practice your Fieldcraft and the likes, I thought it was more like camping and taking my Rifle for a walk I loved it. When I see a Bio Mechanic soon I will ask them about barefoot shoes and if they think it will be possible for me to start to run again after 37 years of not really being able to without suffering later one in one of my old injury sites. As since I have been Kayaking I have found that I have got away with running around a bit more. other than Last night were I was at my Wife's running Club Summer BBQ and played Rounders, all I have is aches from muscles not used for years in that way. I was runner up in a Vote to Win free entry into a 10K race. AS the Running Club Members thought it funny to nominate me, a none runner. It will be interesting to see the changes you bring in and how you will inspire more people to try new things or rekindle old interests. Good luck with your changes that you want to bring in.

[@AdventureOtaku]

thanks Simon. I think cycle touring might be in my future.

[@Simon_W74]

@@AdventureOtaku It has been many years since I last done it, and it ended in a little bit of a disaster, that put a stop to my Cycle Touring days instantly. Kit has changes so much since then smaller lighter and I could probably get all the kit I need in Panners front and rear. I am now older and Wiser, and now know the correct way to deal with Gas Cannisters and changing them. Strangely I learnt that 33 years ago too, just a bit to late to be of use. 🤣

[@AdventureOtaku]

Yikes!

[@johnraffaghello2]

Its hard to get subscribers, so far I only have 12.

[@AdventureOtaku]

the earlier on into the process you are, the harder it is. the key is posting consistently. Right now I am getting about 300 a month, but it will slow down as we head into winter.