The Hardest Video I've Ever Had to Make
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2023
- Update from the river about a tragic accident I was a part of this year. I touch on how I'm coping with the loss and moving forward.
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I am so sorry for your loss! When you showed the place in the video, I thought, "How can someone get stuck there? How is it that he couldn't free himself or at least be freed by you?" I paddle around bridge pillars often. I would have hugely underestimated a spot like this. It is so valuable that you share this despite your pain - it is an essential warning to us all and will undoubtedly save lives. Thank you so much, and may the river heal your pain.
I thought the exact same thing. I would not have known that area was unsafe. To be honest I'm still confused as to how they got pinned down. I'm sorry for the loss as well. It's sad to think a nice day on the water with friends could take such a quick turn in such seemingly calm water.
I watched the video several times. The key is the water current. A current like this is incredibly strong. From his description, I gathered that his friend couldn't get out of his kayak because, lying sideways, his legs were pinned between the kayak and the pillar and held in place by the strong current pushing against the kayak. I know I will be much more careful around bridge pillars from now on. It's such a terrible situation, being there, trying to help without success and having to watch your friend die. That is burnt into your memory and will not leave you, ever. I had a similar situation 50 years ago when I couldn't save a man from a car accident. I didn't even know him, but I can still see his face in my mind and how it felt when he died despite my efforts. You learn to live with that, but it doesn't leave you. I can recall the memory in a fraction of a second. I also remember the desperate cries of his wife; I can still hear her in my mind. So much more pain if it was your friend.@@GG-ln3ft
@@lysan1445 ok thanks for the reply. It makes sense it the kayak flipped sideways facing the pillar. For some reason I thought the kayak was flipped upside down, which is why I was confused how he was pinned.
I’m so sorry that, that happened to you all. The man who died, his wife and family, and you. That’s a very tragic thing to happen.
Witnessing a death is a very difficult thing but a tragic death, and a stressful, painful death is seared into your memory and it’s a very traumatic thing to witness. I’m so sorry that you were part of that tragic experience. I’m sorry you had to witness it and I’m sorry for the man who passed so tragically and his wife and family.
You’re right something like that is with you forever. You learn to build your life around it. You learn live your life again, but it will always be part of you. It will never leave.
God bless you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even believe how you even find the ability to take us through this emotional pain showing us the exact spot where you lost your dear friend. Hugh respect for that. The amount of fear and totally destroyful feelings it must have brought beeing in this situation of this big loss. I’m deeply sorry for this devestating point of your life where you find yourself not beeing able to help your friend out of this. Feeling so powerless. Yet here you are facing this and sharing this with us. I can’t even describe the amount of respect I have for you showing us how you’re dealing with this and sharing it with us. And it absolutely help us to see the invisible danger the river can bring at the wrong spot and the wrong current all together.
For the people who don’t know about the right gear for this kind of rivers; The right gear is absolutely a must in this cold and current waters, like tow lines, throwing lines, drysuits, and the right kind of kayaks, like straight plastic river kayaks. And you can never underestimate the power we will have when repeating rescue training in this waters with this tools in managable currents and more as long with the skills we develope. There are available courses like Safety courses in rivers, International Sea Kayak Guide Allianse are able to arrange Insident Mangement courses whitch is higly recommended (ISKGA) for this spesific insidents. When situations like this happens there’s nothing more you’d like to have have as your education for upgrading your skills. Learning to read currents, learning about insidents and the power of the rivers and sea.
I can’t even tell how shame I feel to tell you about this, because I believe for sure you guys did all you possible could to help your friend. So please, believe me when I say that this is more for the readers and future paddlers, and a hugh reminder to myself. Thank you so much for giving us the upportunity to watch and learn about this and to have the currage to share this with us, so we can talk about this hard stuff. All paddlers for sure have a mental health to take care of, and this gives a huge help in that matter aswell. This shows me what a great role model you are for the future paddlers who are eager to learn safety and learn about the dangers out there. Thank you soo much. I hope people see what a humble and generous, strong man as we truly see you are. Bless you and your friends for ever. ❤
Dan, I am so very sorry for you and your big kayak family. You were the best kayak instructor I have ever learned from, way back in Penguin days. About six years ago I had a bad concussion. A year in bed. A year on a recliner and from there relearning everything. Yesterday I talked with a friend about being ready to kayak again. I told them I would TH-cam “How to kayak.” You were the second video to pop up. I remember you. I’ve been watching your videos all afternoon. Then I came to this one. You are the reason I stopped kayaking with my family. You taught us to be smart and safe on the water first. I’m praying for you all and hoping if I get to a place where I can take lessons again, Headwaters will be my go too.
