Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Now don't get me wrong I love all your kayak review videos and info videos BUT THIS was WOW, the camera views, story telling, the length or the video just amazing. Loved this video and everything. I'm glad this isn't the end and can't wait for more like this! :D
I successfully did my first ever kayak overnight trip this weekend. I paddled out to an island on a lake about 2 hours from home. I loved it. I will definitely be doing more of that in the weeks and months to come.
Thank you for letting those of us who are not able (yet) to experience your fantastic kayaking trips. I too love water ... streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and yes, the ocean too.
Hi Ken, this was a massive dopamine trip to watch!!! I love the camera work, the editing, the sound tracks and of course the whole adventure you had. This is paddling cinema at its finest, thanks a lot for sharing with us, it's very inspiring as well. Cheers from the Netherlands 🍻
Really fantastic kayaking video. First kayak/canoe UA-cam video of this length that I've watched the whole thing without skipping or pausing. Looking forward to watching the rest.
"Just freedom!" you call it. Now we are doing the same thing; travelling in a kayak. So cool to see you in a trip. My last trip was over 2000 km solo in a sea kayak, I paddled from The Netherlands to Spain. Freedom, that's the word! Thanks for your video(s)!
In the planning stages for my first major kayak camping trip now. Planning to do the hooch from "source" to sea this spring or next. This is really cool to see.
As someone newly interested in taking up Kayaking (as an older fart at 50+) this is an amazing vid you are sharing with us all and I, for one, want to be sure to say thank you, Ken. Look forward to watching the rest! and sorry about your GP... I felt the frustration, and then the "Zen" of acceptance right along with you, hehe. Maybe through the grace of the divine it will turn up.
Fantastic start Ken I really love these longer video adventures. When you first stopped on the rocks in the middle of the river, for a moment there I thought you were stuck (I should have known better) You can really see your skill level when you're hitting them rapids. Awesome post can't wait for the next. Quick tip for you Ken. On multi-day trips, change the SD Card every night that way if you do lose the camera you don't lose all your footage. You can get SD Card cases that are small and 100% waterproof and hold loads of cards.
Thank you! And thanks for the thought. I actually do change my cards each day... but forgot to change this one card, of course. I go a step further with my drone. I change cards every flight, because it's such a high risk thing (I've lost 2 drones over the years). :)
Impressive performance from that kayak. I had owned a similar one. I'm 5'10 170 and its a snug fit for me. You're taller and have so much gear. I think I have 2 cameras resting at the bottom of rivers. Both happened about a month apart...its been a while since I've lost one..hope that trend continues. Thanks for the insights into your thought processes as you navigate the rapids.👍
It's a good sized kayak. I figure I was carrying around 90 pounds of gear - 60 pounds of camping gear and around 30 pounds of camera gear. There's a smaller version, which wouldn't have worked for me. Sorry to hear you've shared the same camera loss pain! :)
Great video! I love going on multi-day kayak trips in Algonquin, but it's definitely a (potentially masochistic) preference and a tradeoff against a canoe -- However I'm nowhere near as skilled nor have a whitewater boat, so I portage around rapids. It's great to see you go through the rapids on this trip!
This was a fun one -- looking forward to Part 2. Bummer about the GoPro and especially the footage you worked so hard to get. I've never used a GoPro, but could you bring some extra SD cards and change them out each morning, or when things look challenging? At least you wouldn't lose all your footage if something took out the camera.
Absolutely amazing trip, amazing footage and such a fantastic thing to be able to watch. Just curious why you don't add floaters or like mini life jackets to your camera gear and GoPros? May save your stuff next time you have to hit feisty rapids. I am sure they make some great ones out there but even just a floating bobber would be better than nothing. Sorry don't know much about products or terms...being a beginner kayaker. You keep me inspired to try new things and truly appreciate and enjoy the beauty that's all around us.
