Wow. I think the high water may have saved your life. Had it been lower there is a pretty good chance that you may have been beaten to death by the massive boulders that make up these rapids. We have operated a back country lodge just 8 miles above these rapids for over 30 years, and to my knowledge you are the first person to survive trying to shoot the West channel. 15 years ago we worked with Alberta Trail-Net, and Alberta Parks to revitalize the original portage trail. Its located at the top of the Island , on the East channel, on the East bank . It has stairs, boardwalks, bear lockers, firepits and signage. Just saying......lol Thanks for providing us with another story of these famous rapids, especially one with a happy ending. Glad you made it bud.
👍👍👍👍👍 - being honest with yourself about this is darned impressive. That's what showing this video proves. Making this public shows your courage to make sure the lessons sink in - forever.
if this lesson didn't sink in I don't no what would. literally the closest I have come to death there was a camera floating over my head. unreal, glad you enjoyed!
This was wilddddd glad you got back on the canoe. A great example of why to wear the life jacket. Imagine if you had no life jacket on.. you just made me start to wear mine all the time now. Instead of just on the kayak. Really like this adventure your doing tho
Holy Moly!! Man this is such a great channel. I wish more people could see the type of content that you make. You are a very genuine person and I think everyone needs this type of perspective in their life. No matter where you are you are from you can gain something from this video!!
Thanks for sharing! I've been knocked over in a loaded boat before but nothing as intense as what you went through! My situation was a sweeper I failed to notice but was able to get out fairly quickly though exhausted. You must have been pretty sore after taking such a beating on a long stretch like that. I'm glad you survived!
I have lived along the Athabasca for most of my life, many individuals have lost their lives going over the Grande Rapids...you are very fortunate. Great Adventures!
I gotta say Matty...you got balls..balls for trying those rapids...and balls for showing us...love your videos...this is the third time I've watched this one...craving some new ones buddy haha...hope things are going well ...✌️
Myyyyy god Bud this was quite the adventure. Got me sweating when you tipped through those rapids. I know this is only a bit of the tale but maaaan... legendary. Good on ya for staying calm through that. Or as calm as can be.
You know what though, you can say I went through the Grand Rapids alone on a canoe and lived to tell the story. Good job, youre crazy but I love it. I live in Fort Mac so know the area well.
Chad man I was sure that was it, bite off more then I could chew. Half way through i was legit praying to make it. Never wana experience that feeling again
That looked terrifying, I can kind of see why you ran it because it didn't look bad at the top. But you really got lucky to come out with your canoe and all your gear, not to mention more or less unharmed! Although by the sounds of the holes in your dry suit you were hitting something in there! Those mountain rivers are really quite terrifying (even after they leave the mountains), the way they just keep pushing and rarely give you an eddy pool, and most of all, all the trees in them, often invisible! Man this makes Ontario seem even better than it already does! We almost friggin died in the Sturgeon River by Edmonton in high water, we were going upstream and everything was fine, then round a bend and the river was pushing full force into a huge strainer and then straight into a wall, undercutting. We managed to stay upright and paddle out of it but I swear we would've been buried in that river until the water went down if we hadn't.
Holy shankies man . That had me scared and sitting in my easy chair . Glad you made it out safe . Thanks for sharing and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series .
Wow, quite an experience. Those rapids were Grade III, not that difficult but gnarly enough for a loaded boat and an unexperienced paddler. Besides you never want to run rapids with an open canoe, but with a white water kayak. And you never run alone. You were quite lucky you survived and learn a lesson the hard way.
For many years the Grand Rapids were classified as a class VI, just recently they were downgraded to a V+ They are defiantly NOT a III check out some of my videos on my channel Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures
Hey wild video man, so quick how the tides can turn, and you're into a bad situation. Glad you were OK, Hope ya didn't lose any gear. Loving the trip so far though ! I just noticed we have the same last name, spelled the same and everything, my dad's side "Clarke" was from NL too, they were mostly around Sops and Jackson Arm which is sort of near Deer Lake. Cheers bud !
Wow. That was some footage. Glad you came out the other side intact. Not saying I wouldn’t have shot that rapid, but I have also done some pretty damn stupid things myself and lived to talk about them. Been places I had no business and was way over my skill level. Skiing out of bounds, power boating through a whirlpool, rock climbing and caving. The edge can be exciting and get your adrenaline up, but there’s no fun in taking Easy Street, either. I’m looking forward to this new adventure with you. Hope you have a great time and do things you can tell your grandkids about later on (or explain to the authorities how you got there and what you were up to). LOL Cheers! Whipple
Nasty stretch from the Grand Rapids to Fort Mac. Good to see you made it through. Did you lose anything when your canoe tipped? Ive had some bad spills on the North Sask around Nordegg so I feel your pain.
How'd you come through with your hat? That's quite a feat. This was hard to watch because I've been in a spot like that. Had a heart attack while kayaking alone, passed out, then came-to in 3 degree water. Had a 40 minute swim to shore where there was a 10k running race in progress so there was an ambulance nearby. As Edward Abbey said, some things are better to have done than to do.
