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The Optimistic Adventurer
United Kingdom
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 25 เม.ย. 2013
My name is Dom, I do kit reviews & UK based mini adventures.
I am a Father of four (one recently deceased June 2021) who loves being outside.
Wild Camping, walks, sup paddle boarding, snorkelling, short hikes and visiting 🇬🇧 hidden gems.
When I'm not working (Safeguarding Lead in a Primary School) or looking after my 3 girls, I'm out doing something awesome with awesome people or just going it alone while I work through my grief as healthily as I can.
I started this channel to record for myself and my family but my late son asked me to turn it into a 'real' channel and try and make it big. Soon after he helped me set it up, he suddenly died (aged 17) & it’s been a real comfort to me watching the channel grow and knowing that he set me on this path of adventure, it gets me outside doing healthy things & meeting awesome people. If you'd like to subscribe then that's great.
I'm open to doing collaboration videos with similar channels, send me a message.
I am a Father of four (one recently deceased June 2021) who loves being outside.
Wild Camping, walks, sup paddle boarding, snorkelling, short hikes and visiting 🇬🇧 hidden gems.
When I'm not working (Safeguarding Lead in a Primary School) or looking after my 3 girls, I'm out doing something awesome with awesome people or just going it alone while I work through my grief as healthily as I can.
I started this channel to record for myself and my family but my late son asked me to turn it into a 'real' channel and try and make it big. Soon after he helped me set it up, he suddenly died (aged 17) & it’s been a real comfort to me watching the channel grow and knowing that he set me on this path of adventure, it gets me outside doing healthy things & meeting awesome people. If you'd like to subscribe then that's great.
I'm open to doing collaboration videos with similar channels, send me a message.
วีดีโอ
Camping on a nudist beach by accident. Tyler's Trip number 4.
มุมมอง 586วันที่ผ่านมา
Camping on a nudist beach by accident. Tyler's Trip number 4.
kynance Cove 2024 Cornwall, How to get the beach to yourself.
มุมมอง 57614 วันที่ผ่านมา
kynance Cove 2024 Cornwall, How to get the beach to yourself.
Ride4Dementia was on our new podcast, please take a look.
มุมมอง 48หลายเดือนก่อน
Ride4Dementia was on our new podcast, please take a look.
Caves and mermaid rock pools of Porth Beach near Newquay and Whipsiderry.
มุมมอง 193หลายเดือนก่อน
Caves and mermaid rock pools of Porth Beach near Newquay and Whipsiderry.
Barefoot style Water shoes for paddle boarding and Wild Swimming for under £10
มุมมอง 1252 หลายเดือนก่อน
Barefoot style Water shoes for paddle boarding and Wild Swimming for under £10
2024 Red Voyager 12ft 6" Paddle Board with V-Hull - the ultimate touring board review.
มุมมอง 7062 หลายเดือนก่อน
2024 Red Voyager 12ft 6" Paddle Board with V-Hull - the ultimate touring board review.
Wild Swimming and Camping at Cullever Steps, North Dartmoor
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Wild Swimming and Camping at Cullever Steps, North Dartmoor
hitchhiking to Cornwall in 2024? Do people still pick you up?
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hitchhiking to Cornwall in 2024? Do people still pick you up?
Another pod of Dolphins that surrounded us while out paddleboarding near Brixham and Torquay.
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Another pod of Dolphins that surrounded us while out paddleboarding near Brixham and Torquay.
Conway falls in Snowdonia. Wonderful waterfall for a swim.
มุมมอง 732 หลายเดือนก่อน
Conway falls in Snowdonia. Wonderful waterfall for a swim.
Review of The Aquaplanet Cuda Race 14' touring paddleboard.
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Review of The Aquaplanet Cuda Race 14' touring paddleboard.
PorthTowan tidal mermaid pool. A wonderful blue pool in the rocks. Wild swimming heaven.
มุมมอง 4543 หลายเดือนก่อน
PorthTowan tidal mermaid pool. A wonderful blue pool in the rocks. Wild swimming heaven.