I'm sorry for your loss. Telling your story will probably save lives.
Around where I YAK now, most every one who spends time on one of our rivers has either seen, heard of , or knows someone else who has, experienced a major issue in either a yak or canoe (mostly canoes) where someone has impacted either a piling, a big boulder, or a large upended tree and gotten pinned by the flowing water- resulting in either major injury, or death. For all the people out there who doubt or poo poo the potential danger, try this: swamp/roll a canoe, then try to lift it from the water- then try lifting it with 3 or 4 of your buddies. The suction inside the canoe till air is allowed to get 'inside' the overturned hull is incredible. Now, imagine that situation with a few thousand gallons of flowing water trying to hold it down or crush it against a stationary object , and you get a sense of just how dangerous it can be; and that's not even counting where someone gets caught in between it and is ' held' there by the water. The sad fact is that some people are simply going to get injured or killed in not only this 'sport', but most every other physical one you can think of. Always been that way, is that way now, and most likely will always be that way in the future. Best one can do is what you've done, i.e. "spread the word", be ever mindful, and have fun on/in the water.
I'm an old man now and have lived a rather full and NOT entirely uneventful life (so far) and over the years , I've found that if you manage to live long enough, you come to realize just how dangerous living a 'life worth living" turns out to be. Sorry for your loss, but in consolation, try to remind yourself that in the end, the reaper comes for us all, So,,, in the meantime, celebrate the good times and adventures you've created/shared with your friends and others you care about. In the end, that's going to be all that you'll consider of any real value.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you are sharing your story. It’s important to know the dangers of the water and to share stories like this. Hang in there.
Absolutely a wakeup call. No matter how fun and relaxing this hobby is, danger is always present. Thanks, Dan, for the reminder and we wish you and yours the best in your healing process.
Dear Dan,
I stumbled on your site a while back, as I was looking for reviews of inexpensive kayaks. I was amazed that you were giving 100% legit and knowledgeable reviews of kayaks that were at a lower price point than your shop even carries! I continued following your posts because you were so genuine, and beyond seeming to be a really nice person, you had a real interest in just getting folks out on the water, at whatever $$ level they had to spend.
My heart goes out to you for the loss that you have just suffered. This surely made all the more difficult that it happened on the water, which seems so dear to you...that the water could do this, could take a friend in such a way. Hopefully, time will in some way ease your pain...
The fact that you were able to post this video is I hope the continuing of the healing process. You simply going back on the water, let alone returning to the spot is brave. The pain being so real, yet you also showed the deer near the shore, imagine a child in a kayak seeing that deer, the wonder and excitement, I know as an adult I still feel that way.
You navigating that eddy over and over, turning this way and that...I can only imagine you trying to feel how your friend could have gone so wrong, a moment of inattention, leaning the wrong way... oftentimes things of great beauty can be dangerous.
It was brave of you to share this video, I hope that the river will continue to be a healing place for you.
david
Thank you for the kind words. 🙏 It’s a sacred place for me now. It was hard to bring the camera along yet somehow I knew I needed to.
I do a lot of solo kayaking trips and if I am being honest I'm often times pretty scared knowing there's nobody else to help me if things go wrong. This story is another reminder of why it's so important to practice self rescue and take precautions
So sorry for your loss. As a beginner your video’s have been a big source of knowledge. Your courage to share this terrible news also helps to inform and remind us to always be aware, you never know what can happen.
Praying for you man! That is a side to this sport that I never want to experience. I have lost friends to the river, but was never there and it was never a close friend. When it goes bad, it happens quickly and sometimes there is just nothing you can do about it. Keep your head up and your paddle wet. Love you man!
Thanks Pete. Appreciate the love from you. Always inspired by your passion.
My condolence. We had this happen a few years ago to a fellow paddler during a New years paddle. He went to photograph a large ship that was docked. When he touched it the current was so strong it flipped him and dragged him under. Till this day I still refuse to paddle in that area. The best is to never touch anything when you are in a kayak and moving water. My heart goes out to you for your lose. Regards from Montreal, Canada.
I’m so sorry. That sounds incredibly hard. Love to you in your journey as well. ❤️
Sorry for your loss. Tfs - I see you can't take it for granted, a simple, fun day of kayaking has danger lurking, like most of life. We all need to keep safety foremost in our minds. I will remember that.