We were swamped while fishing in a canoe. Ended up with us testifying against the boaters who swamped us in court. Big RCMP deal. Guy has criminal record. Plus we recovered all of our lost gear in small claims court. That was 50 years ago. A jet boat rescued us. Nearly froze to death in freezing June water. Glad you survived.
Wow. I think the high water may have saved your life. Had it been lower there is a pretty good chance that you may have been beaten to death by the massive boulders that make up these rapids. We have operated a back country lodge just 8 miles above these rapids for over 30 years, and to my knowledge you are the first person to survive trying to shoot the West channel. 15 years ago we worked with Alberta Trail-Net, and Alberta Parks to revitalize the original portage trail. Its located at the top of the Island , on the East channel, on the East bank . It has stairs, boardwalks, bear lockers, firepits and signage. Just saying......lol Thanks for providing us with another story of these famous rapids, especially one with a happy ending. Glad you made it bud.
Those rapids looked more like class 3 than class 6 to me at high water for this section. Looks very doable in a whitewater kayak.
Feelin all comfy and confident.. then WHAM. That's a divorce! Really glad to see you're still alive 3 years later. Thanks for the memories!
eh Bill! been awhile since seen a comment pop up on this video. glad to see someone going back and enjoying these oldies. What a ride it was sir
👍👍👍👍👍 - being honest with yourself about this is darned impressive. That's what showing this video proves. Making this public shows your courage to make sure the lessons sink in - forever.
if this lesson didn't sink in I don't no what would. literally the closest I have come to death there was a camera floating over my head. unreal, glad you enjoyed!
This was wilddddd glad you got back on the canoe. A great example of why to wear the life jacket. Imagine if you had no life jacket on.. you just made me start to wear mine all the time now. Instead of just on the kayak. Really like this adventure your doing tho
yes 100% would be gone if I didn't have that on, I'm with you on that. I always wear it now no matter what
Kudos to you for your honest portrayal of this. Big adventures sometimes involve mistakes. Glad it turned out well.
Really appreciate that Bruce. Sounds like your outlook is coming from experience.
@@skoteoutdoors I think we've both been in some sketchy situations. You've done some amazing things. www.youtube.com/@Brooks_Range
Tough to hear and see you struggling in those rapids. You are a lot more skilled than you give yourself credit for!
Holy Moly!! Man this is such a great channel. I wish more people could see the type of content that you make. You are a very genuine person and I think everyone needs this type of perspective in their life. No matter where you are you are from you can gain something from this video!!
Thanks for sharing! I've been knocked over in a loaded boat before but nothing as intense as what you went through! My situation was a sweeper I failed to notice but was able to get out fairly quickly though exhausted. You must have been pretty sore after taking such a beating on a long stretch like that. I'm glad you survived!
What an epic adventure!!
Oh God, your grand rapids' crossing was so distressful for me to watch! I am glad you made it!
Me too!
I have lived along the Athabasca for most of my life, many individuals have lost their lives going over the Grande Rapids...you are very fortunate. Great Adventures!
They are a powerful force on this earth no doubt. Fully agree with you about being fortunate to make it through. Glad ypi enjoyed them
make episodes longer man love this stuff!
Your honesty at the beginning of the video is refreshing! What a powerful message. I fully expect your channel to gain popularity quickly. WOW!
Gnarly, fair play to you for keeping cool and learning the lessons from it 👍
Ya man I feel pretty lucky about it
Glad you made it buddy…no need to apologize. Looking forward to next episode.
this footage is insane
I gotta say Matty...you got balls..balls for trying those rapids...and balls for showing us...love your videos...this is the third time I've watched this one...craving some new ones buddy haha...hope things are going well ...✌️
Myyyyy god
Bud this was quite the adventure.
Got me sweating when you tipped through those rapids. I know this is only a bit of the tale but maaaan... legendary.
Good on ya for staying calm through that. Or as calm as can be.
wow that was freakin crazy brother! glad your alright!
I appreciate it
You know what though, you can say I went through the Grand Rapids alone on a canoe and lived to tell the story. Good job, youre crazy but I love it. I live in Fort Mac so know the area well.
Just found this journey! Absolutely epic!
Glad you enjoy it!
Ohhhhhh buddy, that was a wild ride. Good campfire story
New twist on "Maritimer regrets decision after heading to Northern Alberta". Glad you made it through in one piece.
Those rapids were legit! Sounded like you sucked in some water too.
Chad man I was sure that was it, bite off more then I could chew. Half way through i was legit praying to make it. Never wana experience that feeling again
You're so "lucky" you were strong enough physically and mentally to make it through.