Semi Dry Suit from AliExpress. A budget paddle boarding and kayak suit review.
มุมมอง 3763 หลายเดือนก่อน
Semi Dry Suit from AliExpress. A budget paddle boarding and kayak suit review.
Wind-Powered Fun: Paddle Board Sailing Technique Unveiled!
มุมมอง 1724 หลายเดือนก่อน
Wind-Powered Fun: Paddle Board Sailing Technique Unveiled!
Blackchurch Rock and waterfall nr Hartland Devon with Facebook group Optimistic Adventures
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Blackchurch Rock and waterfall nr Hartland Devon with Facebook group Optimistic Adventures
Orestone Rock, Hopes Nose Torquay, Devon. Paddleboarding and snorkeling.
มุมมอง 1245 หลายเดือนก่อน
Orestone Rock, Hopes Nose Torquay, Devon. Paddleboarding and snorkeling.
White Water Paddleboarding on The River Dart. Tambo Core paddle board.
มุมมอง 3616 หลายเดือนก่อน
White Water Paddleboarding on The River Dart. Tambo Core paddle board.
DJI Drone The Green Bridge of Wales, Pembrokeshire. Paddleboarding, kayak and climbing location
มุมมอง 1076 หลายเดือนก่อน
DJI Drone The Green Bridge of Wales, Pembrokeshire. Paddleboarding, kayak and climbing location
st Govan’s chapel, The Green Bridge, Blue Pool and more. Pembrokeshire and the Gower.
มุมมอง 1897 หลายเดือนก่อน
st Govan’s chapel, The Green Bridge, Blue Pool and more. Pembrokeshire and the Gower.
The Prop Factory Exeter. A winter wonderland for those that love a selfie.
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The Prop Factory Exeter. A winter wonderland for those that love a selfie.
Lost my dog while hiking! Rescue Dog to Wild Camping Dog.
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Lost my dog while hiking! Rescue Dog to Wild Camping Dog.
POSTBRIDGE WATERFALL - DARTMOOR FALLS SERIES
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POSTBRIDGE WATERFALL - DARTMOOR FALLS SERIES
Black Tor Falls, Dartmoor's best waterfall so far...but the search continues.
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Black Tor Falls, Dartmoor's best waterfall so far...but the search continues.
Paddleboarding the beautiful Tiverton Canal with one of my girls.
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Paddleboarding the beautiful Tiverton Canal with one of my girls.
24 hour Cornish Mini Adventure Wild Camping and Merlin's Cave.
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24 hour Cornish Mini Adventure Wild Camping and Merlin's Cave.
bird attack full, Jack Daw came to see me & wouldn't leave me alone. #birds #birdslover #animalbite
มุมมอง 1.4K9 หลายเดือนก่อน
bird attack full, Jack Daw came to see me & wouldn't leave me alone. #birds #birdslover #animalbite
St Cuthbert's Cave, Holywell beach. Cornish Adventure, Car camping and Tin Mines.
มุมมอง 1769 หลายเดือนก่อน
St Cuthbert's Cave, Holywell beach. Cornish Adventure, Car camping and Tin Mines.
Self build hot tub room - why I’ve been away from adventuring for a while.
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Self build hot tub room - why I’ve been away from adventuring for a while.
Spitchwick Access Protest, Right to Roam - my head was turned though!
มุมมอง 34310 หลายเดือนก่อน
Spitchwick Access Protest, Right to Roam - my head was turned though!
I was the boy there in the nike jumper loved the plummet
Were you in our group?
Compeed blister dressings are a must.
@@racheltaylor6578 my walking pals used many. I didn’t need to as my boots were perfect for my feet. Thanks for stopping by my channel and taking the time to comment.
Nice video 👍🏼
Thank you so much. Have you been or are planning to go?
Wow cant believe this is possible, for me a annyoing litle shit would always block me to take selfies.
@@misanthropicsophist my daughters ran into this problem a couple of time and subsequently had to have slow runs. Tip: keep the brakes on at the top so the distance between you and the guy in from is extended, this worked for me.
wow, what a tip.
