Whitewater Kayaking Wilson Creek and Nantahala

Фильм және анимация

Since before he was born, I hoped and imagined my son would want to join me in my love for whitewater kayaking. Though I never pushed it on him, last winter, he came to me and wanted to get serious about learning to kayak. We set a goal to run his first real waterfalls by the end of summer. We spent the last four months training, preparing and incrementally stepping up his game . He had put in the work and he was ready. It was time for P5 to undergo a whitewater marathon weekend - a rite of passage as it were. Over the weekend, he would kayak the gauntlet of Wilson Creek Gorge, Nantahala Gorge, Tellico Ledges and Middle sections and the Upper Green. Joining us is Kevin Champ - the Wondering Electrician, Shaphan, James Burleson and others.
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find us at riverkingpete.com
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Saxapahaw, NC 27340

Пікірлер: 128

  • @MoritzMeyer56
    @MoritzMeyer564 жыл бұрын

    Father and paddler from Germany here. First, congratulations to your boy and the whole crew for nailing these rivers. That was amazing kayaking there. I took my then eight year old daughter with me on the Soca, Slovenia, last summer. She kayaked solo class I and II whitewater and I was so proud of her. So, I can definitely relate to your experience. Now, this is probably one of the best kayaking videos I've seen in a long time. This is the stuff that gets kids and families into whitewater kayaking, because it is encouraging and empowering. I like to watch a crazy guy take on a 50ft waterfall from time to time, but that's not what kayaking is about for the average paddler. It's having good times on the river with your family and friends. We need more videos like this and we need more people like you who take out beginners on their first whitewater trips and guide them down rivers. You earned yourself a subscriber, I'll follow your adventures from now.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Moritz! Those are kind words and I really appreciate your support and encouragement. I love running some big waterfalls myself, but I have never enjoyed kayaking more than this trip right here. It was so rewarding and fulfilling to see him succeed. Thanks for tuning in and we are glad to have you aboard!

  • @Quillons1
    @Quillons12 жыл бұрын

    I had to say I smiled through this whole video. My son is a year younger than yours so I can relate to the pride you have in him. I learned to paddle on the Nantahala and the French Broad during my summers at a wilderness camp. I was your son's age in this video the last time I kayaked. 35 years later I would love to get back into it and introduce my son to it. I just don't know where to start. Thanks for this video, brought back some of the best memories of the best time of my life.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is what it is all about Quillons1! Get out there with him! it is soooo much fun to paddle with your kids!

  • @Quillons1

    @Quillons1

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@RiverKingsKayak I want to but don't know where to start. The last time I paddled was 1987 in a Perception Dancer! It seems the game has changed. I'm about to retire and want to find a decent used boat but it's not easy in my area.

  • @bobbystaats1846
    @bobbystaats18463 жыл бұрын

    Y’all just seemed to be a big happy family out there 😇😇😇 God Bless y’all 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 and thankful for y’all bringing all these beautiful memories 😊😊😊

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bobby! That is what we are striving for!

  • @TheMrAngrytoes
    @TheMrAngrytoes3 жыл бұрын

    this is my 2nd season kayaking. i just picked up a liquid logic remix xp 10 for some class i - iii white water. i cant express how much i've learned from this channel. thanks River Kings!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mr.Angrytoes! that is what it is all about!

  • @lorijohnson3878
    @lorijohnson38783 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I appreciate it more than you know! The river has been in my head ever since I got stuck on crack in the rock Tellico River, I loved kayaking until that moment and I can’t seem to get it back! Maybe one day! Thanks again!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Right on Lori! You can get it back. You just need to make it all fun again. Take a step back and work your way back through the progression to your happy space. Who you boat with can make a big difference as well.

  • @RobBrown2288
    @RobBrown22883 жыл бұрын

    It's stunning how much P5 has grown in 11 months!! I know y'all must be overwhelmed by it at times.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    That is for sure!!!

  • @slider28166
    @slider281662 жыл бұрын

    Of all the videos on whitewater rafting and kayaking yall have allowed me to enjoy this the best! I love how you intruct the guys and set up safety nets for each other! I haven't got the nerve up yet to do an enclosed kayak not sure if I ever will, but if I do I want to ride that sea with you guys!! Kent B , Troutman NC.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    2 жыл бұрын

    Right on Kent! Thanks for the kind words!

  • @claytonjohnson6760
    @claytonjohnson67609 ай бұрын

    I love your videos..I live 15 mins from wilsons and have went many times but I'm still in my head everytime..I like the way you explain the mis guided paddlers like myself to be better at what we do

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    9 ай бұрын

    Right on Clayton!