Keep camera gear "safer" Especially action cameras, Ive been drilling a small hole in the clamp or mount then using a 50lb fishing line crimped to a large stainless clip like the ones you fish with. Clip it on the deck line for added security. Use it on my bow mount all the time.
Have you ever reviewed Aircanoe kayaks? Not much about them on the internet but they are drop stitch kayaks and seem reasonably priced, considering the current sale I saw.
Awesome video with great insight. Trying to find the "portage bag" you used to carry all of your little dry bags in. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks
Thanks! It's actually just a mesh duffel bag. www.nrs.com/nrs-purest-mesh-duffel-bag/pn3z. If I were buying a bag just for this purpose, I would look for an actual mesh bag with shoulder straps - basically a mesh backpack. Don't know if I've ever seen one??
On my 2 week solo trip to the park earlier this year my motto became "no shortcuts!", because just about every time I did take a shortcut I ended up either losing items, going in the drink, or both! Things could've turned out worse than they did
Yes. You can see the tether dangling on my helmet for when I use a helmet camera. I had one for the camera I lost, but forgot to attach it. You can just use a thin rope, or you can buy wire tethers on Amazon for dirt cheap.
Love your videos, have learned a lot as a new paddler. Have an Hurricane Osprey 109 but am now addicted and looking for a sit inside that I can take down a little rougher waters but nothing above class II rapids. Still do mostly lakes and rivers, am looking at the Liquid Logic Salad 12 ft and the Pungo 12 ft. Do you have any other recommendations to look at? Thanks again for the videos.
The Saluda and the Pungo aren't great for rough water, because they have huge open cockpits and will swamp very easily. That's the great thing about sit-on-top kayaks... if a wave breaks over top of your kayak, it will drain through the scuppers. This is why sit-on-top kayaks can handle rough water so much better than recreational sit inside kayaks. You need to move to a sit-inside kayak that takes a skirt in order to handle class 2 rough water. Something like the Dagger Stratos 12.5. Here's a link to my review of that boat: ua-cam.com/video/ap2rrwud2Yk/v-deo.html
Thanks! I'm using the NRS Silkweight shirt. Keeps the sun off, dries quick. I actually use it for lots of different activities when it's hot, but I want something comfy and quick drying to protect from the sun - even mountain biking. www.nrs.com/nrs-mens-silkweight-long-sleeve-shirt/pt4n. Or if it's the one at camp that I'm using, it's the NRS Guide Shirt - www.nrs.com/nrs-mens-long-sleeve-guide-shirt/pj9h
I am impressed by the quality of the audio (voice). During my kayak trips i just speak directly to the Gopro but of course that doesn't sound too good. May I ask how you record your voice so nicely?
I use a mic like the Hollyland Lark Max, or the DJI mics. When I’m on flatwater, they’re connected to the camera. In whitewater, I waterproof the mics and the audio is recorded internally within it. I then need to match that audio with the video footage when editing it. It’s definitely more work, but it’s worth it to get good audio.
Thanks... and yes. That was the dumb mistake that I made. I have used security lines for my cameras since losing my first camera. That's what that little rope on my helmet is. But after getting through the big rapid (Devil's Chute), I had to to take the GoPro off. I put it back on without the security line by accident. I noticed right away, but got lazy, and decided that it was mellow whitewater ahead, and I would deal with tying the security line when I next got out of my kayak. Lazy = lost GoPro, and the footage from 2 days. Doh!
@@PaddleTV Argh! ya we all have had those moments thinking all will be fine. looking forward to the next vid in the series. right now i am researching expedition kayaks for trips similar to yours. want one tough enough to bump rocks in whitewater, decent on flatwater lakes in between the river sections, can fish out of comfortably, and take enough gear for up to week / 10 days. lol. that's asking for a lot i know.
What brand&model is the Duffle Bag you are using to transport the bits and bobs at 15:00-15:15? Checking the options on the market, for seakayak touring. Not everyone wants the blue bags from Sweden ...
