Don't let this video freak you out! See what a Middle Ocoee trip really looks like here ua-cam.com/video/qIjblwXjXMA/v-deo.html video is indexed by rapid for your convenience. I also suggest visiting fastfreds.com/raft/ to learn more.
This dude was my guide this year for my first whitewater rafting experience...he's hilarious. A real hoot. Loved this guy. A real Tennessee native. At first I could barely understand him through that thick southern accent...and I'm a Floridian lol
I just went rafting in this river today, as a floridian and a first timer there were some really scary parts but at the end it was one hell of a ride! your commentary made this video hilarious
joel coleman he doesn’t know what he’s doing lmao. If he had just used the current on the other side of the raft it would have Yanked him out. Also if solo in a raft using oars and a frame is a lot better. That raft was too big for one dude.
@@MatanuskaHIGH I think it’s opposite. I think he knew what he was doing… you can see several times he could have got out, and was out , but he paddled back INTO it and kept on, on purpose.. that’s how i read it anyway.
No one died nor was anyone seriously injured in any of the footage in this video. It is all chill class III to easy class IV. Nothing to be afraid of and certainly not reason for panic amongst the participants. Just the unwarranted panic and outrageous commentary make this video exciting to watch. Watch the guidebook videos on this channel for a more realistic point of view.
It's really easy to feel calm when you're watching from shore, but the psychological impact when that water is tossing you around like a ragdoll can be hard on novices. I grew up bodysurfing in CA so I know how to stay calm, but when I got flipped tubing on a tiny river drop in TX, it can be shocking if you're not prepared for it.
@@adventuresolo4815 ha ha this video just features class III and easy class IV. Extremely survivable especially if you can swim. Non-swimmers should avoid class IV and above.
Thank you for your kind words! I spent much of the past winter recovering from a car accident and surgery but more videos will be coming soon! I am back on the river boating again.
The first time I went Whitewater Rafting, Mr.Ruddock was our guide with the company we chose. Real nice guy with a great personality that made the trip even more fun. So nice in fact that we went back about a month later with the same company. A different guide named Toast, who was also a personality to remember. I'm now more interested in Kayaking, rather than rafting, but it was this man right here, who truly got me into it.
Try doing this river boarding...if you can find a guide for it...one hell of an adventure...maybe not class iv though lol. River boarded through Alberton Gorge Montana. For my first time on any river. It was a rush
I hope so too! So far I have been too busy guiding to shoot video at the Olympic Course. I am not complaining as I need the money and especially the tips. Whatever free time I do get when the Upper is running I will be shooting video.
haha much fun , i was trying kayak for the first time at Karnali river NPL few months ago , still struggling with the rolling im not ready with kayak to the flows but definitely on the Go !!!!! Hats off to the guides who make it happen ! \m/ rocks
@FastFredRuddock, while I think your commentary is pure comedy gold some of the scenes shown look quite scary, especially the one at 4:13. What would be the best tactic to escape the current when it constantly pushes you under? I've only done rafting twice (four guided tours) on the Sjoa river (Aseng canyon / Heidal) in Norway. Insanely beautiful trip with varying grade of difficulty up to level 4. The water is quite cold though in August with only 8-10°C (45-50°F) but you'll be wearing a neoprene wetsuit. What's the water temperature in the Occee river? So our guide last year made us flip the raft intentionally at a calmer part of the Sjoa river just to see how we (me, my brother and four of my friends) would react in the water before he would agree to do the more challenging Aseng canyon tour. This flipping was announced in the briefing. So we were mentally prepared. So my first thought after surfacing in the water was "feets up" and that I'll just let myself float until I get a chance to get back into the raft, since I got carried further ahead by the current by about 10 meters (~30 feet) from the raft. There were like 6 other rafts around and one of them was like 2 meters away (6 feet). So I swam sideways to that closer raft full of people and grabbed the safety rope that was tied around each raft but the guide on that raft shouted "swim to your boat!". Well I tried, against the current it wasn't much use, I only managed a stand still in the water. Pretty exausting (I am not a super fit guy, rather chubby). Obviously holding onto a paddle while trying to crawl swim doesn't really help the efficiency. Also my life jacket wasn't on correctly but that was my own fault for thinking it was on tight enough (since I've rafted once before). But finally my own raft came close enough again any my brother pulled me inside. So this was hardly dangerous however the advice of the guide on the second boat to swim against the current was really not what I expected and was quite exhausting which didn't make that part that enjoyable all the 3-4 minutes it lasted. All in all it still was a cool experience. :) We didn't flip on th Aseng canyon afterwards. So comming back to my initial question do you think that my initial thought of "staying chill and floating until I get a chance to get back into the raft" was the right thing to do? Is staying calm and not fighting the current the key to get out of situations like 4:13? Anyway Cheers for the hilarious video. :)
Staying calm is big part of being an active participant in your own rescue. Calm people/swimmers can follow directions from guides and safety boaters. Escaping hydraulics and holes is a deep subject ha ha. Folks have different opinions. I have found swimming in the slab of green water entering the upstream side of the holes works most of the time. The backwash is trying to push you there anyway. If you are really interested in the subject taking a SWR class might be worth the time and money. Fighting the back wash as a swimmer as seen in the video is not effective and wears out the swimmer.
I've read that below the recirculating part there is a direct flow, below the hole, balling up and swimming down should work - in theory that'll get you in the lamerner flow and spit you right away
Update: I am now adding videos about river features and hazards to remove the mysteries and scuttlebutt of the river. It is my hope to better inform both guides and private boaters.