  • @naranjoandres32
    @naranjoandres324 жыл бұрын

    As a father myself i could see and feel the pride and love you have for Little Pete. Watching him boof run his lines flip and recover gave me chills . Proud of you man . Your son would of made an excellent Royal Ranger.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Right on Andres!! Thank you sir! Reminds me of a tough young man on the Appalachian Trail that I hiked with once! We still need to hit the river soon!

  • @naranjoandres32

    @naranjoandres32

    4 жыл бұрын

    River Kings ha you and the other guys pushed me through that trip. Yes we do. Im hoping to go to natahala in two weeks . Lets do it when i get back!

  • @jenniferp7749
    @jenniferp7749 Жыл бұрын

    absolutely best video with on point talking. wow im 55 and feel like i want to try this. : ) thank you for sharing this wonderful experience. Aloha !

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Jennifer! I really appreciate it! Give it a go!

  • @sallyohalloran6650
    @sallyohalloran66504 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful river and a very proud dad! Go Pete!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Sally!!! Have you been able to get on the water much lately?

  • @sallyohalloran6650

    @sallyohalloran6650

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@RiverKingsKayak no...but I have been doing my other sport..kite buggying on an 8 mile beach! Awesome! Your little man did really well! A true nature 😍

  • @SC-un8uy
    @SC-un8uy3 жыл бұрын

    This creek is so nice for white water kayaking.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    for sure S C!

  • @AVAJourneys
    @AVAJourneys4 жыл бұрын

    You're an outstanding father. Genuinely dedicated. Although opportunities are limited these days, the moments I've been so fortunate to have with my son on the water have truly been a gift. Great video pal.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Brian! I agree 1000%!

  • @jeromeo6911
    @jeromeo69112 жыл бұрын

    Not sure how I never saw this before, but Wilson creek looks like a fun paddle. Seeing the videos of Tellico is what made me want to get into WW. I'm hoping I'm up for the challenge when Tellico is running a little more often in the fall

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Stphen! The Tellico is a magical place!

  • @billysherlin6589
    @billysherlin65894 жыл бұрын

    What a great video! I know you are one proud dad, because he was killing it. I cant wait for the next video.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes sir!! Thanks DDAA! The Tellico (pt 2) was a magical day!

  • @billysherlin6589

    @billysherlin6589

    4 жыл бұрын

    Looking foward to it. I want to get into whitewater kayaking for sure. I live in KY, but my family lives on the Hiwassee near Cleveland, TN. Tellico is close by also. My factory is shutting down soon and I'm gonna take some time to stay with them to kayak the Hiwassee. Maybe go down to the Ocoee and take a whitewater course.

  • @michaellebaron594
    @michaellebaron5943 жыл бұрын

    What a great "dad" moment.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Michael!

  • @tjplace
    @tjplace2 жыл бұрын

    Your vids make me smile!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Tim!!

  • @GatewoodBrown
    @GatewoodBrown3 жыл бұрын

    You guys shredded Wilson! Pete is crushing it. So cool to watch him grow as a paddler

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you sir! Wait till you see the Tellico run!

  • @christophereston7952
    @christophereston79524 жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed the video, and your channel. I'm relatively new to kayaking, but did my first level 1 and 2 rapids the previous weekend. What a blast! I hope I can do Wilson Creek at some point.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Just stick with it, be smart but keep pushing to improve and you will be there before you know it

  • @mikeemmons4062
    @mikeemmons40624 жыл бұрын

    Another great video! The whole crew did a fantastic job. P5's calm focus is fun to watch. He never lost his cool, even when he was under water and swimming.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes sir! He is amazing that way! It makes things so easy for me to teach. He has always been kind of unfazed by his surroundings. A GREAT trait for a ww boater!

  • @gregadams2162
    @gregadams21624 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful river

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes sir Greg!!

  • @johnroslak
    @johnroslak4 жыл бұрын

    Haha love your videos man! Always so stoked. Inspiring stuff 🤙

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks John!!

  • @eddieolmedo454
    @eddieolmedo4543 жыл бұрын

    Man that is awesome. I just started learning at the USNWC in Charlotte. Great to know there is a amazing run close by! Hopefully one day when I am good enough I might see you guys out there and possibly join you for a run!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Right on Eddie! NC is a Mecca for WW paddling. There are hundreds of awesome runs of all class rivers within a few hours drive! Check out Pt2 of this series to see my favorite river, the Tellico! Waterfalls!!

  • @dirtdobber2185
    @dirtdobber21854 жыл бұрын

    That's a memory that will never fade. Wow

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks DD!

  • @mickesvensson1703
    @mickesvensson17034 жыл бұрын

    That kid going to be (is) a great kayaker. Thanks for sharing this moment! Big up!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Micke!!

