Outstanding video! About a month ago, I kayaked the cape fear from Lillington to Erwin for the first time. That trip had a purpose of significance and closure for me. To quickly sum it up, 10 years ago on 2/17/14 I was hospitalized for 19 days with a life threatening illness known as viral encephalitis, and I made a miraculous recovery. But ever since then the number 2/17 has been one of anxiety. As the take out point at Erwin is at NC217, this was of significance to me, as that journey into the unknown 10 years ago began at 2/17, and this latest journey into the unknown (being unfamiliar with the river) concluded at 217.
These videos, well, they just make this old man's heart smile! Kinda makes me miss the Carolina folks something fierce! P5, you are a rock star! And worthy to ride the river with. Dont ever forget that!
Excellent video, as always. I'm so thankful for you and P5 getting to have these adventures together, as I missed a lot of stuff like this with my dad when I was young. These adventures will live in his memories forever, you can bet on that. Looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the crew one day, and I hope you're all safe!
Expectations are always high for your videos and you still manage to over deliver. Great video, thanks for taking me along. My crew is planning this year's "Yak-packing" adventures and these videos are deepening my itch to get out this season!
Right on Misty! When there is not enough water, it can be a challenge for sure!! I usually make a game of refusing to step out to get going again! Thanks for the kind words!!
Enjoyed your vid. Nice mellow trip, with a good mix of friends and camping. Relaxing to watch. Glad to see your son with you! I love it when I can take my daughter along!
Used to clean draft lines a couple years ago when Mermaid Point was there before Lost Paddle. Definitely prefer the paddle shop being there. Havent been yet but will have to make a stop after seeing this.
We once did a trip with 13 campers. One was a first time kayaker, he went so far infront of the group we had to miss the camping area and ended up about 4 miles down stream before we could camp. Many angry campers that day. I totally understand your situation.
I work 3-12hr overnight shifts on the weekend, but try to flip my sleep schedule back to day walker status during the week on my off days. I blame you, all involved and the backlog of amazing videos on your channel for not allowing that flip to happen recently. Hopefully now that I am through the majority of videos I can actually get some sleep at reasonable times of the night. Love the content and all ya'll do. Keep up the great work!!!
Pretty cool seeing my hammock in a River Kings video! The Hennessy Asym Zip is my first hammock and is now my preference over a tent. I changed mine up a little, added carabiners and use atlas straps, but adding the snake skins was definitely a game changer. Thanks for another awesome video and showcasing some of the camp setups!
Glad I found you here on TH-cam. I always look forward for your videos. Like how you do videos to help learn about kayaking. Your videos are very informative. The wife and I have bought our first kayaks. Can't wait to get out in them. I also like how you try your best to respond to everyone that comments on your videos you post. That is something you don't see. With other post. So thank you very much.
Right on Scott!! Thank you sir! I do try my best to respond to every comment...there were 45,000 last year! LOL! At some point I may no longer be able to and I am not looking forward to that at all. Folks like yourself are what make this whole thing so much fun! Congrats on the boat purchases! I know you are going to love it!
@@RiverKingsKayak well when you get even bigger. I do believe almost everyone. Will understand why you can't reply to every post. Loved your trip on the current river you posted. I live about 3 hours northwest from there. We took a vacation down there last summer. Have a good story about trying to sneak down to see Welch's hospital. Lol.
thanks for sharing such a nice, scenic video, you guys had fun, I remember visiting the end of the Cape Fear many years ago near the Ocean, cool place to visit
Wife and I looking to relocate to Wilmington and I was browsing things to do…and here we are. Totally digging your channel, great energy. Thanks so much for bringing us along. What boat are you paddling? Thanks again, cheers!
Thanks Gamer Kid! That is my Prijon Yukon Expedition. Best touring boat ever made...and they dont make them anymore...Welcome to the area when you get here! Where are you coming from?
Another awesome adventure. I have been backpacking for years, but watching your videos have turned me into a kayak enthusiasist. I need to get some of those River King stickers for my kayak and my shuttle vans! Can I buy those somewhere?
Nice video, my friend! Great Riverside camp! Enjoyed watching, your bushcraft skills are good! And the surrounding nature is cool and amazing. Cheers from Russia, Kings, and welcome to my channel about special Russian bushcraft tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!
Nice video trip report, I appreciate it! 🌊💪😎🤙🌊 I was looking on my OnX app. that shows property lines and who owns the parcel. And the stretch between Lillington and Erwin there is very little, to no public lands. How does that work for camping? Since the spot you guys ended up finding looked well used, with the fire ring and all? Much thanks💪😎🤙 52:2352:23
I am always looking for my next river to explore... where did you put in and take out for this adventure? plentiful options for hammocks? I am new to hammock camping (kayaking) and last trip two of us ended up sleeping in our hammock on the ground due to no good trees etc.