This was the most terrifying thing I have ever done!!! I went through class 5 rapids and it was my very first time!!! The water was also very high and incredibly strong.
When I was a teen my guide asked if anyone wanted to ride the front of the raft into a drop called, "The Hell Hole". He had no takers, so I was like, "Yeah, I'll do it." Lol I just thought it was a 3-4ft. drop. I was riding on the nose of the raft when I dropped a solid 6ft. I am 5'5" & at that time weighed 120. It flipped through the air & onto the guides feet in the back of the raft. I am now 36 & was told, they no longer take rafts into "The Hell Hole". Good times, good times. Lol
@ spiritisalive1 Oh my goodness, I was the same size as you and my guide offered the same (he was a really cool dude too) and someone by the grace of God I stayed on and it was a blast! I look back and I’m still so proud I did that! Lol It was on the Ocoee if I recall correctly… I think the max was class 3 or 4… it was about 9 years ago.
“Hell Hole” is on the Middle Ocoee course, and they still go through it and let someone “ride the bull” (sit on the front tip of the raft). We went down it yesterday and my niece rode it….barely stayed on but we had a blast!
This video barely qualifies as carnage. The biggest rapid featured is an easy class IV rapid. Much of the video features class III. Compared to class V+ action featured in some of my other videos this is all highly survivable. No one came even close to drowning. This video does demonstrate some inherent risks of whitewater rafting. The video also shows the consequences of not remaining alert, listening to your guide, and paddling effectively. The crew plays a huge role in the experience they get.
Just did the ocoee today, no one in my raft fell out. 14 years old and this is my second white water rafting trip (first was on the nantahala ) Our guide (Part of wildwater) was great and whole sometimes strict, got us through without any man overboards.
I have an extremely low swim count. As a rule my guests don't swim. I also kayak. I was paddling the Green River Narrows before I ever guided on the Ocoee.
Which set of rapids is this... hell hole? I went rafting down this river about 20 years ago and seems like I remember a bridge or something over hell hole
FastFredRuddock appreciate the response. Like I said it's been probably 20 years since I got to go. I just specifically remember hell hole and the fact 4 people out of the 7 total that was in our boat fell out when we hit. I was in the very back and me, the guide, and the girl next to me were the only ones that stayed in. We hit so hard I lost my paddle, so needless to say it left an impression....lol. would love to go again one day
FastFredRuddock I don’t even recognize those names. That first rapid look like what used to be called double suck. But I haven’t run that River since 1985 so perhaps the terminology has changed.
FastFredRuddock As I recall hell hole was just above the piling for the old bridge that was taken out. The first kayak I bought I got cheap because a friend of mine wrapped it around that bridge piling. When they pulled it off the piling it was shaped like a staple but being plastic it popped out and was mostly straight afterward. We used to raft up inside of hell hole and then stand up in our kayaks and moon the people watching from the shore.
Is this considered what type of class?? III or IV? V? This videos should be named: Men vs GOD , AND thanks for not adding music, i love the roar of the river, the screams and sometimes terror, subscribing right now!
Much of the carnage filmed is class IV but some is just class III. Thanks for the subscription. I hope you are enjoying the new videos. A new best of dump trucks video is coming soon!
Best show in town at the Whitewater Center. For all the excitement it is really pretty chill as the channel was engineered to be safer and more fun for the 1996 Olympics.
As a river guide student in CO this video was hilarious and made me laugh so many times 😂but 7:27 killed me when the kayaker was trying to flip and they were cheering him on 😂😂
Rafting the Ocoee River is plenty of fun for sure. The Upper Ocoee is class IV while the Middle Ocoee is class III with two more fun class III+ rapids. You can learn more and book your trip at fastfreds.com/raft
He actually spends the off-season following sun, adventure, and water to Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere. During the rafting season in Tennessee he lives in a primitive shack. And he spends more time guiding rafts through these same rapids than he does shooting these videos. fastfreds.com/raft
Make plans not to be there next season. I guide if you want to go rafting. I am usually to busy working to private boat it but I often get to kayak the Upper Ocoee as a safety boater. I also offer kayak instruction for those interested. fastfreds.com/raft
@@FastFredRuddock 'Not to be there next season'? Why is that? My season might be screwed for a big bit, I am having rotator cuff surgery in 4 days and then later, need both knees operated on for meniscus tears.
@@FastFredRuddock Hey, thanks so much! Hopefully in the future we can meet on the river. I have gone with High Country, AU, Wildwater Express (don't know if you know Crazy Richard - aka Dicky Blanco- he's been my guide a few times) and Sunburst (when it used to be Sunburst). The surgeries are really depressing me because I like to raft, mountain bike, scuba, river treasure hunt, swim and freedive rivers, hike, and do a lot of other things (right now I volunteer a lot with Habitat for Humanity, can't swing a hammer after Monday). I've rafted (as a customer) Ocoee, Pigeon, Chattooga, Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA, the New and Gauley rivers in WVA. Also want to start riverboarding. Take care and stay safe and I hope to see you on the water.
+SB's Crafts Not entirely true. River composition and volume have a lot to do with it. I've willingly swam through cl III, IV and V rapids in the same section of river at different times in the season and I have to say that I prefer swimming the cl V water because floated over most of the rocks I would have had to swim around in lower water conditions. Also, here in The Northeast US, the rivers I like to play in get choked up with all that cl V water and can actually run slower than the lower classes at times. Just always remember "nose and toes". Keep them pointed at the sky at all times with your feet up and in front of you and pointed downstream to absorb any impacts. Avoid tree limbs at all costs if you can see them. A PFD alone won't keep your feet from getting caught between rocks or whatever else may lurk in the river!