  • @willm7141
    @willm71414 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video once again. Great memories being made there with little man. Enjoy. Our kids are the future

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks VS! Agreed!

  • @christyrattay5213
    @christyrattay52134 жыл бұрын

    Love the new camera angle.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Christy! I have used this a lot in the past, but not lately on the ww boats. I love the perspective.

  • @gregmceachern8433
    @gregmceachern84333 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video, I'm running this for the first time tomorrow and I'm stoked! Will be my first river run, all my experience has been at the USNWC which I'm very comfortable playing around and doing doing comp channel and wilderness, so I think it should be fine. The video made me more excited for sure!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Right on Greg! (I'm assuming you are with a group). Be safe and paddle aggressive! Enjoy! Let me know how it goes!

  • @gregmceachern8433

    @gregmceachern8433

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@RiverKingsKayak went great! Two laps, no swims, three rolls, no problems. Pulled off a clutch roll in the middle of ten foot, went down triple drop backwards. Great time!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@gregmceachern8433 boooooom!!!

  • @mobilewintercamp7515
    @mobilewintercamp75154 жыл бұрын

    I haven’t watched your channel in a while, the kid did good. What an excellent run that all was. That’s great way to enjoy nature, you don’t even need a motor 😊❤️🇺🇸

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you MWC!

  • @WhitewaterGypsy
    @WhitewaterGypsy4 жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed this video! Young Ripper is really taking off! The whole crew did great!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Matt! It is so fun to watch! The Tellico was amazing as well...

  • @tshunse
    @tshunse4 жыл бұрын

    Really great editing. Informative, instructional, and enthusiasm. I'm not a whitewater kayaker, yet. As I watch, it reminds me of choosing the line in snow skiing which I did for 40 years plus before two back surgeries and a hip replacement. I would like to learn river kayaking...yes, even at 70 years old.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Right on tshunse! It is never too late!! Do it!!

  • @basedbro2578
    @basedbro25783 жыл бұрын

    Another great video Pete! every video has me looking forward to being back on the water

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jacob! I know you are ready!

  • @user-dz6dq1tp9c
    @user-dz6dq1tp9c4 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Two rivers one day!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! was a marathon weekend!

  • @rubberduckproducktions532
    @rubberduckproducktions5324 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding! Thanks for bringing us along for the fun! Well.......we didn't hear the Sara, with an H song....hmmm. That spear shot hurt me just watching. Another great video. Can't wait to see part 2 of this! #onward

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    She doesn't work there anymore...I didn't recognize the new staff other than the owner. Kevin is probably still feeling that one! LOL! Thanks brother!!

  • @sagecanshoot3989
    @sagecanshoot39894 жыл бұрын

    Wow, I had a continuous flow of saying I'm impressed, calm nerves of steel. Rank up men

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Right on SCS! Thank you sir!

  • @atkinsoutdoors2746
    @atkinsoutdoors27464 жыл бұрын

    You can see TiB (Time In Boat) paying off. Thanks for demonstrating consistently applying proper techniques will achieve the desired result

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks AO! It is a pleasure to watch him progress!!!

  • @KentuckyWoodsman
    @KentuckyWoodsman4 жыл бұрын

    That was awesome! I am sure you are very proud of P5, but I am betting P5 is even more proud of himself. Looked like Kevin and Shaphan did good too! A good medicine weekend for sure!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Chris!! I agree!!

  • @claytonrossborough1026
    @claytonrossborough10264 жыл бұрын

    26:19 tells it all. That's what it's all about!! Love u guys, and loving this video! Pete's passed me up officially ;P Shout-out from Northwest Arkansas!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Clayton!! You are all over it!! Is that Buffalo country?

  • @claytonrossborough1026

    @claytonrossborough1026

    4 жыл бұрын

    Close enough!! 50 mi. SE. Great overnighter. Still haven't done the whole thing, but connecting the pieces. Dont remember what video it was but it wasnt on your channel, but I recognized that voice :) think you were videotaping for someone in the group...Richland creek? Cant remember, lots of creeks around! Great channel though! Love your vids! Excellent editing. Ryan's tandem p.o.v. experience made me emotional. Love u all!

  • @kathydomokos3265
    @kathydomokos32654 жыл бұрын

    I don’t even have any children and I feel like a proud momma!!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton Kathy!!!

  • @jwmav528
    @jwmav5284 жыл бұрын

    Pete, I saw that lean and I thought you were going over on 10 foot falls! You're giving me big dreams sir.

  • @jwmav528

    @jwmav528

    4 жыл бұрын

    So I'm commenting as I'm watching. The sound of pure joy in your voice as your son crushes it on this run is obvious! I can't help but be happy for you.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    You nailed it Jeffrey!! Thank you sir! ...and just wait until you see pt 2!!!