@@malbig2344 just a bit of fun. But thank you for stopping by my channel, hopefully you can find something of interest.
Sod paying for parking.
There’s free spaces about 400mtrs away.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer or remove your number plates. On private land, it's not against the law.
We saw a biker do this on Tuesday. Though I always thought motorcycles parked for free in most places due to having nowhere to secure a ticket, I could be wrong.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer Naa. I'm also a biker. They do it because they are sick of 20mph zones and getting flashed. Freedom.
@TimmyBobinson I’ve got a CBF 1000, what are you riding?
well done for not swearing
@@lukewebster9228 ha ha! Not on this channel!
Wish I had watched this before we went last week. At least me and my boy did explore and find the other beach.
@@jayscoob1 you’ll know for next time. Did you get flat seas and good weather? Thanks for stopping by my channel.
Got me and I've never met you. Stay strong Sir and keep making the vids.
@@JimBob-iz2by this is my new lifelong hobby, if it turns into more that’s great but it’s keeping me focused. Thanks for stopping by my channel.
Nice bro but I need a reason for this
He had a condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, passed away at 17 in 2021. He created this channel for me not long before he died. He’s keeping me well from beyond the grave.
what the first guy said? I understood only the "Hello, my name is paul"
“My advice for anyone doing the West Highland way, do it with friends.
Put a little montage of everything you do at the end, something to make people want to sub
@@nicrenze7081 thank you, that’s an ace idea. 💡
Great video bud, lovely dog
Thanks Andy. She’s been an absolute godsend to me and the wife since we lost our son. We’re saving each other.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your son, that’s awful but I’m happy you’re finding strength in each other. I look forward to catching up on your content, sorry again
@YorkshiremanOutdoors thank you buddy.
My dog Pork William has his panniers, he loves them
They’re brilliant aren’t they. She loves pulling her weight on our trips. Thanks for stopping by my channel.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer No worries you’re very welcome!
Hi. Great vids, helping me loads in my search for my first inflatable kayak. I recently watched your vid on the blackfoot 160. Can i ask if tbe addition cost is worth it against the Chelan. Cheers.
Two weeks time I have a Chelan clone, but slightly bigger, video going out. it may be what you need. Thanks for the comment. To answer…yes and no, for Stillwater yes, for sea I’d go for the 155.
Do you prefer this or the aquaglide chelan? Cheers
Absolutely no. They don’t come close. The Chelan is a winner all day long.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer Thanks for that, I'm deciding what to go for, it will be my first one so want to get it right 👍🏻
I live mine, fantastic craft.
Adventure dog, well done mate, r roxys an adventure dog to, nice camp & spot👌👍
Thanks 👍 it’s one of my favourites. You from up North?
@TheOptimisticAdventurer yeah from wigan, we've been down that area in the caravan, we stopped at river dart country park, one of the best caravan holidays we've been on, awesome for the kids & big kids to😁
@WildBorkysadventures I’m just watching one of your vids, you’re cracking me up mate! Love the energy!
@TheOptimisticAdventurer nice one👍, i love it, only started camping again 2 years ago, everytime it brings me bk to camping in woods as a kid n getting out with cubs & scouts, feel like in re living it all over again😁
Shelby loves and trusts you ❤ Thoroughly enjoyed
Thanks so much. We’re really getting there. She’s been my angel.
great video mate :)
Thanks a lot! When the next one from you coming?
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer When the insanity has calmed down at work 😂 Got a new kayak, so might get a short vid fairly soon buddy.
Adorable shots, dog is absolutely adorable! 🙏🙏☺️
She’s been an absolute blessing. Thanks Ervin.
My friends son asked her who picks up the poo from a guide dog, as the owner is blind! It’s a good question. I’m going to have to share this with her!!! 😂
lol, see the other comment, I think that sounds like the real answer. X
They don't poo on command but are taught a command for being allowed time to toilet break while working,
This sounds a lot fairer and realistic. Thanks.