I'm minutes 37, you refer to a note that won't tighten during the night. I would like to learn how to tie it, and could not find anything on Google using the description you used. Where can I find information on it?
loved the video! interested in doing the same trip! what time would you say you put in and pulled out the next day? im trying to see about how long this took you and if I would be able to get my girlfriend to do this with me lol. it was a one night trip right? thanks!!
I love the Prijon Yukon Expedition if you can find one...they aren't made anymore. Current boats, I would recommend the Dagger Stratos, Prijon Enduro and Wilderness Systems Tsunami.
What time of year was this trip? Your trips are awesome from what I’ve seen. My friend and I attempted a similar start (during a heat wave..) in 2020. We pulled out at Raven Rock for several reasons, but this looks like an entirely different river with such high water levels, relatively.
@@RiverKingsKayak ugh don't tell me that Pete....I just got the 8 as my first gopro lol I assume you do keep the firmware updated, here's hoping I don't have the same buggy issues 🙃
Have you considered using straps on the trees that you hang your kayak? Those ropes are probably damaging the trees. I hate to criticize because I love everything else about your videos and the way you teach kayaking. I've !earned a lot from just watching. I just say, you are an amazing story teller. The way that you talk about your journeys is poetic and the music that you choose highlights the story perfectly. So, remember, people are watching and you are setting the example. Make sure it's the right example.
Thanks Phil! Thanks for the kind words!! I currently use a warbonnet with the straps. In a previous job with the military, I spent over a hundred nights a year in a Hennessey hammock alternating between two sites. I literally used the same two sets of trees every single night. After 9 years and 500 nights on each set of trees, there was no cumulative damage. Trees are tough. My experience in the matter suggests that while the straps are clearly better, the actual damage isn't worthy of the fuss and angst that accompanies the topic. As a landowner with 45 acres of trees, I do spent considerable time cultivating the property to provide habitat for wildlife and general health of the forest. I have seen some crazy things that trees can make it through. Slight dents in the outermost layer of bark is what we are talking about here. I am very familiar with the topic and how concerned some folks get about this. I just don't get wrapped around that axle. Coincidently, there also were no rope burns on either of P5's trees when we broke camp.
@@RiverKingsKayak Obviously you have more experience with trees and hammocks than I do. I guess the hole strap and rope contriversy is all hype. Would you happen to know why some national parks require one inch wide minimal straps for hammocks? Are different trees more affected by ropes than others? Thanks for responding and know that I wasn't trying to be critical. If we met in person, I know that we would see eye to eye. I am exactly 5'6 and 1/2" tall. And I came that 1/2", too. Lol
@@philcarr7015 this has been a thing for a while. Perhaps there are some trees around that can be more adversely affected. Some folks now are saying everyone needs to use 2" straps...lol. I do think the straps are better. I have just never seen rope damage to support the hype on the issue.
@@RiverKingsKayak Pretty soon, they will want 6 inch wide straps or they won't let us use hammocks at all. Thanks for chatting, Pete. Happy and safe travels!
"I told ya it would go" was the actual quote...as we celebrated not having to get out of the boat to free him from a broach situation...😆 perhaps Karenmako17 should take a day off! LOL
Pete, you and your crew are truly an inspiration to me and my husband. We love watching your videos and while I'm not sure I could be a whitewater kayaker I do so enjoy watching you and the interaction you with your friends and son. Makes me wish I could have taken my kids kayaking when they were younger. Thank you for the beautiful videos, the infectious laugh and sense of humor and the places you've taken me thru your lense.
Thank you Candice!! That is what it is all about!!! There are so many types of paddling...something for everybody. In the end the result is the same! So glad to have you along for the ride!!
@@RiverKingsKayak Apparently those from 1995 lol in are not available and impossible to find you have a another style that you recommend From the same company
@@Jaredpw79 fellow Texan and River King fan. We don't have nearly the amount of incredible water that NC has but there are a few good runs. I'm up in Fort Worth. What area are you in?
Outstanding video! About a month ago, I kayaked the cape fear from Lillington to Erwin for the first time. That trip had a purpose of significance and closure for me.
To quickly sum it up, 10 years ago on 2/17/14 I was hospitalized for 19 days with a life threatening illness known as viral encephalitis, and I made a miraculous recovery. But ever since then the number 2/17 has been one of anxiety.
