I just carped a six attempt roll down two big features and bouncing off two rocks. I almost reached for my skirt but told myself “NO! Calm down, you got this” and I relaxed and rolled up! Yay!!
Double Suck on the Ocoee gave me a beat down and held me under for almost a minute in 1993. When I popped up, I was at least a 100 yards down river and people were freaking out back up at the rock thinking I was still in my boat which was still in the hole. It was a while before I didn't sneak DS. I remember thinking "this is it" and seeing a perfect image of my wife and baby.
Swimming is just part of it when you are taking on some good whitewater. No need to beat yourself up. Oh and hit me up if you wanna do the oconaluftee from the top down to Cherokee.
My first time kayaking in a rapid (class II+), I ended up getting tripped on a rock and flipped. I missed my first roll attempt and struggled to get set up to try again. By the time I felt the third boulder go under me I decided I didn't want to be upside down in that river anymore, and pulled my skirt. I swam the rest of the way down the rapid. I only had one successful roll in a current prior to that, in fact it was about an hour before that swim, when I failed to edge crossing an eddy line. Even then I came up on my second attempt. It got in my head and it was difficult to shake. After that experience, I sought out roll instruction from a local kayaking shop (Outdoor New England in Franklin, NH). As of this last class a couple days ago, I think I have it! I'm going to be practicing rolling in their whitewater park this Saturday, then when I know for a fact I have it, I'm heading back to those rapids and I WILL make it down without a swim!
@@JerKayaks Practice today went well! I did half a dozen rolls in the calm water, ended up with one swim and a T-rescue another time, but then got two rolls in the main flow of the river! I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting it.
The mind is a powerful thing. But like the old saying goes if a horse throws you get right back on the horse. Just keep driving forward and the confidence will return.
Been rafting Nantahala for 20+ years and I didnt even know there was a "Upper" Nantahala. I dont recall the outfitters in the area offering trips down this..... why so ? Seems like it would be an awesome rafting experience. Perhaps they do and Ive just missed it. Thats why I love your channel, Petes channel, Wades channel - we get to find out so much about the NC rivers.
Hey! I think a few outfitters maybe do? It only releases like a half dozen times a year, and its usually pretty manky without natural flow! I would guess thats why most don't! Anyways, thanks for watching :)
Local here, they used to in the 80s, but back when they had non self bailing rafts they would fill with water and become unsteerable bombs. Swims on the upper nantahala are manky and painful as well. Nantahala guides are not particularly skilled as the main nantahala is not even an intermediate run. Private boats only now
My son went for a swim. Quote: “Was the first time in my life I thought I was going to die”. 36 people died on Colorado water that year. Fear is warranted. River running is dangerous. Always be aware and never become complacent.
Totally agree that fear is warranted and river running is dangerous! Thats what makes it even more important to be able to work with that fear, and make decisions based on the situation instead of letting fear take over! Anyways, thanks for watching! :)
I just carped a six attempt roll down two big features and bouncing off two rocks. I almost reached for my skirt but told myself “NO! Calm down, you got this” and I relaxed and rolled up! Yay!!
Thats awesome! Great job buddy! Thanks for watching :)
I love this! Glad I’m here. I love that honesty ! Great video!❤I’m sure the first of many!
There will be a ton more for sure!
It’s so wild having you as a camp counselor and then watching your vids
Haha yeah! Was awesome having you! :)
Double Suck on the Ocoee gave me a beat down and held me under for almost a minute in 1993. When I popped up, I was at least a 100 yards down river and people were freaking out back up at the rock thinking I was still in my boat which was still in the hole. It was a while before I didn't sneak DS. I remember thinking "this is it" and seeing a perfect image of my wife and baby.
Yup....swimming can be brutal. Glad you were okay! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for watching!
That was still a great day!!
Yes it was!! :) thanks for watching :)
Swimming is just part of it when you are taking on some good whitewater. No need to beat yourself up. Oh and hit me up if you wanna do the oconaluftee from the top down to Cherokee.
