Took it up at 50 and have fallen in love with it. Pretty comfy with class 3 and wish I could get a solid roll down. I'm an expert at the wet exit now, lol.
Rolling in WW is definitely more challenging. After a few failed attempts, I realized the importance of practicing self rescue techniques. After wet exit; hold onto paddle, flip boat upright, toes up, take a breath between waves, push boat toward eddy (if possible), use paddle to swim when eddy is within reach, swim aggressively with techniques you hopefully practiced previously. When scouting, anticipate your strategy in the event of a wet exit. There aren't many videos on self rescue strategies when the reality is, often times, there's no one in position to help you as quickly as you'd like.
Another well-done video. I'd like to add a couple of my own thoughts. Paddling school is a great idea. Additionally, you might join a club like the TN Scenic Rivers Assoc. You will be able to attend their classes, then go on group paddling trips where more experienced paddlers guide trips and help nubies. That kind of back-up really helps the learning process and kicks up the fun factor. There are not too many better feelings than eddying out behind a rock in the middle of the river, and watching the admiring faces of the floaters. As stated, being able to roll is valuable. One must often rely on the goodness of others to catch your pony, after bailing. A good roll is the sign of competence that others will respect. I perfected my roll in a lake, close to the shore along with pool time when I could get it. Buy a proper kayak as soon as possible. My first boat was a Dancer, by Perception. That boat was really tippy. It did make rolling a priority. But, when I bought my Corsica, I knew I had MY boat! I never had to buy ear plugs; I certainly benefited from a nose clamp, though. Upper Respiratory Infections followed me out of the army. They are no fun. I would appraise myself as slightly above average in athletic ability. My balance isn't great. And, I'm not a quick learner. But, I always tried to find things that would motivate me to try to stay fit and enjoy life. I went through phases with hiking, karate, mountain biking, motorcycling and scuba. I was out of my element on every one of these activities, but I just kept jumping into stuff. The best thing I ever did was kayaking. Compared to motorcycles, there are bikes that feel like you're riding on top of, and bikes that you feel like you're riding in. Kayaking, rather than being on top (hiking,) is like being literally in nature. It provides a very unique perspective. I started kayaking in 1989, at the age of 40. I no longer have the physical ability to paddle, but when I dream of things past, it is to paddling that my mind wanders. Whatever you think of your abilities, you can learn white water because you can go as slow as it is comfortable for you. It is a perfect respite from the ills of today's problems.
With #2, being fit definitely helps, but even if someone is out of shape, they can get into the sport and have fun. I've been a truck driver for almost 20 years, which has led to poor eating habits and a sedimentary lifestyle. That said, I'm 5'7", 250 lbs, and I've been having an absolute BLAST learning whitewater kayaking in my Jackson Super Hero! After a swim in class 2, I took some rolling classes and am getting much better with it. I just did my first back deck roll a few days ago! Heading to a whitewater park in Franklin NH later today to get some more practice rolling in moving water and surfing 🙂 We have a great shop in Franklin NH called Outdoor New England (ONE). They offer instruction on whitewater and have rolling classes, and they have everything you need to get into the sport. They're a fantastic resource for our area.
It's the first sport I've ever found that I wasn't a natural at. It's been so much fun to be able to see the progression from beginner onwards rather than jumping to intermediate or advanced
Its a ton of fun !! The main issue I found was boat capacity. The jackson AntiX 2.0 will only take about 100kg. So thats 80kg and under without your gear on and once you add on all your gear it soon starts to add up. Star viper XL inflatable kayak was the only one I found that could take 120kg or Mega kahuna PE. Even my dagger kaos is only good for 114kg. But I surf kayak more and more theses days. Its like white water kayaking but with bigger waves, stronger water and more rocks. I'm not getting into that seal who's stalking me. The only downside is your gear gets hammered. You will break paddles and dent the boat.
I started WW at 60yo. You can do the zero to hero crash course, but you’ll be best served taking the time to consistently practice fundamental strokes and braces with a professional instructor. Watch Ken paddle whitewater and you’ll see the elegance of good paddling techniques.
I fully support your idea. I have often been surprised at the skill deficits that exist in even veteran sea kayakers. Even some class 1 and mild class 2 WW experience would make sea kayakers more confident and competent paddlers.
Love your channel. Really informative and also you are a very likeable guy with seemingly a great family! I love that you sprinkled some scenes from your daughter into this video. Its amazing what she is capable of at such a young age. My daughter is just over 1 year old now but i would like to ease her into kayaking when the time is right. Maybe you could do a video for that as well, how your daughter started and what she is doing now kayaing wise, white water and touring. As long as she is comfortable doing a video of course. Anyway, great content!