Alex was safety boating R1. He was putting on a show for the guests on the trip hanging out after a clean run with the other guide in his trip. His solo run through Callahan's was impressive too!
Thank for the kind words. I make these video to spread joy and my passion for the river. If you like my videos you would love a rafting trip with me. Learn how to request me at fastfreds.com/raft
Nothing like a river heckler😂😂, Fred you're a riot, have you ever saved any of these fools? I've WW many times, and flipped, but i also know how to ride the rapids floating feet first
I have rescued an uncountable number of folks and rafts. Check out this recent save I made at Humongous ua-cam.com/users/shortsy-yDEqn4HxU?si=shr0E1GCldyjxM__
3:45 Wow! What kind of Kayak was that? That thing just sliced right through that re-circulation like a knife through butter! Doesn't look nearly as stable as some other Whitewater kayaks, but that thing can probably break through some insane holes and waves that would swamp or hold normal ones...
Ha ha thanks for taking the time to comment. I am glad you enjoy the commentary. You should experience one of the rafting trips i guide. I try my best to entertain my guests and show them a fun time on the water as well as share silly stories and maybe some local history. fastfreds.com/raft
Ha ha, I just searched youtube to find the turtle scene in Finding Nemo. Good laughs but he sounds more like my pal Craig a fellow river guide. Much love... consider rafting with me in the future. Learn more at fastfreds.com/raft
I ended up in one of them suction Holes but not in a Raft (4:14) -- the falling water kept pushing me deeper and I was about 2 seconds away from filling my Lungs full of Water --- and worn out like i just ran a Marathon..... Be Cautious Everyone -- them few mins was NO FUN.. How many People have lost their Life on that River???
American Whitewater tracks accidents if you really want to know. Heart attacks are much more common than drownings in my experience on the Ocoee over the past decade or so.
I plan to address how to understand your individual inherent risks of rafting... I briefly posted a video on the subject for less than 12 hours. And it received a lot of support online and some serious hate mostly offline... thus I know I am on to something.
@@jeremynorman942 - I am still rehabbing after spinal surgery this winter. Not sure if my body or bank account took the biggest hit. Appreciate the invite.
One time me and my class were on a field trip and it was water themed like learn stuff about water and boats and stuff and on the next day we had rafting whatever it is with obstacles on water with BIG waves with our monitor so my 2 besties, my friend, my 2 other classmates were on a boat and it was fun because we got splashed often , and sometimes we struggled because of the waves, but at one moment there was big waves and sometimes theres these big waves where we go up 📈 and down 📉 and then at one moment i closed my eyes and i was laughing because of the water that splashed us but once i opened my eyes i realized that the boat tilted and that my bestie and one of my classmates were missing because when the waves hit us our boat tilted and they flew out thé boat, luckily the monitors taught us some safety lessons and my bestie knew how to open her eyes underwater and was trained to hold her breather underwater for à long time , my other classmate idk but he survived because my bestie leaded him to safety , then theres me , my other bestie , my friend and my classmate my other classmate Louis was hanging on one of the ropes of the boat for dear life while My friend Zoé was trying to get Louis back on the boat but the boat was still tilted de then my bestie Lauryne was in the middle of the boat crying and our monitor trying to get the boat back straight but i kinda crouched down ( which i wish i didnt ) and the big waves took me , i literally backflipped in the water ( btw we all had lifejackets) and i somehow the waves pushed me under the boat and i wasnt trained to breath underwater and i couldnt see with my eyes closed either so i was stuck under the boat , having no idea where i am and my lifejacket was floating me up and i was trying to hold my head up but then i realized something was on my head stopping me and it was the boat , i was about to pass out and probably die but thankfully my friend Zoe saved me and she was holding me onto my lifejacket and she managed to push me out from under the boat and the lifejacket making me float and i managed to grab something and pushed myself up on dry Land , my monitor couldnt get the boat back up and the waves took him, then Louis let go of the rope , then my bestie lauryne was still on the boat , then the waves took her under the boat got out got taken by the waves again went under another boat, lost her shoe and its now in the water , but me and Zoé Zoé on dry Land and we managed to pull her back up , monitor and Louis survived thankfully ,but overall it was fun and i rate it 9.5/10 :).
Don't let this video freak you out! See what a Middle Ocoee trip really looks like here ua-cam.com/video/qIjblwXjXMA/v-deo.html video is indexed by rapid for your convenience. I also suggest visiting fastfreds.com/raft/ to learn more.
Ok 😕
Dudes drowning. "Ohhh yeahhhh!" Haha bro your commentary is on point.
Athanos Kerensky oh no 😂😂😂
Yeaaaa dump truck lmao
@@vencent8329 q1+1
Ohhhh yeaaaahhhh
Takes a raft to the top of the head just as you're trying to suck a quick breath through the foam "BODY BOOM!"
This dude was my guide this year for my first whitewater rafting experience...he's hilarious. A real hoot. Loved this guy. A real Tennessee native. At first I could barely understand him through that thick southern accent...and I'm a Floridian lol
Kayla Peacechild come on back for some more whitewater fun before I head back south to South America for winter or rather endless summer!
Details of where I am currently located and how to come rafting with me are posted at fastfreds.com/raft
Gus this weekend 🤪 and then we can get you to understand the
@@FastFredRuddock I’ll be checking you out soon
as a nc native i understood every word flawlessly
Was concerned for some of these folks but could not stop laughing......fun fun fun The dudes narrative was stellar.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I am happy you enjoy the commentary.