Yes it is! Thanks for watching! And see you on the river sometime! :)
It's been fun watching your videos and your growth
Yay! Thanks for watching :)
Well, looks like your confidence came back, but not the way you were expecting. I know this post is old but good on you
I appreciate that!
You focus on being by doing. The best confidence comes from within and knowing that not matter what everything is going to be okay.
Yes! Thanks for watching :)
Great topic and video, you covered it well! BTW, what is wrapped around your paddle shaft?
Thank you! And I have some electrical tape wrapped around my paddle! It helps with my grip! Thanks for watching :)
My first time kayaking in a rapid (class II+), I ended up getting tripped on a rock and flipped. I missed my first roll attempt and struggled to get set up to try again. By the time I felt the third boulder go under me I decided I didn't want to be upside down in that river anymore, and pulled my skirt. I swam the rest of the way down the rapid. I only had one successful roll in a current prior to that, in fact it was about an hour before that swim, when I failed to edge crossing an eddy line. Even then I came up on my second attempt. It got in my head and it was difficult to shake. After that experience, I sought out roll instruction from a local kayaking shop (Outdoor New England in Franklin, NH). As of this last class a couple days ago, I think I have it! I'm going to be practicing rolling in their whitewater park this Saturday, then when I know for a fact I have it, I'm heading back to those rapids and I WILL make it down without a swim!
Thats awesome! Super happy to hear that you are getting back after it! Good luck! See you on the water sometime! :)
@@JerKayaks Practice today went well! I did half a dozen rolls in the calm water, ended up with one swim and a T-rescue another time, but then got two rolls in the main flow of the river! I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting it.
The mind is a powerful thing. But like the old saying goes if a horse throws you get right back on the horse. Just keep driving forward and the confidence will return.
Yes! Thats the same here! Thanks for watching :)
I swam class 5 on the upper kings river. Nothing but bubbles no way to tell up or down. Saw boat eating holes on the river that year.
Yikes! Sometimes it is like that! Thanks for watching :)
8:36 unless Pete is there!🤣just kidding I know he’s good dude!
He is one of the of the best (Except when he isn't! JK haha)
Think of it this way, rafters swim class iii all the time.
That is very true! Thanks for watching :)
Man, I had almost forgotten about that swim. I can’t wait for this shoulder to heal so I can get back on a river.
How much longer til you're better?! We need to mixmaster it up when you get back out there! 😄
Can't wait to boat with you again!
@@heatherhuth1 I wish I knew. Shoulders can be very slow to heal. When I’m ready we’ll definitely do some mixmaster laps!
@@JerKayaks same here Jerry. I’m looking forward to it again when I can.
Been rafting Nantahala for 20+ years and I didnt even know there was a "Upper" Nantahala. I dont recall the outfitters in the area offering trips down this..... why so ? Seems like it would be an awesome rafting experience. Perhaps they do and Ive just missed it. Thats why I love your channel, Petes channel, Wades channel - we get to find out so much about the NC rivers.
Hey! I think a few outfitters maybe do? It only releases like a half dozen times a year, and its usually pretty manky without natural flow! I would guess thats why most don't! Anyways, thanks for watching :)
Local here, they used to in the 80s, but back when they had non self bailing rafts they would fill with water and become unsteerable bombs.
Swims on the upper nantahala are manky and painful as well. Nantahala guides are not particularly skilled as the main nantahala is not even an intermediate run. Private boats only now
@@ryehester101 Wow! Thanks for the info! :)
My son went for a swim. Quote: “Was the first time in my life I thought I was going to die”. 36 people died on Colorado water that year. Fear is warranted. River running is dangerous. Always be aware and never become complacent.
Totally agree that fear is warranted and river running is dangerous! Thats what makes it even more important to be able to work with that fear, and make decisions based on the situation instead of letting fear take over! Anyways, thanks for watching! :)
Hey it’s me Oliver
Hey dude! Thanks for watching :)