I flat water, my chum is a life long whitewater guy, he's always trying to get me out there! Says he can start me off on some "Boogie Water", that term alone sounds like a blast :)
Come to ROUNDUP ,MT. and study the MUSSELSHELL right now if you have time enjoy the up-coming flow of spring-thaw for kayaking like you always wanted it to be !! If your a novice like I am prepare for a learning experience !!
Whitewater is a HUGE leap in paddling skills and equipment from the pool noodles and rec boats you've been reviewing lately. My challenge with whitewater is finding three or four other people that want to go, are free to go and have enough skills to go at the same time. Then there's the issue of water flow. I'm a Class 2/3 paddler. The Class 3/4 paddlers really don't want to spend time on Class 2. At the same time, I don't get to develop my skills hanging with the Class 1/2 paddlers. Then again, it's not fun trying to schedule a 12 mile flat water trip and have people show up in rec boats and inflatables.
Could you do a video on gear you would buy and use for whitewater vs what you typically buy/own for recreational/touring? I have just advanced from recreational to touring and am very interested in trying whitewater. I have been searching for classes to learn, however was curious as to some good starter gear.
River maggots, that's what I've always called them. Got 45 year's of WW in a OC-1, so many river maggots now compared to 80's and 90's. Anyone still paddle a Perception Dancer ? HA ! One of my buddies still has a 'like new' Perception Corsica XS in his basement, only has about 1 river mile on it. Mint condition. Future barn find.
I'm an active wheelchair user who loves to recreationally kayak on lake Tahoe and other surrounding lakes, but I'm curious about taking my kayaking to the next level. I'm wondering if you've ever met a whitewater kayaker whose also a wheelchair user and how they made it work?
Hi Ken! I started whitewater kayaking in my Sea Eagle Explorer at age 53 and really enjoyed it. After a couple of years I thought going up to a hard shell kayak would be the next step, but I found I simply didn't enjoy it as much so I'm back to my Explorer. My question to you... are there whitewater training options for those of us who want to run the rivers in inflatable kayaks while still building the skills and competencies required to be safe on the river? I've had a hard time finding those options.
There are several different levels of whitewater safety certification courses that cover those exact issues. Local paddle shops, clubs, or even search and rescue should be able to assist in finding options that would suit your needs. Good for you for wanting more knowledge!
Ah...loose vs. tight skirts. I'm 70 y.o. and started kayaking in my late 50s. I have ALWAYS had a difficult time getting skirts fastened, whether neoprene or nylon/vinyl. Should I buy an oversized skirt for my cockpit size? Are there differences between brands? My current boats are rotomolded rec and touring boats. I have a composite sea kayak coming, if that is useful to know. I occasionally run short stretches of Class 2 in my rec boat (Dagger Axis 10.5).
The roll is a full-body technique, but the crucial muscle groups are the core and hip flexors. But it's less to do with power and more technique - you don't have to be immensely muscular to do it and the muscles you do use will be toned and defined by it.
Not for everyone. How close are you to the water. Whitewater kayaking requires paddling frequently, to stay in shape, not to mention you have to have the aptitude for it.
I've been searching, but it doesn't seem like they really make sit-on-top, hardshell, whitewater kayaks? I've seen some class 2 kayaks, but nothing rated for class 3 or 4 like you find with inflatable whitewater kayaks. Why is that?
Would love to do it! But living in the Netherlands there's not much white water, better said... none at all 😞. I think it's the only country in the world with no white water.
I always enjoyed watching whitewater kayaking videos, but for me, i will stick to the waves lake Erie can give me. I own an Impex Outter island. It's comfortable for me. I'm not comfortable with hidden underwater rocks though. That's not a concern for offshore kayaking. I feel safer.
Took it up at 50 and have fallen in love with it. Pretty comfy with class 3 and wish I could get a solid roll down. I'm an expert at the wet exit now, lol.
ruclips.net/video/BvbFL1vOkAg/видео.html
Rolling in WW is definitely more challenging. After a few failed attempts, I realized the importance of practicing self rescue techniques. After wet exit; hold onto paddle, flip boat upright, toes up, take a breath between waves, push boat toward eddy (if possible), use paddle to swim when eddy is within reach, swim aggressively with techniques you hopefully practiced previously. When scouting, anticipate your strategy in the event of a wet exit. There aren't many videos on self rescue strategies when the reality is, often times, there's no one in position to help you as quickly as you'd like.