Wow dude. Wild!
hell ya living the dream cheers from rocky mountin alberta
That looked terrifying, I can kind of see why you ran it because it didn't look bad at the top. But you really got lucky to come out with your canoe and all your gear, not to mention more or less unharmed! Although by the sounds of the holes in your dry suit you were hitting something in there! Those mountain rivers are really quite terrifying (even after they leave the mountains), the way they just keep pushing and rarely give you an eddy pool, and most of all, all the trees in them, often invisible! Man this makes Ontario seem even better than it already does! We almost friggin died in the Sturgeon River by Edmonton in high water, we were going upstream and everything was fine, then round a bend and the river was pushing full force into a huge strainer and then straight into a wall, undercutting. We managed to stay upright and paddle out of it but I swear we would've been buried in that river until the water went down if we hadn't.
Holy shankies man . That had me scared and sitting in my easy chair . Glad you made it out safe . Thanks for sharing and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series .
Wow, quite an experience. Those rapids were Grade III, not that difficult but gnarly enough for a loaded boat and an unexperienced paddler. Besides you never want to run rapids with an open canoe, but with a white water kayak. And you never run alone. You were quite lucky you survived and learn a lesson the hard way.
For many years the Grand Rapids were classified as a class VI, just recently they were downgraded to a V+ They are defiantly NOT a III check out some of my videos on my channel Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures
repeating similar we learn listen to that little voice of caution! if we survive....glad you did..;-)
This was one defiantly worth learning from. Thanks for watching man
Brave man. glad you made it. that was scary. New subscriber from Ottawa Ontario.
Yikes, that was a wild ride
Hey wild video man, so quick how the tides can turn, and you're into a bad situation. Glad you were OK, Hope ya didn't lose any gear. Loving the trip so far though ! I just noticed we have the same last name, spelled the same and everything, my dad's side "Clarke" was from NL too, they were mostly around Sops and Jackson Arm which is sort of near Deer Lake. Cheers bud !
Dude thats nuts. I did 170km last summer and luckily didnt have too much trouble.
I can't believe you tackled the Grand Rapids solo. You got balls the size of church bells on ya lol
that's one decision I'm never going to forget tell you that
@@skoteoutdoors awesome to see though my man. were you pushed under for any length of time? any worries that you might drown?
Glad you made it through that bud.
Thank you sir, that makes two of us 🙏
You got a good nerve Matt Happy trails
And he lived to tell the tale!
Another awesome video buddy! You would be the guy who decided to rip through the rapids haha
Thanks man! Can't believe I was that mad.. never again lol
Jesus I've always wanted to check out those rapids but not like that! Haha good on ya for surviving that man!
Yes defiantly stay to the right of the island. On shore preferably lol
Wow. That was some footage. Glad you came out the other side intact. Not saying I wouldn’t have shot that rapid, but I have also done some pretty damn stupid things myself and lived to talk about them. Been places I had no business and was way over my skill level. Skiing out of bounds, power boating through a whirlpool, rock climbing and caving. The edge can be exciting and get your adrenaline up, but there’s no fun in taking Easy Street, either.
I’m looking forward to this new adventure with you. Hope you have a great time and do things you can tell your grandkids about later on (or explain to the authorities how you got there and what you were up to). LOL
Cheers!
Whipple
Hardcore brother!!
some run gorilla. really touched the void in that water. camera doesn't do it justice.
But what about the big fish ya had on in episode 1?
Can't believe that you matt!..stranger, stay safe man.
Wow eh! Yes I'd say, thank you sir
Nasty stretch from the Grand Rapids to Fort Mac. Good to see you made it through. Did you lose anything when your canoe tipped? Ive had some bad spills on the North Sask around Nordegg so I feel your pain.
yes lost a few minor things, even though it was all lashed down inside
Intense!
When you're done you're going to have to start a chef Matty Clarke vlog.
Hahah thats a great idea!!
OMG that was scary , did you loose anything out of the canoe , holy Christ !
How'd you come through with your hat? That's quite a feat. This was hard to watch because I've been in a spot like that. Had a heart attack while kayaking alone, passed out, then came-to in 3 degree water. Had a 40 minute swim to shore where there was a 10k running race in progress so there was an ambulance nearby. As Edward Abbey said, some things are better to have done than to do.
Got it made still got your boots on
How long did it take you to get from the town of Athabasca to Fort McMurray?
How are you doing good morning ☕🙏
We were swamped while fishing in a canoe. Ended up with us testifying against the boaters who swamped us in court. Big RCMP deal. Guy has criminal record. Plus we recovered all of our lost gear in small claims court. That was 50 years ago. A jet boat rescued us. Nearly froze to death in freezing June water. Glad you survived.
Wow dude glad you fellas made it outta that. Its a wild place for sure!
HOLY F*CK bro
I broke my canoë there few week ago ..
No way! That's a wild part of the river
@@skoteoutdoors the lodge above the rapid rescue me 😂😂 was fuking day .
I looking to do the same trip than you , but we fuck up there , no portage trail anymore a guess
The got no friends canoe trip
Man that wasn’t that bad
That's a Kayak not a Canoe.
its a canoe with a full spray skirt on it