As the take out point at Erwin is at NC217, this was of significance to me, as that journey into the unknown 10 years ago began at 2/17, and this latest journey into the unknown (being unfamiliar with the river) concluded at 217.
Thanks a ton! Keep pushing through!!!
These videos, well, they just make this old man's heart smile! Kinda makes me miss the Carolina folks something fierce! P5, you are a rock star! And worthy to ride the river with. Dont ever forget that!
Thanks Bob! I always appreciate your encouragement! BTW, I saw Trip just ran Chattooga on a raft! We are getting closer! LOL
He's getting there. Busy guy, though....im praying this whole pandemic thing goes away before another year passes by!
Excellent video, as always. I'm so thankful for you and P5 getting to have these adventures together, as I missed a lot of stuff like this with my dad when I was young. These adventures will live in his memories forever, you can bet on that. Looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the crew one day, and I hope you're all safe!
Thanks a ton Chad and likewise!!
Well done P5 (the real river king)… good work guys
Thanks merlin!!
You are a fun group and you have great kayaking adventures.
I like your videos, many more may follow.
Many greetings from Austria / Europe
Thanks RoGa! Glad to have you on board!
Expectations are always high for your videos and you still manage to over deliver. Great video, thanks for taking me along. My crew is planning this year's "Yak-packing" adventures and these videos are deepening my itch to get out this season!
Thanks so much for the kind words and the encouragement! Keep me posted on your trip!
I love watching the videos. I've learned alot and it's good to know that even you get stuck on the rocks.
Right on Misty! When there is not enough water, it can be a challenge for sure!! I usually make a game of refusing to step out to get going again! Thanks for the kind words!!
Enjoyed your vid. Nice mellow trip, with a good mix of friends and camping. Relaxing to watch. Glad to see your son with you! I love it when I can take my daughter along!
Thanks Ashley!! Time with the kiddos is the best!
Used to clean draft lines a couple years ago when Mermaid Point was there before Lost Paddle. Definitely prefer the paddle shop being there. Havent been yet but will have to make a stop after seeing this.
Right on William!
Awesome video Pete! Your videos always put me in a great mood and ready for my next adventure! Keep paddling and God bless!
Thanks Jacob!!
Thanks, Pete! Enjoyed the vid. Seems like good people, and good time with your son. Well done.
Thank you Sir!!
Looked like a great trip with a great bunch of folks!
Indeed Chris!!
We once did a trip with 13 campers. One was a first time kayaker, he went so far infront of the group we had to miss the camping area and ended up about 4 miles down stream before we could camp. Many angry campers that day. I totally understand your situation.
Oh yeah...Staying in a group is key!
I work 3-12hr overnight shifts on the weekend, but try to flip my sleep schedule back to day walker status during the week on my off days. I blame you, all involved and the backlog of amazing videos on your channel for not allowing that flip to happen recently. Hopefully now that I am through the majority of videos I can actually get some sleep at reasonable times of the night. Love the content and all ya'll do. Keep up the great work!!!
Right on K Wrignt! Hate that I am keeping you up, but stoked to have you on board! LOL. Thanks for the kind words!
Pretty cool seeing my hammock in a River Kings video! The Hennessy Asym Zip is my first hammock and is now my preference over a tent. I changed mine up a little, added carabiners and use atlas straps, but adding the snake skins was definitely a game changer. Thanks for another awesome video and showcasing some of the camp setups!
Oh yeah! I spent at least 500 nights in my Hennessy! Thanks mattcm32!
World class video and kayak camping trip thank you for sharing this with us very enjoyable ! 👍👍😎
Thanks Tyler!
Glad I found you here on TH-cam.
I always look forward for your videos. Like how you do videos to help learn about kayaking. Your videos are very informative.
The wife and I have bought our first kayaks. Can't wait to get out in them.
I also like how you try your best to respond to everyone that comments on your videos you post. That is something you don't see. With other post.
So thank you very much.
Right on Scott!! Thank you sir! I do try my best to respond to every comment...there were 45,000 last year! LOL! At some point I may no longer be able to and I am not looking forward to that at all. Folks like yourself are what make this whole thing so much fun! Congrats on the boat purchases! I know you are going to love it!
@@RiverKingsKayak well when you get even bigger. I do believe almost everyone. Will understand why you can't reply to every post.
Loved your trip on the current river you posted. I live about 3 hours northwest from there. We took a vacation down there last summer. Have a good story about trying to sneak down to see Welch's hospital. Lol.
Would love to hear that story sometime!! The current was awesome.
thanks for sharing such a nice, scenic video, you guys had fun, I remember visiting the end of the Cape Fear many years ago near the Ocean, cool place to visit
Thanks Lou36!