Brilliant as per usual dom - Tyler loved it ❤️
Outstanding episode man and title is definitely alluring! 😄 Food looked delicious however, the shot at the campsite with Wilson from Cast Away is the winner 👌👌
Wilson love these trips!
Brilliant what you do. I will sign up and I'll share far and wide
This is what I want to do as often as possible. Though my back has been out since this trip so a tad more training and strengthening before the next one. He loved it, that’s what matters.
Very good. Managed to stay the night in car park at the Fisherman’s Cot which you recommended, it was a cracking place, beer garden to die for.
Awesome, yes that beer garden is amazing. I’m off to North Wales next week, I’ll keep my eye out for cool places.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer up there couple of weeks ago in camper, had a free night at the Sun Trevor pub at Llangollen, great food and right on the canal.
@@lesliejury1019 thanks for the tip, I’ll see how close it is to where we’re staying.
Prussia Cove near Roseudgeon, yeah? South Coast??
No, but that is on my list to visit this summer.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer Loe Bar Porthleven is a must 👍
This beach is a stunner. Can't believe I've never heard of it. Considering I'm a bit of a beach fanatic. Cheers for the wonderful vid mate. Need to get there!
You’re very welcome. I’ll definitely be going back with the kayak and a snorkel.
Get subscribed for more to come. A fair few good ones in my older uploads too.
Spectacular spots man, this looks great! Heavenly beautiful place! 👏👏
Think about that , 2.6K of subscribers and everyone will apply your advice ... in one day ,if not then in one week ,if not then in one month ,even in 3 months every day 😂 can you imagine . All the best by the way 👍🏻
@@PCongeries hey there! Good to see you again. Yes, 2.6k now, you’ve been here for a long time, really appreciate that. I don’t think my small following is going to influence the masses to go down, but if a few get to experience this beach as I did, then that will do. Hope the week is treating you well.
She's gonna be very wet, very often, but that's not always a good thing 😂❤
“Going to head East” ???? Good video though 🎉
@@mattsmyname77 yes, well spotted! Realised after the upload. Thanks for stopping by. Have you done it yourself? Greatness today for the trip by the looks of it. I am heading out 30 miles west of this area today .
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer have a good day. I have done Durdle Door twice, one time solo. But couldn’t film it like you have. Thanks again.
Im going to do the west highland way on Monday coming, thanks for the tips guys, think a midge head net is a must 🏴👍
Have a great time! You’ll love it.
@@StephenReid-hk8hs how did you get on?
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer had a fantastic time, met loads of really nice people, something I always wanted to do, thanks 👍
Cracking video! Those caves are spectacular! I've dived and kayaked around Brixham and the Torbay area a fair bit. I also spend great deal of time in Pembrokeshire doing the same! If you're ever up that way again (I see you've done Abereiddy) go up to Ceibwr Bay and paddle to the Witches Cauldron (about a mile). Great cave system with different chambers that open/close according to the tide state. Also a waterfall cave. You've got a new subscriber! 😁
Thanks for the tip. I went there around Christmas time but the sea was so rough. Definitely one for this summer (when it arrives!) thanks for the sub!
I just bought a similar one, hope it will perform just as well.
Let me know how you get on, there’s lots of similar chairs. Some good, some terrible. Thanks for stopping by my channel.
I was considering writing a full review of this kayak but looks like it's well covered here! Just a few thoughts... I've had one for about 3 years now, overall would agree that it's a great boat. Stable, fast and comfortable. Have used it on rivers, canals and sea. IMO a similar experience to a decent 2-man sit on top kayak but obviously with the advantage of being able to pack it away much smaller (and take on public transport). Also more comfortable than a solid kayak with the inflatable seats! It's tough but vulnerable to thorns and other sharp objects pricking the sides, mine has been punctured 3 times now. Fortunately it's easy to repair tiny holes with the included patches but something to watch out for. The area inside the bow is quite annoying to dry out as it's difficult to reach with a towel, but otherwise pretty easy to pack away. As others have said, the tracking is excellent. I usually fit a tiny 3" fin as it doesn't seem to effect the tracking much but makes manoeuvring easier. This also helps with shallow water, eg. the River Medway canoe passes (saw someone asking about this!).