Dear Dan, My wife and I are seniors new to kayaking. Having done quite a bit of research and witnessing firsthand a raft being sucked under after going over a river drop structure, I felt confident I understood what we were getting into. Until I viewed your video…. When I learned of your loss while watching your Trinidad Bay video, I appreciated the risks associated with a rocky surf paddle but couldn’t fathom how a trip down the seemingly benign sandy Sacramento River could prove fatal. You have performed a great service in identifying a hazard to an unsuspecting public and offered a wonderful tribute to a friend. Through your retelling of the incident, his death will not have been in vain. Here’s hoping you can take consolation from that and find peace. Best regards, Tim
Dan - your ability to be vulnerable and share this experience will save lives. It has to be hard to return to that spot, but the paddling community thanks you.
Thank you for your vulnerability Dan 😢 it is very productive to invite others along on your process. My prayers are with you and his family for healing and peace. ❤❤❤❤
At 7:19 I cried with you. I also understood the healing process of what you were trying to do. As a avid kayaker, I have been following your channel for years. You have taught me so much. So very Sorry for the loss of your friend, and for what you had to deal with in that experience. I also have a drag car and I know that every time I strap myself in that thing, that anything can happen. I have learned that once I launch my kayak, anything can happen. But it's what we do. Just keep doing what you do my friend, and be well.
Just discovered this channel. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how painful it must've been not being able to proceed to a rescue. 😢
I'm sorry for your loss. I wish you strength during this difficult time and hope that with time, peace and the river will heal and comfort your heart.
I never know what to say in these situations - the words always fail me.
I'll just offer my deepest sympathies, tell you to not feel obligated to post videos if that's not where your head is at yet, and tell you to take care of yourself.
Sorry for your loss. But thank you for sharing. This one video alone will save others. I for one didn’t realize the rule was not to lean away. Keep teaching and healing.
Always lean into the obstacles.
As a newer paddler I appreciate you sharing, showing me what to look for
Thanks for sharing this honest, tough story. I hope it helps your healing. It may help save someone else's life. Wishing you peace and healing.
Thanks for showing us this Dan.
If it’s any consolation, this video will reach tens of thousands I’m sure.
Now every single one of those thousands of kayakers will 1) know what to look out for when nearing bridges and 2) will take a second before saying “ It will never happen to me.”.
There is a positive to this tragic loss, in that other lives will undoubtedly be saved.
Dan I hope that you find comfort whenever you go back out on the river. As time passes the bad memory will fade and a little each day and what will remain is knowing he will always be with your on the water watching over you and helping you to remember all the great times you had together. I have a feeling you will someday find a way to honor his memory in a way that would benefit others who enjoy the hobby. Peace and love to you and all who knew him.
I am so sorry. This video could likely save lives. I fish rivers a lot and rarely think of this water flow as dangerous, but your video calls my attention to remember that when on the water I need to have respect for its power and danger. Thank you for risking to share.
Awww Dan, my deepest sympathy for the loss and what you must have gone through in dealing with that. The area looks so beautiful, clean and calm too. Water is *so* - and it's easy to forget or not even realize it when out on a trip that's suppose to be a fun start to a multi-day adventure. I think taking the time to do this video and share it is good for both yourself, but definitely for everyone who watches it. We sincerely appreciate this and all you do.
Man this is hard to hear but folks need to know. Thanks for sharing and so sorry for your loss man.
So sorry for your loss Dan, but thank you for sharing it, we can all use a reminder about what can go wrong , and how quick it happens.
Thanks Dan. This makes me reconsider my safety protocols and the safety of the people with me and their skills levels. If this accident can happen with you and Gatewood, it can definitely happen to our group. Thank you for sharing.
For the record Gatewood was not with me. He’s videos inspired the trip.
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way. 🙏
Prayers to you and the group, that is so hard, so very sorry for the loss
I am so very sorry for what you and your group went through and of course, for the loss of life of your friend. One of these days I may actually get around to having the courage to try sharing my own story that took place at the end of August this year, and very nearly ended up like your friend. Rivers are to be respected.
You’re doing the right thing brother. Sorry for your loss
Condolences brother, so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing maybe it will teach us all to respect the water, stay strong and don’t lose your passion, you are an inspiration to those that follow, thank u
Oh my, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this. As a more novice paddler , I appreciate your description of what went wrong - even with an experienced paddler. Nature/ water is a healing place. 🙏
Hey Dan, so sorry to hear of your loss as I can’t imagine what you’re going through but only can feel your pain through this video. Thanks for sharing and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends family.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all involved.