Was that Brent Campground that you set out from ? I tagged along with a friend in September for my first time to Algonquin and we stayed on the site next to the boat launch. I was just trying to follow your path using google maps.
Hmmm... I would only take an inflatable that's designed for use in whitewater. NRS and Sea Eagle both make kayaks designed to handle beating into rocks. Advanced Elements make nice boats, but I don't believe they're designed for real whitewater. You'd probably get away with it for a while though! :)
I wish there was an easy answer.... but honestly, it comes from decades of paddling whitewater, and having developed the skill of 'reading whitewater'. There's no simple explanation for what I saw that made me decide it was safe for me.
This trip was mid June. Temperatures varied, but it was pretty warm during the day (25 C / 80 F) and around 10 C / 50 F at night. The water was nice! Probably around 20 C / 72 F.
Why not bring a partner along? I understand the fascination of doing something alone but it would really add some level of security. PS what’s the bear situation?
Two reasons... It's actually a really incredible feeling doing a trip alone, if you have the skills/experience to do it safely. I love doing trips with family and friends, but I also love doing solo trips. Bears are something you have to be mindful of in any Park in Canada. You just have to be smart with how you deal with food and garbage.
It's actually just a mesh duffel bag. www.nrs.com/nrs-purest-mesh-duffel-bag/pn3z. If I were buying a bag just for this purpose (which I think I might do), I would look for an actual mesh bag with shoulder straps - basically a mesh backpack. Don't think if I've ever seen one...
The 370 has relatively small integrated fins on the bottom. They help the boat track, but they don't do as good a job as large removable fins, which you get with the other Sea Eagle boats (which you pay more for).
Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
"eddy out and sorts things out" best life advice ever when things get challenging.
I like it!
@@PaddleTV I hope so since you said it in this video. ;-)
@@mountainhobbit1971 I think there's a T-Shirt to be made with it! :)
@@PaddleTV I definitely agree!
Now don't get me wrong I love all your kayak review videos and info videos BUT THIS was WOW, the camera views, story telling, the length or the video just amazing. Loved this video and everything. I'm glad this isn't the end and can't wait for more like this! :D
Thanks! Lots more coming :) I'm actually heading to Lake Superior in 2 days to film another adventure - this time by sea kayak. :)
I successfully did my first ever kayak overnight trip this weekend. I paddled out to an island on a lake about 2 hours from home. I loved it. I will definitely be doing more of that in the weeks and months to come.
That's awesome! A whole new world has just opened to you! :)
Thank you for letting those of us who are not able (yet) to experience your fantastic kayaking trips. I too love water ... streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and yes, the ocean too.
My pleasure!
Awesome video and awesome trip! Cant wait for E2! I got to get back up there! Love the color match!!!
Thanks Doood! Look forward to hitting a river with you again!!
Hi Ken, this was a massive dopamine trip to watch!!! I love the camera work, the editing, the sound tracks and of course the whole adventure you had. This is paddling cinema at its finest, thanks a lot for sharing with us, it's very inspiring as well. Cheers from the Netherlands 🍻
Thank you! I really appreciate it! It was a blast to do as well. :)
Love to watch such trips, very nice video material, thanks for the videowork, very good cuts.
Really fantastic kayaking video. First kayak/canoe UA-cam video of this length that I've watched the whole thing without skipping or pausing. Looking forward to watching the rest.
Thanks! Hope you like the rest!
Awesome camera and editing skills as well as storytelling. Looking forward to the next episode!
Thank you!!
"Just freedom!" you call it. Now we are doing the same thing; travelling in a kayak. So cool to see you in a trip.
My last trip was over 2000 km solo in a sea kayak, I paddled from The Netherlands to Spain. Freedom, that's the word!
Thanks for your video(s)!
Wow!! 2000km. That’s huge!
18:11 making Dirt Dobber and Pete proud catching those fish!❤
Very fun to watch and beautifully filmed Ken!
Many thanks!
