Redemption - The Battle in my Mind
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- After a rude introduction to whitewater on the French Broad river (including 2 swims and some close calls), I was immediately done with whitewater. But my dear friend, Pete Beck of @RiverKingsKayak encouraged me to join him and his crew for Week of Rivers in Western North Carolina a little over a month later. It wasn't easy, but growing and pushing personal boundaries seldom is...and the toughest battle was in my mind. I returned to the French Broad seeking redemption. This is my story.
After watching Pete for a couple years, I have become a fan. Not just because his videos are high quality in production and music and beautiful river work, but because of the stories and the camaraderie. There is a humanity in the story of failing and learning from it. Thankfully , it isn't completely unique, but it is certainly special. It is the support of a good teacher who encourages you with hard truth you need to hear in a sensitive way. It is cool to hear your story from your perspective. Imagine what it will be like to hear your story from the eternal perspective... Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Gary! Yes I've been watching Pete's channel for many years now. He draws you in with great adventures and, as you said, great story telling. But, beside my own story, I hope people see what a truly great guy he is! And yes, it's not a unique story, but hopefully those who do feel that their circumstances are unique can relate and realize we all have struggles...and we can all grow stronger and move forward with help from friends. And Pete would agree, there is definitely an eternal lesson in almost everything we experience on this temporal planet. Thanks for the kind words an encouragement!!
Great video....I smile watching your journey, not because it's funny but it reminds of my journey alot. The first 4 years of my paddleing career was hit and miss trying not to flip and always on edge. We met a total stranger on the river and he helped us in just one trip down the river. It will come to you because you have the right people and desire to do so. Whitewater paddleing has been one of the best things I have ever done, so many nice people . See you on the river some day.
Thanks, Tim! It is a journey and folks navigate it at different speeds. I've still got a lot to learn, but would like to be more comfortable when I'm out there. Thanks for sharing your experience, too!!
Hello Dan, I haven't been on your channel for a long time and this video is really good. The commentary makes me want to listen more. It's like a movie on TV. David PT
Thank you so much, David!! My friend Pete, whom I featured on this video, encouraged me to add the commentary so I did. He does a great job with that on his videos. Thanks David!! Dan SP
What a beautiful video, message, Bible verse, and journey. SYOTR!
Thank you so much!! Yes, I love that Bible verse and it was so fitting for the week and especially Pete! He's a great guy (all the way around) and I love hanging out with him. He's the primary reason that I made it this far! I'm going to check out your Montgomery WW Park videos. I need to get down there soon and get some practice!! Thanks again!!!
That was some awesome footage, brother. Great stuff and great job stretching yourself.
Thanks, John! It's not been easy, but I'm learning a lot!!
Great video Dan.
Thank you, Paul!! It's been a journey...and it hasn't all been easy, as you saw. But I'm still trying!!
I just want you to know that you are a very lucky man for meeting this group and that this group is a blessing for all that they do. It means a lot to have friends like this. Hang in there buddy!
I could not agree more!! Pete and his crew were AMAZING! I never felt like I was a drag on the group and everyone had encouragement and helpful tips the entire week of rivers AND they kept all the swims and mishaps light-hearted. I couldn't have done it without this crew!! Thanks so much!!
Awesome video, Dan! Can't wait to see the next one.
Thanks so much, Jackie!! I told the fellas that there's a fun little segment with K K in my upcoming Nantahala video! :-)
Great video Dan! I can identify with a lot of the sentiment shared in this video. Whitewater is definitely a journey that challenges you as much if not more mentally than physically. I hope you stick with it. It's been the most rewarding pursuit of my life.
Thanks so much, Justin! I didn't realize how much of a mental game it was until all of this happened. Some people are naturals (and you seem to do pretty good yourself), but encouragement from so many who have already been through it like you, @prdala and Pete & his crew really makes a huge difference!!! There's still a LOT to learn!! :)
Great video Dan! In the couple of hours that I got to paddle with Pette last summer, I could tell that he would be a pretty patient teacher. A lot more patient of a teacher than I would be of a learner! LOL!
Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing!
Ha, ha- yes he is!! I've learned a lot from him and his whole crew. I've still got a ways to go, though!! Thanks, Brad!!
Missed the premier, but enjoying it now
Thanks, Josh! I appreciate you checking out my story!!
Nice video, Dan. Glad you came back to paddle at WOR
Thanks so much, Steve! I'm glad I came back and it was great getting to hang out with you and the others that week!! I learned so much from all of you!!
Great one, Dan! Love the story telling. Plus I make a cameo appearance in the Okmulgee footage lol.
Ha, ha! Yes, ol' River Jim just kind of shows up on rivers all over the place...LOL!! Thanks so much, Anthony! I know there's some more great rivers in NC that you can show me and I look forward to paddling again, brother!!
Looks like you got the hang of it now. Some times we have to get out of our comfort zone. You did well
Thanks, Tommy! Yes, stepping out of the comfort zone can be a little challenging...and it still is! I've got to stay with it now!! Thanks again!!
Excellent video!
Thank you, Deb! Redemption is great, but getting to see more of the French Broad and in a better mindset was equally rewarding!! :)
Dan, I had me a humbling experience the other day.
Me n the family went south for vacation. I talked the wife into swinging by Charlotte on my way home.... got my butt handed to me! That whitewater park water is crazy different!
So the past 3 weeks, I've been hitting some flatwater trips! Lol
Great video bud! Glad Pete got you back in the saddle
LOL- I went straight to flatwater when I got home from this trip, but I want to continue improving. We have a whitewater park about 3 hours away. I need to check it out, soon!! Thanks Wes!!
Great video Dan, maybe the best one you've done. I have to admit, I'm a little jealous. I've wanted to get into white water for a long time buy always found a reason not to. Pushing 60 now, I'm afraid it may have passed me by. Love seeing your journey.
Thanks so much!! It's been tough and I'm still far from feeling comfortable in rapids in a whitewater boat, but I've already done way more than I ever thought I would. I'm not looking to go crazy with it, but I would like to pick up the skills and be comfortable in some spicy water!! I'll be 54 very soon, so I'm not far behind!! :-)
FB 9 is my favorite
It was amazing! It was only at around 1100cfs, so that helped me out being at a lower flow, but I'm still proud to have completed section 9!!!
@@SouthernPaddler I think it was around 1978 or 9 was my first time on the FB . Frank Bells always makes me nervous still to this day. One great thing about FB9 is there are sneak routs for most of the tricky stuff
@@garycousino Nice! Yes, the sneak routes help for sure!! 👍
Thanks for posting. As mostly a swamp paddler myself, I was wondering… you appear in the videos to be taller than most of the others (especially Pete 😊)
Is that a disadvantage in white water paddling? Having a higher center of gravity?
LOL- I am a little taller, but Kevin and Steve McConnel are up there, too. I'm 6' 0" and those guys are probably 6' 1" or better. However, where I stand alone in this groups is weight. On the first French Broad trip I was probably around 250. I'm down around 240 or maybe less. I always thought both worked against me, but I've since seen other guys my size do just fine. Steve M. had a friend Marcus that was probably close to 6- 4" and in the 230 range and he's a great paddler. It probably is somewhat of a factor in CG and inertia, etc, but I believe proper technique (once I learn it) will help me deal with that. Thanks, Steve!!
What a great come back, Dan! I'll get my rapids fix by watching your great vids, but my fat butt will stick to swamp paddlin.....🛶😎👍🤣
LOL!! Thanks, Dewey! I got in a swamp paddle, myself, very quickly after returning home- ha, ha! I'll always enjoy those!!! :-D