  • @thewonderingelectrician
    @thewonderingelectrician4 жыл бұрын

    Yep. That hit hurt.😶

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Oh yeah!

  • @danborick7384
    @danborick73843 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! BTW...had the same Subaru 2001 Outback Yak hauler in same color.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! right on Dan!

  • @frankblangeard8865
    @frankblangeard88654 жыл бұрын

    I like how the River Kings logo is a long kayak with deck rigging and two hatch covers. The paddles are also quite long. Definitely not for whitewater!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    LOL! Yes! We kind of started the group and the channel based off of our long-range kayak camping Expeditions . But my first love has always been White Water.

  • @huntergipson3447
    @huntergipson34474 жыл бұрын

    Nice !! Been trying to teach myself and my 11 yr old son - need some rain in NE AR get these creeks rolling again ! Good job man he won’t ever forget it 🤙🏼

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks DotO!

  • @scottmartinjones
    @scottmartinjones4 жыл бұрын

    Little man stepping up. I love it. Enjoy it Pete, it goes way too fast.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Indeed Scott! I am soaking up every second I can! Thanks!

  • @FeWolf
    @FeWolf4 жыл бұрын

    Green boats are the best ;)

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    LOL!! It is a really good looking boat!

  • @aerodrone2376
    @aerodrone23763 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. What is the best beginners sit on top kayak for white water?

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    3 жыл бұрын

    I would say that I'm not sure there is a good sot kayak for ww...lol. that being said, the fluid do-it-now is as good as it gets.

  • @outquick
    @outquick4 жыл бұрын

    Is that around Bryson City NC? Looks sweet!! Just got my first one, going to the NOC where I got it to get lessons. Well have fun y’all , looks epic!!!!!!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nantahala is almost in Bryson City. Wilson Creek is near Morganton NC

  • @filbilly
    @filbilly2 жыл бұрын

    Pete, do you have a video of your camera set up? Was wondering what you use for the shots from behind and above.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good idea! I think I have one somewhere, but I will see about putting another one together. Thanks John!

  • @filbilly

    @filbilly

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@RiverKingsKayak Awesome. Look forward to it.

  • @jonathanlewallen2726
    @jonathanlewallen27264 жыл бұрын

    What are the coordinates for the put in and take out?

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Not sure on coordinates, but reference American Whitewater's online database. They have it all spelled out for every river in North America!

  • @adventurekid9242
    @adventurekid92424 жыл бұрын

    Good vid

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Evan!

  • @adventurekid9242

    @adventurekid9242

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@RiverKingsKayak your welcome

  • @cw2126
    @cw21264 жыл бұрын

    👍👍👍

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks C W!

  • @RageFacePanda
    @RageFacePanda2 жыл бұрын

    This is an old video so you may never see this but - Is there a place I can find some of the put in's / out's for these trips. I'm out of Asheville

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    2 жыл бұрын

    www.americanwhitewater.org/

  • @RageFacePanda

    @RageFacePanda

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@RiverKingsKayak you are the best!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@RageFacePanda no worries!!! Thanks!

  • @lmhines4588
    @lmhines45884 жыл бұрын

    Little man? How about big man? Good grief Pete, what are you feeding him? He sure has improved skill wise so what does Tran think about this? He sure is impressive!

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes Ma'am! He is really coming along...in every way! Momma is very proud as well. Thanks Linda!

  • @logicwhisky7977
    @logicwhisky79774 жыл бұрын

    I'm a beginner. Will I be okay if I do it alone at Wilson Creek?

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    No. Dont go alone. Go with someone who knows the river well.

  • @logicwhisky7977

    @logicwhisky7977

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@RiverKingsKayak okay so what another water for beginner? Small river flat water?

  • @robertjoppe2995

    @robertjoppe2995

    4 жыл бұрын

    Upper Wilson and lower or upper green.

  • @yakstreamtv495
    @yakstreamtv4954 жыл бұрын

    Never done any real whitewater yakn .. i ride a whitewater fishn yak an it can supposedly handle up to class 3 but idk.. mabey with more practice in big rapids it could be possible

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Right on Yakstream! What boat do you have?

  • @davidbruce5228
    @davidbruce52284 жыл бұрын

    I understand that the water level was low.... but if you can't roll a boat, you have no business being on this creek.

  • @RiverKingsKayak

    @RiverKingsKayak

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for commenting David. I dont agree with the premise of your comment, but it is kind of a mute point anyway, as everyone in this video can roll their boat. They just dont land them every time yet. In the future, if you find yourself at -9.5" on the Wilson and taking yourself too seriously, just focus on all the 5 yr olds with floaties playing in every rapid on the river...Cheers!

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