Whitewater kayaking?

[Laziferous]

So, is anyone into whitewater kayaking?

It's my new addiction. I can't get enough. Every time we have a thunderstorm, I'm out the next day (or that one if time permits) shooting the rapids while the water is up.

It all started with a recreational kayak I got for my birthday. It's more like canoeing though. I started getting out of the flatwater, and into the creeks. The more I did it, the more I wanted to do it. I quickly realized (through a few near death experiences), that I could not shoot through rapids, in a 12½ foot rec boat. I got a creek boat, designed for rapids, and big drops. Total difference. I started searching out bigger, and badder rapids. Then I started trying to do tricks. I could surf, and stuff, but was limited in how far I could push it. I most recently got a freestyle boat. Now I'm in a boat that's capable of anything I can dream up... I just have to hone my skills, and work on my rolls.

Anyone else here into this? If so, do you take your expensive gear with you in dry bags when you go? And also, if so, any special tips for keeping your gear safe?

The more I get into bigger water, the more I want to have pictures to show people. I'm thinking if I can show some of my other friends that don't do whitewater (or anyone for that matter, co-workers, etc.), some of these shots of all the insane fun we are having, maybe I can get them out there too. There's nothing more thrilling than going off of a drop, and being totally submerged for a few seconds, then popping back up to the surface unscathed. WHOOOO!!!!!

Alright, I'll stop now. Man... I could go on for days about this stuff :D

[Lamplight]

I've never tried it, but I've always imagined that it would be terribly fun. :D When I was younger, my dad and I would take to some little rapids in our cheap rubber raft. :lol: It was just a little fast moving water and a tiny drop, but it was always fun. I always wanted a canoe, but never could afford one and had no place to keep it. :( When I was younger I practically lived at the river. :D

[Scottes]

River are definitely cool. Whitewater looks interesting.

The idea of rolling in a kayak scares the ever-loving bejesus out of me. If you find one with a couple of outriggers I might be interested....

And that all bums me out. A kayak is such a great way to get to wildlife, and I live in a great area for that. Great Meadows NWR runs for miles along the Concord River. I live near many shorebirds area and they're easily accessible by kayak. It would be very cool.

Did I mention my fear of rolling.... ?

[blinking8s]

Ive gone on the Nolichucky River a few times, its a blast, although still being a n00b when the rapids are remotely large the rush is insane...

its about one of the most fun things I have ever done, sailing and it are probably tied...

[Tom W]

Good to see you again.

I think what I'd do is maybe take turns having someone be the "designated gear-carrier". That way, everybody can have a blast and play hard, but one person has to keep the gear and other valuables safe. Rotate that duty among friends so that the burden doesn't fall upon anybody unfairly (unless one of them volunteers).

Put the camera gear in waterproof plastic bags, padded (use those B&H air sacks) in something like a cooler that locks closed and floats. Don't use a cheap styrofoam cooler that will bust apart easily.

[Tom W]

..... There's nothing more thrilling than going off of a drop, and being totally submerged for a few seconds, then popping back up to the surface unscathed. WHOOOO!!!!!.....

Frankly, as I'm a little skittish about floating, drowning, and such, I'd prefer to be in a deadly bank robbery shootout than to be submerged for a few seconds. I'd probably inhale the entire river. :)

[Laziferous]

Thanks for the replies guys, it's nice to stop back in and say hi to some familiar faces... mean names. I hope everyone is well!

So, from the replies, I take it no one else is into this? That's cool, I didn't really expect anyone to be. Just hoped I guess.

Tom W-
Great idea about switching the gear carrying responsibilities. I will definitely have to do that. Until now, my main deterent in taking pictures, has been missing out on the fun, while I shoot the other guys having it. Perfect solution, I'll just get them to carry the gear sometimes (I just have to make sure they don't capsize, or else have them meet us at a certain location. Trying to get through the rapids on the way could prove disasterous... for my camera!).

bliking8s-
You should do it more often. It's freakin' awesome!!! I can't get enough. I'm seriously considering calling out of work tomorrow, because we have a flash flood watch right now. I KNOW those rapids are KICKIN' right now (I drove past a few familiar spots), and will be tomorrow. Decisions, decisions :P

Scott-
Rolling isn't that scary. It's making a 340° roll that's scary. Not quite, sucks... especially in whitewater. I got rolled in a hole the other day, and ended up going through a section of class IV rapids upside down. I smashed my head on a rock (yes, I was wearing a helmet :wink: ), and got my neck tweaked out a bit. Scary would have been going through that section, outside of the boat... no control. I managed to roll myself back up that time, but I'm not 100% with rolls. I need a little work. I'm about 25% at the moment :? Not bad I guess, considering I've only tried to roll 10-15 times, and only about 10 of them were on purpose :lol:

Ben-
Terribly fun... yes. You really should go out there again. I KNOW you would have loads of fun. I honestly can't remember having this much fun... ever. Creeks, rivers, whatever... just get out there when the water is up. Such a freakin' blast! Man... I sound like a hippie or something :oops: :wink: :lol:

Disclaimer: If anyone does choose to seek out whitewater, PLEASE use caution, and the proper protective equipment, including a Coast Guard approved PFD.
End of PSA

[blinking8s]

haha...awesome

I WISH I had a dry bag or something, it would rule to be able to pull up to a bank and snap some shots of the river around here, the areas it is even hard to hike to...some AMAZING views...

but, I am doubting my budget right now could even afford enough layers of garbage bags to keep my gear dry :(

$32 in the bank today...I am going to cry soon

[Laziferous]

32 bucks huh? That's not cool. Look at it this way though... 32 dollars will buy a LOT of ramen :wink:

If anyone is interested, there are some video clips on the following page, with some good footage. I recommend scrolling down, and watching "Canoe Kayak clip 3" first. Dude does a sweet flip as he heads into a hole backwards. Good stuff.
http://www.canoekayak.com/av/

See you around guys! Maybe I'll have some kayaking shots to share next time I show up :D

[Scottes]

I recommend scrolling down, and watching "Canoe Kayak clip 3" first.

Gee, I'd like to try that.

Scottes shakes head and goes back to the relative safety of his office.

[blinking8s]

32 bucks huh? That's not cool. Look at it this way though... 32 dollars will buy a LOT of ramen :wink:

If anyone is interested, there are some video clips on the following page, with some good footage. I recommend scrolling down, and watching "Canoe Kayak clip 3" first. Dude does a sweet flip as he heads into a hole backwards. Good stuff.
http://www.canoekayak.com/av/

See you around guys! Maybe I'll have some kayaking shots to share next time I show up :D

thats awesome

[CyberDyneSystems]

Hey Laz,

I've done some white water,.. and I've done some Kayaking.. but thus far the two have not met.

I'm an old wooden canoe guy... the object being NOT to roll in one of those.. Not the best thing for running rapids either.. but it'll serve in a tight spot.


The Kayaks do look fun though!