Pete seems so annoyed.... little does he know that life doesn't get much better than this.
I think he likes sleeping I did at his age
Yes!!
It's toothless!!!!
😂😂😂😂
LOL!!
awesome video AHHH the Cape Fear river i remember my time at Ft Bragg and going fishing on the Cape Fear
Right on Benjamin!
Wife and I looking to relocate to Wilmington and I was browsing things to do…and here we are. Totally digging your channel, great energy. Thanks so much for bringing us along. What boat are you paddling? Thanks again, cheers!
Thanks Gamer Kid! That is my Prijon Yukon Expedition. Best touring boat ever made...and they dont make them anymore...Welcome to the area when you get here! Where are you coming from?
"Nailed it" 🤣
he he!
Looked like a nice trip. Good video. 👍🏻
Thanks PAW!
I will make it back east one of these days to kayak some of these rivers.
Do it Kevin!
It will probably have to be next year, but I am going to do it.
cant believe you got stuck in the first minute.
LOL! I know right?! too funny...
I catch huge catfish at the buckhorn dam! Hate I missed y’all! Would have been awesome to meet y’all!
Likewise Tanya! Im sure we will be back at some point! I'll keep an eye out!
Another awesome adventure. I have been backpacking for years, but watching your videos have turned me into a kayak enthusiasist. I need to get some of those River King stickers for my kayak and my shuttle vans! Can I buy those somewhere?
Right on DDA! Thanks!! For stickers, mail a stamped, self addressed envelope with $1 per sticker desired to
River Kings
PO Box 222
Saxapahaw, NC 27340
Thanks man. I will display those stickers with pride here in Eastern KY!
Can you go into some detail about the kayaks you paddle on these camping trips? Very curious…
for sure Eric...th-cam.com/video/tVX64kPZuHE/w-d-xo.html
Nice video, my friend! Great Riverside camp! Enjoyed watching, your bushcraft skills are good! And the surrounding nature is cool and amazing. Cheers from Russia, Kings, and welcome to my channel about special Russian bushcraft tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!
Thanks Yuriy! I am gonna check that out!!
Can you share information about an economical kayak trailer for using with a medium secan car as was shown at the end of your video? Great channel!
go check out B&A Adventures channel. He basically built that himself!
th-cam.com/video/Rb96eNyD0PE/w-d-xo.html
Nice video trip report, I appreciate it!
🌊💪😎🤙🌊
I was looking on my OnX app. that shows property lines and who owns the parcel. And the stretch between Lillington and Erwin there is very little, to no public lands. How does that work for camping? Since the spot you guys ended up finding looked well used, with the fire ring and all?
Much thanks💪😎🤙 52:23 52:23
Thanks HerbMaster!
I am always looking for my next river to explore... where did you put in and take out for this adventure? plentiful options for hammocks? I am new to hammock camping (kayaking) and last trip two of us ended up sleeping in our hammock on the ground due to no good trees etc.
Hey there Hans! We put in at the buckhorn dam and took out at the Cape Fear River Trail Park in Erwin. Abundant Hammock trees!
Tell Peter, for over night trips caffeine pills 💊 work well & you pee less. Lol 😂
Yes, I love my MT. Few as well but if I run out. 🥸
Will do Trish!
how did the shuttle from erwin park work? and how could i get ahold of them? thank you!!
Worked really well! capefearadventures.com/shuttle-service
I'm minutes 37, you refer to a note that won't tighten during the night. I would like to learn how to tie it, and could not find anything on Google using the description you used. Where can I find information on it?
I will do a quick post on it! Thanks for the suggestion! Stay tuned to the channel later in the week...
@@RiverKingsKayak thank you.
loved the video! interested in doing the same trip! what time would you say you put in and pulled out the next day? im trying to see about how long this took you and if I would be able to get my girlfriend to do this with me lol. it was a one night trip right? thanks!!
Yes, we did this in one night. Put in at Buckhorn Dam and took out at Erwin River Park. 25 miles.
My great grandpa and his brothers all drowned in the caterer river
wow. crazy.
Just wondering, for someone who is just getting into kayaking. What kayaks recommended for river camping?
I love the Prijon Yukon Expedition if you can find one...they aren't made anymore. Current boats, I would recommend the Dagger Stratos, Prijon Enduro and Wilderness Systems Tsunami.
Do you guys do any kayaking in Eastern Tennessee or southwest Virginia?
We do...not a ton, but yes.