Great addition to the comments. Thank you. Mine has survived nearly 2 years without a puncture…yet.
hpw does it perform with ocean waves
I’m taking it out in the sea mid July but the waves at the mouth of the estuary were pretty lumpy. Something to consider: these boats are primarily made for the US creek, fishing market. While they will perform well for other uses (like I showed in the video), they will be susceptible to offshore and side winds in coastal areas. Would I use the be in the sea? Yes, because I make sure I know (as much as one can) the weather conditions I’ll be paddling in and I’d make sure my second paddler was proficient at managing any issues. It’s a great boat for what it’s made to do, if ocean paddling is your thing then I’d get a Sea Kayak or similar. Hope that helps.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer thank you
Awesome view! If it’s open sea I would’ve likely gotten myself maybe a little closer to the shoreline (like it seems to be your heading in the vid as well) trying to keep a slight visual and carry on for sure!
Exactly what we did. Was a beautiful paddle. Will put the full trip up soon.
Subtitles please😊
Such a lovely bunch of people I met along the way. But yes, some strong accents.
Just don't drink the water💦 - Or it's 🤮 🚽🧻🪠
Indeed, they’re having huge problems down there at the moment.
Thankyou, nice man ❤
It’s been an absolute pleasure. She’s amazing.
I subscribed to your channel, looks great!
I’ve been there! Is it Harland bay?
No, quite a bit further south.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer oh. Sorry!
@@gorVR. no apologies needed, this one is at Towan Sands.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer oh right! I need to get the name right 😂
Have you tried the 13'2" or 12' voyager as a comparison? I'm 5'10" and 150 lbs wondering if the 12' would be enough, it's 28" in width though, so not sure how much less stable it be.
I went out with a friend who was trying the 28” wide one and even though he’s a very accomplished paddler (one of the top guys in the UK) he found it a bit wobbly. I’ll ask if I can take one out to test next weekend.
how did you take those drone shots? Can you land a drone on the baddle board?
I did yes. Though I’ve lost 4 drones to the sea and rivers now so when I get a new one my family have banned me from flying over water.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer Are the drones not smart enough to land on a moving board? I assume you're using the DJI drones.
@@raczyk yes DJI but landing on a moving platform has to be done manually. I’ve never lost a drone that way, flying in no satellite environments (valleys and woodland) and one flying through a sea arch in high winds, the one other time was a long story but my fault as well. ‘You takes the risks you pay the price’ as the old saying goes. I keep promising myself I will learn but I don’t.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer I know how did you make it. This summer we drown one that came close than allowed to girls. An owner did not appeared though )
@sc0or did it hit you?
Absolutely amazing.. Wow what a morning.
It’s going to take some beating! Thanks for stopping by my channel.
Are mermaid pools the same as what we call tidepools here in the US? Or are they different somehow?
Same, the recent trend of “wild swimming” (otherwise known as…swimming 😂) has meant a few pretty names have popped up for such pools. Thanks for stopping by.
Love Lannacombe. We used to have our family summer holiday in that area. Often had breakfast on Lannacombe as we had to get there early to get a parking space!
Parkingjis still the same! Early bird catches the worm. Glad you enjoyed the video, my editing had come on a bit since this one but thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
It won't let me vote for some reason. That head is awesome. Your kids are weird.
I will make sure your voice is heard my friend!
2:27 I struck gold here - those measurements are really useful! Looking at one to carry bikes in without having to disassemble them and reckoned I needed c.110cm of height so I think that might just about do it! Do the centre seats come out as one unit or can they be removed separately? Thx...
Thats awesome to know, thanks for the feedback. Have you seen the vid of the finished camper? Middle seat footings were a real pain to remove, big crow bar to pry them out but the seats come out as one, very heavy unit. Luckily my mate is an even bigger unit so it was no issue.