Another well-done video. I'd like to add a couple of my own thoughts.
Paddling school is a great idea. Additionally, you might join a club like the TN Scenic Rivers Assoc. You will be able to attend their classes, then go on group paddling trips where more experienced paddlers guide trips and help nubies. That kind of back-up really helps the learning process and kicks up the fun factor.
There are not too many better feelings than eddying out behind a rock in the middle of the river, and watching the admiring faces of the floaters. As stated, being able to roll is valuable. One must often rely on the goodness of others to catch your pony, after bailing. A good roll is the sign of competence that others will respect. I perfected my roll in a lake, close to the shore along with pool time when I could get it.
Buy a proper kayak as soon as possible. My first boat was a Dancer, by Perception. That boat was really tippy. It did make rolling a priority. But, when I bought my Corsica, I knew I had MY boat!
I never had to buy ear plugs; I certainly benefited from a nose clamp, though. Upper Respiratory Infections followed me out of the army. They are no fun.
I would appraise myself as slightly above average in athletic ability. My balance isn't great. And, I'm not a quick learner. But, I always tried to find things that would motivate me to try to stay fit and enjoy life. I went through phases with hiking, karate, mountain biking, motorcycling and scuba. I was out of my element on every one of these activities, but I just kept jumping into stuff.
The best thing I ever did was kayaking. Compared to motorcycles, there are bikes that feel like you're riding on top of, and bikes that you feel like you're riding in. Kayaking, rather than being on top (hiking,) is like being literally in nature. It provides a very unique perspective. I started kayaking in 1989, at the age of 40. I no longer have the physical ability to paddle, but when I dream of things past, it is to paddling that my mind wanders.
Whatever you think of your abilities, you can learn white water because you can go as slow as it is comfortable for you. It is a perfect respite from the ills of today's problems.
With #2, being fit definitely helps, but even if someone is out of shape, they can get into the sport and have fun. I've been a truck driver for almost 20 years, which has led to poor eating habits and a sedimentary lifestyle. That said, I'm 5'7", 250 lbs, and I've been having an absolute BLAST learning whitewater kayaking in my Jackson Super Hero! After a swim in class 2, I took some rolling classes and am getting much better with it. I just did my first back deck roll a few days ago! Heading to a whitewater park in Franklin NH later today to get some more practice rolling in moving water and surfing 🙂
We have a great shop in Franklin NH called Outdoor New England (ONE). They offer instruction on whitewater and have rolling classes, and they have everything you need to get into the sport. They're a fantastic resource for our area.
6'1" 270lbs here, just bought a used Super Hero and can't wait to get started!
It's the first sport I've ever found that I wasn't a natural at. It's been so much fun to be able to see the progression from beginner onwards rather than jumping to intermediate or advanced
There aren't enough kayaking videos with the Wilhelm Scream in them.
Its a ton of fun !! The main issue I found was boat capacity. The jackson AntiX 2.0 will only take about 100kg. So thats 80kg and under without your gear on and once you add on all your gear it soon starts to add up. Star viper XL inflatable kayak was the only one I found that could take 120kg or Mega kahuna PE. Even my dagger kaos is only good for 114kg. But I surf kayak more and more theses days. Its like white water kayaking but with bigger waves, stronger water and more rocks. I'm not getting into that seal who's stalking me. The only downside is your gear gets hammered. You will break paddles and dent the boat.
I started WW at 60yo. You can do the zero to hero crash course, but you’ll be best served taking the time to consistently practice fundamental strokes and braces with a professional instructor. Watch Ken paddle whitewater and you’ll see the elegance of good paddling techniques.
I fully support your idea. I have often been surprised at the skill deficits that exist in even veteran sea kayakers. Even some class 1 and mild class 2 WW experience would make sea kayakers more confident and competent paddlers.
Love your channel. Really informative and also you are a very likeable guy with seemingly a great family! I love that you sprinkled some scenes from your daughter into this video. Its amazing what she is capable of at such a young age. My daughter is just over 1 year old now but i would like to ease her into kayaking when the time is right. Maybe you could do a video for that as well, how your daughter started and what she is doing now kayaing wise, white water and touring. As long as she is comfortable doing a video of course. Anyway, great content!
Thank you very much! I appreciate it. It's a great video idea too... I'll ask Chelsea and see what she thinks...
GREAT tips! Oh, and CONGRATS of the big 100k subs. You and the channel deserve it! Stay safe, my fellow paddlers.