I just went rafting in this river today, as a floridian and a first timer there were some really scary parts but at the end it was one hell of a ride! your commentary made this video hilarious
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation.
"OH YEAH, YOU'RE A SWIMMER"!!! LOL. Such great commentary!
Some say that guy in the blue raft is fighting the rapids to this very day.
joel coleman he doesn’t know what he’s doing lmao. If he had just used the current on the other side of the raft it would have Yanked him out. Also if solo in a raft using oars and a frame is a lot better. That raft was too big for one dude.
He was actually safety boating for a one boat trip. He was playing rodeo clown to entertain the guests riding in the other raft.
Hahahahaha omg this comment
@@MatanuskaHIGH I think it’s opposite. I think he knew what he was doing… you can see several times he could have got out, and was out , but he paddled back INTO it and kept on, on purpose.. that’s how i read it anyway.
🤣🤣
i love how that guy in the kayak is upside down 95% of the time and the raft passes by and says you got it lol
But he swam ha ha!🤣😂🤣😅
The narration is awesome and cracks me up. Raft after rafter eating it to “MUCHAS GRACIAAAASSS!”. Fun vid!
I am very pleased you enjoy the video and commentary. Thank you, Jim!
Lmfao dude is under the kayak under water.. “oh yeahhhh hes hanging in there”
First step in rolling your kayak is staying calm.
@@FastFredRuddock so what happens if it doesn't flip?
A Mdz death
@@jacobprovenzano7077 ahh
I do not see any kayak
This is one of the best Videos on the Internet.
Right on Brother....sweet ride....been a WW rafting Guide on Upper Hudson River in the Adirondacks since 1991...nice ride.
Come on down for a little Southeastern rafting when you have some time. I'd love to share my river.
I could listen to this guy all day long. I'm dying over it! Good work, sir! That guy in the blue raft is a beast!
Thank you, Valerie! I also guide for OAC on the Ocoee River - fastfreds.com/raft
The commentary is pure gold.
Thank you for your kind words. My travel channel commentary is just as outrageous at youtube.com/@fastfredtravels
the narration LOL dude's got so much stoke :)
Muchas gracias, senor!
+FastFredRuddock tvcrg8pk really 6€€70.3 to £ , ,;; ;,, £, €; £&**)(₩0
I bring the stoke when I guide as well. Details for those wishing to raft with me can be found at fastfreds.com/raft
@@chnuuchauhan6930 oosie
_A person literally dies at __4:13_
*Cameraman:* _"OH YEEEAAAH! MUCHO GRACIAS!!11 BODYBOOM!"_
No one died nor was anyone seriously injured in any of the footage in this video. It is all chill class III to easy class IV. Nothing to be afraid of and certainly not reason for panic amongst the participants. Just the unwarranted panic and outrageous commentary make this video exciting to watch. Watch the guidebook videos on this channel for a more realistic point of view.
@@FastFredRuddock I know, I'm totally with you. Just pulling your chain, I was joking. Please do another video like this, love the commentary.
HAHA this! Totally this! How did that person not die??? Such a funny video knowing nobody was hurt and it's all in good fun. Needed that laugh.
It's really easy to feel calm when you're watching from shore, but the psychological impact when that water is tossing you around like a ragdoll can be hard on novices. I grew up bodysurfing in CA so I know how to stay calm, but when I got flipped tubing on a tiny river drop in TX, it can be shocking if you're not prepared for it.
Just before it cuts to the next clip they pop up next to the raft that landed on them, and they grab the side of it :)
"Mucho gracias" for the video. Good stuff. Commentary was golden.
Glad you enjoyed it
Watching this make me thankful I took up mountain biking instead.
LOL, more whitewater boaters get hurt mountain biking than whitewater boat riding! Water is soft.
When I crash on the mountain bike I don't have to worry about drowning.
@@adventuresolo4815 ha ha this video just features class III and easy class IV. Extremely survivable especially if you can swim. Non-swimmers should avoid class IV and above.
"ooooh the humanity " well done sir.
Thank you for sharing..! It would also be a fun to watch the rescue of folks stuck in recirculating swims.
Generally speaking they flush out of this hole once they stop fighting the backwash.
I came for the video, stayed for the commentary!
Thank you for your kind words! I spent much of the past winter recovering from a car accident and surgery but more videos will be coming soon! I am back on the river boating again.
The first time I went Whitewater Rafting, Mr.Ruddock was our guide with the company we chose. Real nice guy with a great personality that made the trip even more fun. So nice in fact that we went back about a month later with the same company. A different guide named Toast, who was also a personality to remember. I'm now more interested in Kayaking, rather than rafting, but it was this man right here, who truly got me into it.
Thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you got the kayaking bug too! I often have time to kayak on weekdays.
Try doing this river boarding...if you can find a guide for it...one hell of an adventure...maybe not class iv though lol. River boarded through Alberton Gorge Montana. For my first time on any river. It was a rush
I knew the coolaid man wasn't dead. OH YEAH!!! Great video man!
And there are more episodes in the works! Stay tuned for more rivers and class V carnage to come. Subscribe now!
Dude, you are the greatest! Love your vids!
Thanks, I am glad you enjoy the videos. Don't miss you chance to see more at Dumpy's this Saturday, September 17, 2016.
Lol this guy's voice reminds me so much of Seth Rogen
Ha ha! Thanks.
damn you beat me to it
It;s not? Are you sure?