Truly sorry for your loss.
Really brings in to perspective many things.
Unpredictability of life, the danger in this sport, and how we always think this kind of stuff happens to someone else; never us.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I think that it's important that you were able to share it with us, even thought it was very painful. Expressing our feelings helps us to move on, while still feeling the loss.
So sorry for your loss.
I know this is hard for you to share, but thank you for sharing it because it brings to light dangers that we take for granted. This video very well might save someone's life by shaking them out of complacency
Sorry for your loss Dan! Thank you for bringing awareness by sharing this video.
As tough as it is, these types of videos absolutely help and thank you for sharing your story. Deepest condolences on the loss of your friend. May you and all of those effected, find peace and understanding on the other side of this terrible tragedy.
Love to you and yours from The James River, man... Thank you for sharing this. You're an inspiration, good times and hard, alike. 🙏☮️
I am very sorry for your loss. I really appreciate you sharing this extremely tough experience with us.
So sorry for your loss and heartfelt condolences. Stay strong. 😢
Thanks for posting mate,so sorry for your loss and I am sure we will all take a message from this posting.
God bless your friend, you, and all affected by his passing. I’m sorry for this great loss. Thank you for showing this Dan. I wouldn’t have thought of that as a dangerous area, now I’m fully aware. I’m glad you’re back on your healing waters, I know your friend would have wanted that. Take care and best wishes my friend. 🙏❤️
This is so heart breaking. I’m so sorry for your loss and the loss of a fellow paddler.
My condolences Dan. Very sorry for your loss!
Thank you for sharing this incident with the community Dan. I can’t imagine what you and those that were there went through or are going through. Know that you have impacted many lives and introduced many of us to the joy of the water like no one else. Paddling is food for the soul and I hope in time you find your peace with it.
Thank you for being open and vulnerable. May you all find peace in your hearts.
Dan, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. You’re in my thoughts and prayers as is your friend.
So sorry for your great loss!
Thanks for sharing and bearing your grief.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing 🙏
So sorry for your loss Dan. Very powerful. Thank you for sharing.
I was recently with the fishing guide who was part of the incident, Trout Vision, I am sorry for the loss.
Oh no way. I’ve never been able to connect with them and thank them for the help. I can only
Imagine how traumatic it was for them as well. Thanks for the name I’ll reach out.
Thanks for making yourself so open and vulnerable. Thanks for sharing this with us, despite how hard it was.
I can’t imagine the emotions you are going though. Thank you for posting such a heartfelt mixture of moments. My thoughts prayers and emotions are with you and those involved.
Sorry for your loss Dan. Really appreciate you sharing. Take care.
I'm very sorry for your loss Dan. I am new to kayaking and your message has helped me to see how quickly things can go wrong. Tank you for sharing
So sorry for your loss Dan 😢 Thank you for sharing. It is so so important to be aware of how dangerous the water can be.
Dan - I am so incredibly saddened to hear of your loss.It's hard to believe that something so tragic could happen so quickly while someone is doing something they love.❤💔❤️
Very sorry for your loss. You're a good man. We all take chances when we go out on the water. You have the right attitude about this incident and you're treasuring your friend. Wishing you the best, and again very sorry for your loss.
OMG! I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine the pain you must be going through. I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos and have learned so much from you. I know this video was very difficult for you to put together. It does instill a bit of fear in me to kayak when I feel I know so little. I know that when I am on the water, it gives me another view of nature and a sense of peace in a pretty chaotic world. However, I do recognize that there are dangers being out on the water, and sometimes those dangers can more than we expect. We do our best to avoid those dangers, but sometimes the wrong thing happens, and we are helpless to overcome it. You do the best you can and hope it'll all be okay. I know that you did all you could do. You are a great person and kayaker, and you inspire so many who would not have even tried. Try to keep your chin up and enjoy what fills your heart most. ❤
Thank you Dan, it's a lesson to all of us and so sorry for your loss. It takes a brave man to revisit and re-live this dreadful heartfelt experience. All credit to you.
Sorry for yours and everyone’s loss. It’s a good reminder or even lesson for those of us that aren’t experienced as yourself. Water is more powerful than you can imagine.
I’m sorry for your loss. I admire your courage and your dedication to your friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss bro. I’m sure your friend will be looking out for you from above. I can’t imagine watching something like this unfold.
Sorry for your loss Dan. Thanks for sharing your story and talking about the importance of safety on the water. I know I speak for many others when I say your videos have been instrumental to many people in the kayaking community. I hope with time, you find your peace and closure. God bless.