What time of year was this trip? Your trips are awesome from what I’ve seen. My friend and I attempted a similar start (during a heat wave..) in 2020. We pulled out at Raven Rock for several reasons, but this looks like an entirely different river with such high water levels, relatively.
September. Jordan lake releases water and sometimes how much will depend on recent rainfall/lake levels...Thanks!
We're is this place located at
central NC
I wondered if you'd gotten a hero 8 lol especially when you didn't cut the moment you told whichever one to stop recording 😄
Btw what boat did P5 use on this trip?
he is in his green prijon Yukon Expedition
he he! My 7 has voice command too. I like the 8 but the bugs creep up at times...the 9 is worse. Hoping the 10 is a good one.
@@RiverKingsKayak ugh don't tell me that Pete....I just got the 8 as my first gopro lol I assume you do keep the firmware updated, here's hoping I don't have the same buggy issues 🙃
@@RiverKingsKayak btw Pete, I sent a few bucks for some stickers, did you happen to get it yet? Or you did and I haven't gotten them yet maybe...
Did you start in Lillington?
We started at Buckhorn Dam
Have you considered using straps on the trees that you hang your kayak? Those ropes are probably damaging the trees. I hate to criticize because I love everything else about your videos and the way you teach kayaking. I've !earned a lot from just watching. I just say, you are an amazing story teller. The way that you talk about your journeys is poetic and the music that you choose highlights the story perfectly.
So, remember, people are watching and you are setting the example. Make sure it's the right example.
Thanks Phil! Thanks for the kind words!! I currently use a warbonnet with the straps. In a previous job with the military, I spent over a hundred nights a year in a Hennessey hammock alternating between two sites. I literally used the same two sets of trees every single night. After 9 years and 500 nights on each set of trees, there was no cumulative damage. Trees are tough. My experience in the matter suggests that while the straps are clearly better, the actual damage isn't worthy of the fuss and angst that accompanies the topic. As a landowner with 45 acres of trees, I do spent considerable time cultivating the property to provide habitat for wildlife and general health of the forest. I have seen some crazy things that trees can make it through. Slight dents in the outermost layer of bark is what we are talking about here. I am very familiar with the topic and how concerned some folks get about this. I just don't get wrapped around that axle. Coincidently, there also were no rope burns on either of P5's trees when we broke camp.
@@RiverKingsKayak Obviously you have more experience with trees and hammocks than I do. I guess the hole strap and rope contriversy is all hype. Would you happen to know why some national parks require one inch wide minimal straps for hammocks? Are different trees more affected by ropes than others? Thanks for responding and know that I wasn't trying to be critical. If we met in person, I know that we would see eye to eye. I am exactly 5'6 and 1/2" tall. And I came that 1/2", too. Lol
@@philcarr7015 this has been a thing for a while. Perhaps there are some trees around that can be more adversely affected. Some folks now are saying everyone needs to use 2" straps...lol. I do think the straps are better. I have just never seen rope damage to support the hype on the issue.
@@RiverKingsKayak Pretty soon, they will want 6 inch wide straps or they won't let us use hammocks at all. Thanks for chatting, Pete. Happy and safe travels!
Did you really say "I told you so" at 4:22? Really obnoxious.
"I told ya it would go" was the actual quote...as we celebrated not having to get out of the boat to free him from a broach situation...😆
perhaps Karenmako17 should take a day off! LOL
Not as obnoxious as this comment!!! Get a life savage 🙄
I'm an avid kayaker, although not a white water guy, regardless - you produce great videos. Your narration is spot on! Love your videos.
Right on Steve!! Thank you for the kind words and glad to have you along!
Pete, you and your crew are truly an inspiration to me and my husband. We love watching your videos and while I'm not sure I could be a whitewater kayaker I do so enjoy watching you and the interaction you with your friends and son. Makes me wish I could have taken my kids kayaking when they were younger. Thank you for the beautiful videos, the infectious laugh and sense of humor and the places you've taken me thru your lense.
Thank you Candice!! That is what it is all about!!! There are so many types of paddling...something for everybody. In the end the result is the same! So glad to have you along for the ride!!
👋😎👍
thanks canajian!
What kayak is pete in?
Prijon Yukon Expedition
@@RiverKingsKayak Think you very much I love watching your videos he helps me calm down if I am having a bad day
@@RiverKingsKayak Apparently those from 1995 lol in are not available and impossible to find you have a another style that you recommend From the same company
@@RiverKingsKayak I'm in Texas I want to get on Some good water I wish I could head out your way
@@Jaredpw79 fellow Texan and River King fan. We don't have nearly the amount of incredible water that NC has but there are a few good runs. I'm up in Fort Worth. What area are you in?