Reminded me of cheech and chong. Definitely chong to me
Natacha Océane
And Tom Paxton from Twister (nicknaming tornado activity)
W a little Chris Farley mixed in
Great video. Hope to see 1 of these for each year. Fun to watch
I hope so too! So far I have been too busy guiding to shoot video at the Olympic Course. I am not complaining as I need the money and especially the tips. Whatever free time I do get when the Upper is running I will be shooting video.
haha much fun , i was trying kayak for the first time at Karnali river NPL few months ago , still struggling with the rolling im not ready with kayak to the flows but definitely on the Go !!!!! Hats off to the guides who make it happen ! \m/ rocks
@FastFredRuddock, while I think your commentary is pure comedy gold some of the scenes shown look quite scary, especially the one at 4:13. What would be the best tactic to escape the current when it constantly pushes you under? I've only done rafting twice (four guided tours) on the Sjoa river (Aseng canyon / Heidal) in Norway. Insanely beautiful trip with varying grade of difficulty up to level 4. The water is quite cold though in August with only 8-10°C (45-50°F) but you'll be wearing a neoprene wetsuit. What's the water temperature in the Occee river?
So our guide last year made us flip the raft intentionally at a calmer part of the Sjoa river just to see how we (me, my brother and four of my friends) would react in the water before he would agree to do the more challenging Aseng canyon tour. This flipping was announced in the briefing. So we were mentally prepared. So my first thought after surfacing in the water was "feets up" and that I'll just let myself float until I get a chance to get back into the raft, since I got carried further ahead by the current by about 10 meters (~30 feet) from the raft. There were like 6 other rafts around and one of them was like 2 meters away (6 feet). So I swam sideways to that closer raft full of people and grabbed the safety rope that was tied around each raft but the guide on that raft shouted "swim to your boat!". Well I tried, against the current it wasn't much use, I only managed a stand still in the water. Pretty exausting (I am not a super fit guy, rather chubby). Obviously holding onto a paddle while trying to crawl swim doesn't really help the efficiency. Also my life jacket wasn't on correctly but that was my own fault for thinking it was on tight enough (since I've rafted once before). But finally my own raft came close enough again any my brother pulled me inside. So this was hardly dangerous however the advice of the guide on the second boat to swim against the current was really not what I expected and was quite exhausting which didn't make that part that enjoyable all the 3-4 minutes it lasted. All in all it still was a cool experience. :) We didn't flip on th Aseng canyon afterwards.
So comming back to my initial question do you think that my initial thought of "staying chill and floating until I get a chance to get back into the raft" was the right thing to do? Is staying calm and not fighting the current the key to get out of situations like 4:13?
Anyway Cheers for the hilarious video. :)
Staying calm is big part of being an active participant in your own rescue. Calm people/swimmers can follow directions from guides and safety boaters. Escaping hydraulics and holes is a deep subject ha ha. Folks have different opinions. I have found swimming in the slab of green water entering the upstream side of the holes works most of the time. The backwash is trying to push you there anyway. If you are really interested in the subject taking a SWR class might be worth the time and money. Fighting the back wash as a swimmer as seen in the video is not effective and wears out the swimmer.
I've read that below the recirculating part there is a direct flow, below the hole, balling up and swimming down should work - in theory that'll get you in the lamerner flow and spit you right away
Update: I am now adding videos about river features and hazards to remove the mysteries and scuttlebutt of the river. It is my hope to better inform both guides and private boaters.
Wow that dude on the raft by himself is an expert! Dude was doing soo well! Awesome!
This was the most terrifying thing I have ever done!!! I went through class 5 rapids and it was my very first time!!! The water was also very high and incredibly strong.
The Upper Ocoee has class IV and class III rapids. Some guides fib and claim rapids are a class or two hard than they really are.
Definitely not class V
John Paul The guide told us that near the end we would hit some class V rapids.
Def did not go through class V lol
Is this Alexander's voice? He took us through Godzilla with an ease. Oh, what a great time we got. Can wait to go back!!!
I am pretty sure Alexander is not featured in the peanut gallery of this video. But of course I know him.
When I was a teen my guide asked if anyone wanted to ride the front of the raft into a drop called, "The Hell Hole". He had no takers, so I was like, "Yeah, I'll do it." Lol I just thought it was a 3-4ft. drop. I was riding on the nose of the raft when I dropped a solid 6ft. I am 5'5" & at that time weighed 120. It flipped through the air & onto the guides feet in the back of the raft. I am now 36 & was told, they no longer take rafts into "The Hell Hole". Good times, good times. Lol
Have you heard Kevin Hart's stand routine about rafting the Middle Ocoee?
@ spiritisalive1 Oh my goodness, I was the same size as you and my guide offered the same (he was a really cool dude too) and someone by the grace of God I stayed on and it was a blast! I look back and I’m still so proud I did that! Lol
It was on the Ocoee if I recall correctly… I think the max was class 3 or 4… it was about 9 years ago.
“Hell Hole” is on the Middle Ocoee course, and they still go through it and let someone “ride the bull” (sit on the front tip of the raft). We went down it yesterday and my niece rode it….barely stayed on but we had a blast!
Donde esta ese rio yo vine a Pensilvania con unos amigos pense encontrarme con un rio asi y nada que ver 😢😢triste mi viaje
Este río está en Tennessee. Se llama el río Ocoee. Chattanooga es la gran ciudad más cercana.
Goooood Lord! Enjoyed every minute of this 😂😂 definitely subscribing!
I am glad you enjoyed the video! Stay tuned for more. Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your kind words.
That first kayak was OG as hell.
OHHH YEAHHHH!!!!!!