So sorry to hear about the loss. What a tragedy for everyone to go through, I imagine it'll take a long time to get through this one. We will be thinking about you all
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏❤🙏
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Time will heal your pain, and you will be thinking of all the great times you had together.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. It was really brave of you to share part of your journey through it and I'm so glad you're getting help dealing with the loss. It seems like you are moving through it with a lot of wisdom and in a really healthy way. I've really appreciated your work as I've gotten into the sport of kayaking, so please know that what you do matters and is appreciated!
I am so sorry. I can't imagine what that was like. You have my sincere condolences.
So sorry Dan. We thank you for telling this story, it may save one of us. ❤
Takes courage and inner strength to revisit the site. You posted this the best way possible. Thank you for sharing the story. Hang in there man.
I really appreciate your inspiring videos. My son and I got kayaks last summer, in part to you. Keep up the good work. I'm sure your friend wouldn't want you to stop kayaking. Keep paddling forward. There will be more good days ahead.
Very sorry for your loss. Friends leave a lasting imprint on your heart. Keep the good memories alive.
So sorry for you loss Dan that is a ruff situation to have to deal with and go through for sure.
So sorry for your loss 🙏
My deepest condolences, Dan. Losing someone is never an easy task. Take your time to heal and work through all the emotions. I wish you happy paddling to all the days to come.
First of all, I'm very sorry to hear what had happened to your buddy. Can't thank you enough for being strong and sharing this video. I know it's tough, but people like me enjoy your videos on kayaks and the insight and knowledge you have on kayaking. So we really appreciate this and God bless❤
So sorry for the loss of your friend. Deepest sympathy for their family. Cant imagine how they must be feeling.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend Dan 😢. Keep up the awesome videos. Those ferrying moves were graceful.
Sorry for your loss. Your video will help people see that even peaceful looking water can have dangerous spots.
I can't imagine how you must feel. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. Many blessings to you as you travel your path of mourning.
Sorry for you loss Dan! Words always feel so empty😢
We are so sorry for the loss of this man’s life. Thank you for sharing this story, it will help so many. All paddlers feel this deep in our core.
Dan, These things happen . You did all you could do. Every hobby has its risks.
I mean the aqua-dynamics of flowing water around a pylon are complex and powerful. You got back out on the water and that is a big step.
Telling this story is part of your healing process. Just take care of yourself and use this time you need to heal.. The channel can wait.
Any content you make is always helpful. Just please take care of your mental health and take care of yourself. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Wow!! This just popped up. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a tragedy. :-( Thanks for sharing. You never know who you might help by doing so…hang in there.
I am so sorry for your loss. May your friend's memory be eternal.
Thank you for sharing and explaining how this happened, so we can all be more aware of the potential dangers.
All my best, Scott
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. A lot of people will be helped by watching this. I know I will be paying attention more.
Thank you for making this video. I know it was hard, but recalling the event for us was a real service. It reminds us that we need to understand and respect the dangers of quickly-moving current. It is such a beautiful setting, but, as you pointed out, the water can be deadly.
Dan, thank you for sharing this story. As difficult as it is, you are making a difference in all your followers lives by telling us about this loss. Thank you.
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
I too lost a friend, pinned on a snag in a river. A large number of paddlers attending were unable to rescue him. So, I feel deeply for your pain. People go through different things, but I know the consuming paralasys of survivers guilt. it's not logical & you know it isn't, but it's there all the same. There is no life while that has hold, no attending to other loved ones needs. The only thing that helped me was prayer, so I say peace be to you & bring you through this horible experience a better & kinder man. Trust you instincts for healing & do what you need to do.
Thanks for the encouragement.
My heart goes out to you and the loss of your friend. Not that it means anything coming from someone you don't know, but I've used your videos to LEARN! You've helped teach myself and many others what it means to kayak and have fun while being safe. I've used this knowledge and passed it to others I've been kayaking with. Your videos have passed along techniques and etiquette for fun and safety - Just think how many lives you have saved because of the helpful content you've posted for others. 😀 Thank you for all that you do, Dan!
Really tough news Dan. Sharing this could save some lives. Thank you for doing this.
Thank you for posting this important story. To help with healing. To help with informing others on how things can go bad in an instant. My thoughts are with your friend and your kayaking family. ❤
So sorry for your loss Dan. I hope this community and your other friends and family continue to provide you comfort and to be a source of healing. May you continue your good work in bringing the joys of paddling and nature to so many and in so doing, creating a lasting tribute your dear friend.