In the planning stages for my first major kayak camping trip now. Planning to do the hooch from "source" to sea this spring or next. This is really cool to see.
Nice!!
I can't wait for the 2nd part!
Thanks for sharing! I love Algonquin ❤️ ❤❤
It's a magical place!
As someone newly interested in taking up Kayaking (as an older fart at 50+) this is an amazing vid you are sharing with us all and I, for one, want to be sure to say thank you, Ken. Look forward to watching the rest! and sorry about your GP... I felt the frustration, and then the "Zen" of acceptance right along with you, hehe. Maybe through the grace of the divine it will turn up.
Thanks Chris! I'm glad you enjoyed it! While I don't expect that GoPro to ever turn up, it was a small price to pay for an amazing experience. :)
Love it! ❤
Thank you! 😊
Amazing trip so far except for the lost GoPro. That sleeping system looked pretty cozy. Looking forward to some more.😍
Thanks!
What great videos!! Love your channel!! Wish we could go on a trip. You have so much experience! I want to learn from you!!!
Epic filmmaking!
Thanks!
I only seen one of your videos where you explain every question I ever had about buying a kayak. My first one.
Fun to watch. I have a Dagger Katana 10.4 that is similar, and great to camp out of. Love it.
Looking forward to trying the Katana too!
Well done.
Cheers! :)
When I get stuck on a rock. I always take a moment and feel how blessed I am to be where I am...
Fantastic start Ken I really love these longer video adventures. When you first stopped on the rocks in the middle of the river, for a moment there I thought you were stuck (I should have known better) You can really see your skill level when you're hitting them rapids. Awesome post can't wait for the next.
Quick tip for you Ken. On multi-day trips, change the SD Card every night that way if you do lose the camera you don't lose all your footage. You can get SD Card cases that are small and 100% waterproof and hold loads of cards.
Thank you! And thanks for the thought. I actually do change my cards each day... but forgot to change this one card, of course. I go a step further with my drone. I change cards every flight, because it's such a high risk thing (I've lost 2 drones over the years). :)
@@PaddleTV Wow 2 drones that's unlucky
Impressive performance from that
kayak. I had owned a similar one.
I'm 5'10 170 and its a snug fit for me.
You're taller and have so much gear.
I think I have 2 cameras resting at the
bottom of rivers. Both happened about
a month apart...its been a while since
I've lost one..hope that trend continues.
Thanks for the insights into your thought processes
as you navigate the rapids.👍
It's a good sized kayak. I figure I was carrying around 90 pounds of gear - 60 pounds of camping gear and around 30 pounds of camera gear. There's a smaller version, which wouldn't have worked for me. Sorry to hear you've shared the same camera loss pain! :)
Great video! I love going on multi-day kayak trips in Algonquin, but it's definitely a (potentially masochistic) preference and a tradeoff against a canoe -- However I'm nowhere near as skilled nor have a whitewater boat, so I portage around rapids. It's great to see you go through the rapids on this trip!
:)
Sorry to hear about the gopro, Highly recommend the floaty case and a tether to prevent that in future.
Good mornin 🖐😎👍
Mornin'!
This was a fun one -- looking forward to Part 2. Bummer about the GoPro and especially the footage you worked so hard to get. I've never used a GoPro, but could you bring some extra SD cards and change them out each morning, or when things look challenging? At least you wouldn't lose all your footage if something took out the camera.
Absolutely amazing trip, amazing footage and such a fantastic thing to be able to watch. Just curious why you don't add floaters or like mini life jackets to your camera gear and GoPros? May save your stuff next time you have to hit feisty rapids. I am sure they make some great ones out there but even just a floating bobber would be better than nothing. Sorry don't know much about products or terms...being a beginner kayaker. You keep me inspired to try new things and truly appreciate and enjoy the beauty that's all around us.
I'm new to this. Watching your videos for months. Can you do one where you show how your camping gear get onto the kayak?