OHHH NOOOOO!!!!!!!
Nothing like a little carnage. Thank god I never had that happen all the times I have gone. Will watch for new videos.
Is this okay for those who cant swim ? I tried river rafting but not this extreme hahah
If you cannot swim you should tell your guide before the trip. I have taken several non-swimmers rafting on the Middle Ocoee.
I can’t swim either I don’t know if I could be brave enough to try this . I would die just panic of falling into river .
Trust your life jacket
A veritable surplusage of fumbduckery. Brilliantly done all.
Just like life, you get out of rafting what you put into it. If you fail to make an honest effort there will be consequences.
Awesome video! Nice raft flips. Good footage. Crow✌️
this cracked me up so bad..half of them looked like they was drowning and he’s there “ohhh yeah” lmfaoooo 😂😂
This video barely qualifies as carnage. The biggest rapid featured is an easy class IV rapid. Much of the video features class III. Compared to class V+ action featured in some of my other videos this is all highly survivable. No one came even close to drowning. This video does demonstrate some inherent risks of whitewater rafting. The video also shows the consequences of not remaining alert, listening to your guide, and paddling effectively. The crew plays a huge role in the experience they get.
Awesome video! Tons of great carnage!
Thank you, Barrett.
Just did the ocoee today, no one in my raft fell out. 14 years old and this is my second white water rafting trip (first was on the nantahala ) Our guide (Part of wildwater) was great and whole sometimes strict, got us through without any man overboards.
Just keep at it! A great crew rarely swims! Good on you being active and adventurous. May you live a long and happy life!!!
Scary rapid water but it's amazing to look at. Great job!
Thank you! Cheers!
Mad bro love man. Nothing beats enthusiasm.
I bring more enthusiasm when I go whitewater boating and guiding - ua-cam.com/video/ZO7bBl45ISs/v-deo.html
Hilarious! Great video Fred!
Thank you, Tony!
legend has it dude is still drivin the raft stuck in that recirculation to this day...
Commentary is gold haha. What'd he say 7:15? "AHEEEWW little squirty boats do that"
Creek boats are easier but I have seen surfers shred the holes in many playboats.
Did all of your guests swim grumpys? Which outfitter were you representing?
I have an extremely low swim count. As a rule my guests don't swim. I also kayak. I was paddling the Green River Narrows before I ever guided on the Ocoee.
I did that! With my family and a great guide! The boat behind us got flipped!
It is often better to watch the show than be the show! Most rafts do not flip but it does happen.
OH YEAH!!!!!! The commentator on this video is an artiste, baby!!!~!
Thanks, John! Come share in the art in a raft with me fastfreds.com/raft
Awesome!!!! greetings from Argentina
I plan to visit the Andes again this year. I really want to see Peru this time.
The play by play was awesome.
And the new season is here! Come join the fun rafting with me; details at fastfreds.com/raft
Those kayakers are awesome! Some brave people right there! You really got to know what your doing if you decide to kayak it! Lol
Check out these kayakers in video I shot closer to home: ua-cam.com/video/nSuLRu8OmMY/v-deo.html
Ey yo Fred, Derek & Amanda here we met you last week at Buck Bald Brewing Co. this is so epic
Hey how are y'all?
Swear yall Tennessee guides hit it sideways on purpose looking for carn!!! 😂😂😂😂 I love you guys!!!
I am glad you enjoyed the show. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I could listen to him all day!
Come out to raft with me! I am ratting around in Ecuador but I'll return with the sun in the spring. fastfreds.com/raft
@@FastFredRuddock Thanks for the invite! Im way to chicken shat to try
Which set of rapids is this... hell hole? I went rafting down this river about 20 years ago and seems like I remember a bridge or something over hell hole
jrvbamafan1 most of the carnage happens at Godzilla and Humongous on the Olympic Channel.
FastFredRuddock appreciate the response. Like I said it's been probably 20 years since I got to go. I just specifically remember hell hole and the fact 4 people out of the 7 total that was in our boat fell out when we hit. I was in the very back and me, the guide, and the girl next to me were the only ones that stayed in. We hit so hard I lost my paddle, so needless to say it left an impression....lol. would love to go again one day
FastFredRuddock I don’t even recognize those names. That first rapid look like what used to be called double suck. But I haven’t run that River since 1985 so perhaps the terminology has changed.
@@rickedwards7276 Double Suck is featured as well as Cat's PJs both on the Middle Ocoee.
FastFredRuddock As I recall hell hole was just above the piling for the old bridge that was taken out. The first kayak I bought I got cheap because a friend of mine wrapped it around that bridge piling. When they pulled it off the piling it was shaped like a staple but being plastic it popped out and was mostly straight afterward. We used to raft up inside of hell hole and then stand up in our kayaks and moon the people watching from the shore.
I've done that river a few times 30 years ago I don't believe it was that rough
Part of this was shot at the 1996 Olympic Course.
Literally just did this run. Such a blast
Is this considered what type of class?? III or IV? V? This videos should be named: Men vs GOD , AND thanks for not adding music, i love the roar of the river, the screams and sometimes terror, subscribing right now!
Much of the carnage filmed is class IV but some is just class III. Thanks for the subscription. I hope you are enjoying the new videos. A new best of dump trucks video is coming soon!
The Ocoee is rated as a Class III/IV river.
@@FastFredRuddock the ocoee is not class IV.
@@connorcoultas9629 according to America Whitewater the Middle Ocoee is class III-III+ between 1200 and 1600 cfs. AW rates the Upper Ocoee class IV.
Love the commentary!