I flat water, my chum is a life long whitewater guy, he's always trying to get me out there! Says he can start me off on some "Boogie Water", that term alone sounds like a blast :)
Come to ROUNDUP ,MT. and study the MUSSELSHELL right now if you have time enjoy the up-coming flow of spring-thaw for kayaking like you always wanted it to be !! If your a novice like I am prepare for a learning experience !!
Awesome 👍 great information, at some point I would love to take the course, all the very best.
Whitewater is a HUGE leap in paddling skills and equipment from the pool noodles and rec boats you've been reviewing lately.
My challenge with whitewater is finding three or four other people that want to go, are free to go and have enough skills to go at the same time. Then there's the issue of water flow. I'm a Class 2/3 paddler. The Class 3/4 paddlers really don't want to spend time on Class 2. At the same time, I don't get to develop my skills hanging with the Class 1/2 paddlers.
Then again, it's not fun trying to schedule a 12 mile flat water trip and have people show up in rec boats and inflatables.
It took me a very long time to try flatwater kayaking. I went for the whitewater right from the get-go. Guess I did it backwards.
Could you do a video on gear you would buy and use for whitewater vs what you typically buy/own for recreational/touring?
I have just advanced from recreational to touring and am very interested in trying whitewater.
I have been searching for classes to learn, however was curious as to some good starter gear.
River maggots, that's what I've always called them. Got 45 year's of WW in a OC-1, so many river maggots now compared to 80's and 90's. Anyone still paddle a Perception Dancer ? HA ! One of my buddies still has a 'like new' Perception Corsica XS in his basement, only has about 1 river mile on it. Mint condition. Future barn find.
I'm an active wheelchair user who loves to recreationally kayak on lake Tahoe and other surrounding lakes, but I'm curious about taking my kayaking to the next level. I'm wondering if you've ever met a whitewater kayaker whose also a wheelchair user and how they made it work?
Love your videos question when are going to review pint 65 tequila kayak and there kayaks
Hi Ken! I started whitewater kayaking in my Sea Eagle Explorer at age 53 and really enjoyed it. After a couple of years I thought going up to a hard shell kayak would be the next step, but I found I simply didn't enjoy it as much so I'm back to my Explorer. My question to you... are there whitewater training options for those of us who want to run the rivers in inflatable kayaks while still building the skills and competencies required to be safe on the river? I've had a hard time finding those options.
There are several different levels of whitewater safety certification courses that cover those exact issues. Local paddle shops, clubs, or even search and rescue should be able to assist in finding options that would suit your needs. Good for you for wanting more knowledge!
Ah...loose vs. tight skirts. I'm 70 y.o. and started kayaking in my late 50s. I have ALWAYS had a difficult time getting skirts fastened, whether neoprene or nylon/vinyl. Should I buy an oversized skirt for my cockpit size? Are there differences between brands?
My current boats are rotomolded rec and touring boats. I have a composite sea kayak coming, if that is useful to know.
I occasionally run short stretches of Class 2 in my rec boat (Dagger Axis 10.5).
Any suggestions on boats for heavier people I'm 260 pounds I don't know where to start
Where is there a beginning course? Which muscles are used to do a successful roll in kayaking?
The roll is a full-body technique, but the crucial muscle groups are the core and hip flexors. But it's less to do with power and more technique - you don't have to be immensely muscular to do it and the muscles you do use will be toned and defined by it.
Not for everyone. How close are you to the water. Whitewater kayaking requires paddling frequently, to stay in shape, not to mention you have to have the aptitude for it.
I've been searching, but it doesn't seem like they really make sit-on-top, hardshell, whitewater kayaks? I've seen some class 2 kayaks, but nothing rated for class 3 or 4 like you find with inflatable whitewater kayaks. Why is that?
Look at a Dagger Torrent
Kinda like more of just lakes and big waves or something
Would love to do it! But living in the Netherlands there's not much white water, better said... none at all 😞. I think it's the only country in the world with no white water.
I started paddling white water in NL. You can learnin flatwater, and there are plenty of rivers close to the borders, and the. There is the beach.
I only wish I could afford to.....
Been kayak for 40yrs, we paddle everything but still water, I have 90yr. Doing class 3
I always enjoyed watching whitewater kayaking videos, but for me, i will stick to the waves lake Erie can give me. I own an Impex Outter island. It's comfortable for me. I'm not comfortable with hidden underwater rocks though. That's not a concern for offshore kayaking. I feel safer.