Yup! It's in the works. :)
Keep camera gear "safer" Especially action cameras, Ive been drilling a small hole in the clamp or mount then using a 50lb fishing line crimped to a large stainless clip like the ones you fish with. Clip it on the deck line for added security. Use it on my bow mount all the time.
Maybe you already do but you should start your raw recordings with your contact info in case someone finds your camera one day and sees the footage
Have you ever reviewed Aircanoe kayaks? Not much about them on the internet but they are drop stitch kayaks and seem reasonably priced, considering the current sale I saw.
Awesome video with great insight. Trying to find the "portage bag" you used to carry all of your little dry bags in. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks
Thanks! It's actually just a mesh duffel bag. www.nrs.com/nrs-purest-mesh-duffel-bag/pn3z. If I were buying a bag just for this purpose, I would look for an actual mesh bag with shoulder straps - basically a mesh backpack. Don't know if I've ever seen one??
@@PaddleTV awesome thanks Ken
That boat looks like a Perception Dancer XT. Remember those?
Ha! I sure do. It's like a Dancer that's been squashed from the ends to be shorter and fatter. :)
On my 2 week solo trip to the park earlier this year my motto became "no shortcuts!", because just about every time I did take a shortcut I ended up either losing items, going in the drink, or both! Things could've turned out worse than they did
Ha! Good motto! Where did your trip take you in the Park?
@@PaddleTV Round lake to Biggar, south to the Nippising to Tim Lake. 29 portages in a kayak, do not recommend lol
Nice journey Ken. Thanks for taking us along. Is there a way to tether the GoPro if it get knocked off the mount?
Yes. You can see the tether dangling on my helmet for when I use a helmet camera. I had one for the camera I lost, but forgot to attach it. You can just use a thin rope, or you can buy wire tethers on Amazon for dirt cheap.
Love your videos, have learned a lot as a new paddler. Have an Hurricane Osprey 109 but am now addicted and looking for a sit inside that I can take down a little rougher waters but nothing above class II rapids. Still do mostly lakes and rivers, am looking at the Liquid Logic Salad 12 ft and the Pungo 12 ft. Do you have any other recommendations to look at? Thanks again for the videos.
The Saluda and the Pungo aren't great for rough water, because they have huge open cockpits and will swamp very easily. That's the great thing about sit-on-top kayaks... if a wave breaks over top of your kayak, it will drain through the scuppers. This is why sit-on-top kayaks can handle rough water so much better than recreational sit inside kayaks. You need to move to a sit-inside kayak that takes a skirt in order to handle class 2 rough water. Something like the Dagger Stratos 12.5. Here's a link to my review of that boat: ua-cam.com/video/ap2rrwud2Yk/v-deo.html
@@PaddleTV Thank you, you have helped me a lot as a new paddler, by far the best kayaking channel I have found.
Great adventure Ken ridiculous question....where do you get your shirt for this trip ....thx😊
Thanks! I'm using the NRS Silkweight shirt. Keeps the sun off, dries quick. I actually use it for lots of different activities when it's hot, but I want something comfy and quick drying to protect from the sun - even mountain biking. www.nrs.com/nrs-mens-silkweight-long-sleeve-shirt/pt4n. Or if it's the one at camp that I'm using, it's the NRS Guide Shirt - www.nrs.com/nrs-mens-long-sleeve-guide-shirt/pj9h
@@PaddleTV thanks I look forward to part 2
I am impressed by the quality of the audio (voice). During my kayak trips i just speak directly to the Gopro but of course that doesn't sound too good. May I ask how you record your voice so nicely?
I use a mic like the Hollyland Lark Max, or the DJI mics. When I’m on flatwater, they’re connected to the camera. In whitewater, I waterproof the mics and the audio is recorded internally within it. I then need to match that audio with the video footage when editing it. It’s definitely more work, but it’s worth it to get good audio.
@@PaddleTV Thanks! Very valuable tips for me. I surely will experiment with this suggestion.