The Koolaid man is narrating hahaha these people are probably terrified hahaha I love it 😀😁😂🤣😅😂🤣😅😂🤣😅😃😄😀😊😉
Best show in town at the Whitewater Center. For all the excitement it is really pretty chill as the channel was engineered to be safer and more fun for the 1996 Olympics.
As a river guide student in CO this video was hilarious and made me laugh so many times 😂but 7:27 killed me when the kayaker was trying to flip and they were cheering him on 😂😂
Good luck and enjoy your first season!
@@FastFredRuddockthank you! I’m excited to guide on the same section as my dad approx. 20 years ago lol ❤
Great stuff..never done it but looks darn fun!
Rafting the Ocoee River is plenty of fun for sure. The Upper Ocoee is class IV while the Middle Ocoee is class III with two more fun class III+ rapids. You can learn more and book your trip at fastfreds.com/raft
Narrator lives in a shed somewhere unknown, but comes around every June to watch rafters drown 😂
He actually spends the off-season following sun, adventure, and water to Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere. During the rafting season in Tennessee he lives in a primitive shack. And he spends more time guiding rafts through these same rapids than he does shooting these videos. fastfreds.com/raft
I loved the persistence of the guy from 1:30 to 3:30. He had some sweet moves.
I've done the middle Ocoee about 20 times. Never done the upper yet. Seeing this, I got to do it!
Make plans not to be there next season. I guide if you want to go rafting. I am usually to busy working to private boat it but I often get to kayak the Upper Ocoee as a safety boater. I also offer kayak instruction for those interested. fastfreds.com/raft
@@FastFredRuddock 'Not to be there next season'? Why is that? My season might be screwed for a big bit, I am having rotator cuff surgery in 4 days and then later, need both knees operated on for meniscus tears.
@@Pete_R63 best wishes for a full recovery.
@@FastFredRuddock Hey, thanks so much! Hopefully in the future we can meet on the river. I have gone with High Country, AU, Wildwater Express (don't know if you know Crazy Richard - aka Dicky Blanco- he's been my guide a few times) and Sunburst (when it used to be Sunburst). The surgeries are really depressing me because I like to raft, mountain bike, scuba, river treasure hunt, swim and freedive rivers, hike, and do a lot of other things (right now I volunteer a lot with Habitat for Humanity, can't swing a hammer after Monday). I've rafted (as a customer) Ocoee, Pigeon, Chattooga, Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA, the New and Gauley rivers in WVA. Also want to start riverboarding. Take care and stay safe and I hope to see you on the water.
wow.. some of those people looks like they could have drown
They can't drown where it happened because try are wearing a life jacket and people have ropes for them.
+SB's Crafts
Not entirely true. River composition and volume have a lot to do with it. I've willingly swam through cl III, IV and V rapids in the same section of river at different times in the season and I have to say that I prefer swimming the cl V water because floated over most of the rocks I would have had to swim around in lower water conditions. Also, here in The Northeast US, the rivers I like to play in get choked up with all that cl V water and can actually run slower than the lower classes at times.
Just always remember "nose and toes". Keep them pointed at the sky at all times with your feet up and in front of you and pointed downstream to absorb any impacts. Avoid tree limbs at all costs if you can see them. A PFD alone won't keep your feet from getting caught between rocks or whatever else may lurk in the river!
It is only class iv and a man-made course for the Olympics at that. Just good clean fun!
Yup
yes, pretty irresponsible. Very strong back currents, rocks, riding sideways, not keeping distance etc. All that with tourists.
I wonder how many paddles I could get if I wait at the bottom of this rapid???
The paddles tend to collect river right of Roach Motel.
The guys voice makes it so much better hahaha
Noah Law, come rafting with me and have more fun! Visit fastfreds.com/raft/
I was a Whitewater kayaker and you could not pay me to get in a raft with most of those people. No freaking way.
They do pay us much to guide those people ha ha! Safety boating is big fun though.
This was hilarious great commentary 😂
I am glad you appreciated the humor. It was originally intended just for raft guides and private boaters.
1:20 oh yeah he putting on a show for us lmao im dyin
Alex was safety boating R1. He was putting on a show for the guests on the trip hanging out after a clean run with the other guide in his trip. His solo run through Callahan's was impressive too!
@@FastFredRuddock haha for sure that was crazy seeing someone tackle that solo! thanks for the laughs and view into your world m8!
It’s that time of year again!
It sure is guides have been out this morning cleaning up along the Ocoee River and Highway 64.
the video was so much fun, i laughed so hard watching this video .
Thank for the kind words. I make these video to spread joy and my passion for the river. If you like my videos you would love a rafting trip with me. Learn how to request me at fastfreds.com/raft
Nothing like a river heckler😂😂, Fred you're a riot, have you ever saved any of these fools? I've WW many times, and flipped, but i also know how to ride the rapids floating feet first
I have rescued an uncountable number of folks and rafts. Check out this recent save I made at Humongous ua-cam.com/users/shortsy-yDEqn4HxU?si=shr0E1GCldyjxM__
3:45 Wow! What kind of Kayak was that? That thing just sliced right through that re-circulation like a knife through butter! Doesn't look nearly as stable as some other Whitewater kayaks, but that thing can probably break through some insane holes and waves that would swamp or hold normal ones...
That is a glass slalom boat made for competing in competitions. Come out to the Olympic Channel on Friday to see them in action August 24, 2018.
Hey brother I am moving back to Ooltewah from Socal and I hope to meet up with ya!
Give me a shout! fastfreds.com/raft
MUCHO GRACIAS !!! 😂😂
Da nada.
Is tubing allowed down this river?
Tubing is not permitted on the Upper or Middle sections of the Ocoee River.
your commentary was the best .. "oh the humanity!" Lol
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and your kind words.
Love the commentary
Thanks for the kind comment. I am glad you enjoyed it!
That was a hoot. Cried laughing.
Thank you for taking the time to comment! I am so happy you enjoyed the video.
Best commentary ever! Sounds like Larry the Enticer of rafting.
Ha ha thanks for taking the time to comment. I am glad you enjoy the commentary. You should experience one of the rafting trips i guide. I try my best to entertain my guests and show them a fun time on the water as well as share silly stories and maybe some local history. fastfreds.com/raft
2:50 displacement zero😂😆😂😆
@fastfredruddock, muchos gracias-- oh yeah! great vid
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you enjoy the video.
The guy talking reminds me of the turtle off of Finding Nemo 😂
Ha ha, I just searched youtube to find the turtle scene in Finding Nemo. Good laughs but he sounds more like my pal Craig a fellow river guide. Much love... consider rafting with me in the future. Learn more at fastfreds.com/raft
@@FastFredRuddock That turtle is great lol I would love to go rafting! Been talking to my boyfriend about doing it for a while now, maybe next year!!!
I ended up in one of them suction Holes but not in a Raft (4:14) -- the falling water kept pushing me deeper and I was about 2 seconds away from filling my Lungs full of Water --- and worn out like i just ran a Marathon..... Be Cautious Everyone -- them few mins was NO FUN.. How many People have lost their Life on that River???
We are all between swims. I have had some bad ones but not on the Ocoee as it's relatively safe.
American Whitewater tracks accidents if you really want to know. Heart attacks are much more common than drownings in my experience on the Ocoee over the past decade or so.
I plan to address how to understand your individual inherent risks of rafting... I briefly posted a video on the subject for less than 12 hours. And it received a lot of support online and some serious hate mostly offline... thus I know I am on to something.
I wish this guy could narrate my life
Thanks for taking the time to watch this video and comment! I sincerely appreciate your kind words.
Glad i found your channel!
Is this the upper or middle section of the river?
This video features both the upper and middle sections
@@FastFredRuddock does the middle section have class IV rapids or are they all class III?
Dude what gets me is they’re told to relax when ever you fall in and they fight it
The insane panic is what makes these video so much fun to watch.
Anyone know why the guide is always in the back? More stable? More ciew?
The raft is easier to steer from the back. It also allows the guide to watch the guests.
6:14 had me on the ground haha "aw yeah"
I am glad you enjoyed the show. Try rafting with me next fastfreds.com/raft
Come rafting with me bud hahah Tully town world champs in a month
Loose river ay
@@jeremynorman942 - I am still rehabbing after spinal surgery this winter. Not sure if my body or bank account took the biggest hit. Appreciate the invite.
Aha screw that mate have a good recovery then ay👍
This guy is a legend
Much of this video is class IV but some is class III+
@Kodi Schitter I have videos of training slalom boaters including at few past and present team members.
Great video!
Thank you for the kind words. Check out my Outside TV channel for more at outside.tv/FastFred
6:14 you're welcome x)
One time me and my class were on a field trip and it was water themed like learn stuff about water and boats and stuff and on the next day we had rafting whatever it is with obstacles on water with BIG waves with our monitor so my 2 besties, my friend, my 2 other classmates were on a boat and it was fun because we got splashed often , and sometimes we struggled because of the waves, but at one moment there was big waves and sometimes theres these big waves where we go up 📈 and down 📉 and then at one moment i closed my eyes and i was laughing because of the water that splashed us but once i opened my eyes i realized that the boat tilted and that my bestie and one of my classmates were missing because when the waves hit us our boat tilted and they flew out thé boat, luckily the monitors taught us some safety lessons and my bestie knew how to open her eyes underwater and was trained to hold her breather underwater for à long time , my other classmate idk but he survived because my bestie leaded him to safety , then theres me , my other bestie , my friend and my classmate my other classmate Louis was hanging on one of the ropes of the boat for dear life while My friend Zoé was trying to get Louis back on the boat but the boat was still tilted de then my bestie Lauryne was in the middle of the boat crying and our monitor trying to get the boat back straight but i kinda crouched down ( which i wish i didnt ) and the big waves took me , i literally backflipped in the water ( btw we all had lifejackets) and i somehow the waves pushed me under the boat and i wasnt trained to breath underwater and i couldnt see with my eyes closed either so i was stuck under the boat , having no idea where i am and my lifejacket was floating me up and i was trying to hold my head up but then i realized something was on my head stopping me and it was the boat , i was about to pass out and probably die but thankfully my friend Zoe saved me and she was holding me onto my lifejacket and she managed to push me out from under the boat and the lifejacket making me float and i managed to grab something and pushed myself up on dry Land , my monitor couldnt get the boat back up and the waves took him, then Louis let go of the rope , then my bestie lauryne was still on the boat , then the waves took her under the boat got out got taken by the waves again went under another boat, lost her shoe and its now in the water , but me and Zoé Zoé on dry Land and we managed to pull her back up , monitor and Louis survived thankfully ,but overall it was fun and i rate it 9.5/10 :).
Sounds like you had an excellent adventure.
What happened to the 2nd lady at 4:21 ?
Both of the swimmers were scooped up quickly. That is actually a quite safe place on the Middle Ocoee just below Double Suck's hole.
@@FastFredRuddockThx. It looked bad at first .Seems everybody had a lot of fun.