@@PaddleTVhow do you waterproof the mics exactly ? Could you make a video of the filming tricks you use maybe? It's just an idea.
great adventure. just a thought to all the youtube adventurers that like to film , why not have a security line from camera to your boat!
Thanks... and yes. That was the dumb mistake that I made. I have used security lines for my cameras since losing my first camera. That's what that little rope on my helmet is. But after getting through the big rapid (Devil's Chute), I had to to take the GoPro off. I put it back on without the security line by accident. I noticed right away, but got lazy, and decided that it was mellow whitewater ahead, and I would deal with tying the security line when I next got out of my kayak. Lazy = lost GoPro, and the footage from 2 days. Doh!
@@PaddleTV Argh! ya we all have had those moments thinking all will be fine. looking forward to the next vid in the series. right now i am researching expedition kayaks for trips similar to yours. want one tough enough to bump rocks in whitewater, decent on flatwater lakes in between the river sections, can fish out of comfortably, and take enough gear for up to week / 10 days. lol. that's asking for a lot i know.
@@stevesdw1234 Unfortunately there aren't many of these 'cross-over' types of kayaks to choose from.
What brand&model is the Duffle Bag you are using to transport the bits and bobs at 15:00-15:15? Checking the options on the market, for seakayak touring. Not everyone wants the blue bags from Sweden ...
That's an NRS dry duffel bag. I believe it's the largest model (60L or 90L)
Was that Brent Campground that you set out from ? I tagged along with a friend in September for my first time to Algonquin and we stayed on the site next to the boat launch. I was just trying to follow your path using google maps.
That's right! Nice spot. I'd never been there before.
Would an inflatable get through those rapids without being damaged or is that out of the question? (Advanced Elements type of material)
Hmmm... I would only take an inflatable that's designed for use in whitewater. NRS and Sea Eagle both make kayaks designed to handle beating into rocks. Advanced Elements make nice boats, but I don't believe they're designed for real whitewater. You'd probably get away with it for a while though! :)
I'm going to keep avoiding dams like the plague, but how do you know that a dam like the one at that first rapid is safe to shoot?
I wish there was an easy answer.... but honestly, it comes from decades of paddling whitewater, and having developed the skill of 'reading whitewater'. There's no simple explanation for what I saw that made me decide it was safe for me.
What was the date range for this? Maybe you can tell us the temperature so we get and idea of how cold or warm it is.
This trip was mid June. Temperatures varied, but it was pretty warm during the day (25 C / 80 F) and around 10 C / 50 F at night. The water was nice! Probably around 20 C / 72 F.
The big mistake was Peanut Stew.
Ha! :)
Too bad about the camera. But as Christopher Robbin’s says in the 100 acre woods, Pooh Happens.
So true! :)
Why not bring a partner along? I understand the fascination of doing something alone but it would really add some level of security.
PS what’s the bear situation?
Two reasons... It's actually a really incredible feeling doing a trip alone, if you have the skills/experience to do it safely. I love doing trips with family and friends, but I also love doing solo trips. Bears are something you have to be mindful of in any Park in Canada. You just have to be smart with how you deal with food and garbage.
What is the duffle bag being used to carry all the dry bags?
It's actually just a mesh duffel bag. www.nrs.com/nrs-purest-mesh-duffel-bag/pn3z. If I were buying a bag just for this purpose (which I think I might do), I would look for an actual mesh bag with shoulder straps - basically a mesh backpack. Don't think if I've ever seen one...
Just bought the sea eagle 370 and it tracks for a bit then starts to spin, any idea why?
The 370 has relatively small integrated fins on the bottom. They help the boat track, but they don't do as good a job as large removable fins, which you get with the other Sea Eagle boats (which you pay more for).
@@PaddleTV I figured, just ordered a large keg that glues on to see if that balls, thanks for answering my question and keep on paddling!
No Bears here??
Didn't see any on this trip.