The log jam beatdown! | Epic spring kayaking adventure

Spring is a great time to go kayaking! The rivers are flowing, the excitement is high, the days are long, and the temperatures are fresh. But, spring kayaking has its challenges, which I'm reminded of on this kayaking adventure down the Indian River near my home in the Ottawa Valley.

Other gear used in this video:

Paddles:

PFDs:

Dry Wear:

Base Layers:

Warm Weather:

Footwear:

Other Paddling Gear

[chrisphillips]

Ken thanks for a great video. Just a tip, I always carry a 10-15ft attachable bow line. When pulling a kayak up a bank, you can climb up the bank to a stable footing position and then pull the boat up. It makes a world of difference. Cheers

[DannyNomad]

You took your kayak for a nice hike! 😂

[Nevis]

I keep eyeing a river close to where I live that I am pretty sure will be very similar to your trip. Thanks for the motivation to make this trip happen this season😀

[escapewithed]

Great video! I absolutely loved watching it. I love these sorts of paddle adventures because they are close to the way I go paddling. For what it's worth, a few years ago your review of the Bonafide EX123 inspired me to buy one for this exact type of trip. Getting in and out of a kayak as a newbie is perilous enough, the Bonafide made it a heck of a lot easier. The local river near me is narrow and has a tendency to get blocked up like the one you did in the video. The hard plastic integrated handles on the EX123 and the catamaran style hull made portaging around the blockages a lot easier. Another good thing for blocked creeks and rivers like this is a 10 foot horse lead. It's a lot easier to scramble up down the banks with a 10 foot rope to keep the kayak from drifting away in the sketchy spots. So Yes! Please keep doing these little off paddle adventures as well as your unbiased reviews! 90% of my gear is based on your recommendations!

[TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

It's great seeing folks get out on the water.... I have been meaning to but scheduling has not lined up. It's happening VERY soon though. Cheers!

[rwhite]

I love watching your YouTube channel! You so effortlessly get in and out of so many types of kayaks.

Would love to see a video of your tips and tricks for in/out in different kayaks, situations, etc.

Envious...I'm one foot in and fall into the seat, and hope I don't get wet!

Keep floating!

[possummatt]

I just got that same PFD!! Now I can more accurately channel my “inner Ken”

[axydlbaaxr]

I started watching this channel for the basic instructional--which are GREAT. Now I'm starting to watch the adventures, and thinking of you as "The Mr. Rogers of Kayaking"--always a positive lesson to be learned & shared. <3 Thanks, enjoyed.

[THE-RIVER-RAT]

I bet you were glad you brought a sit on top for this trip...

Awesome location, looks like a great paddle spot even with the logs. Great video Ken. You looked like you really enjoyed it even with the issues. Sounds like we have a great year of adventures to look forward to this year. Looking forward to watching.

[Billcameratech]

wow! All about the excitement of something new and different, right? I'm going to think about that handle and Very nice work and thanks for sharing, Ken!

[jasonvanderhoek]

Great little gem in the valley.
The Indian River runs in my backyard, and I paddle it 4 or 5 times a year.
I'm happy to see you found it.
I always see people tubing it, too. Just finished watching your video see the clusters of tree still in the same spot.
Always good paddle after sandy beach rd have not had clusters of tree's on that part of the river.

Happy paddling

[CRICRICTH]

I have one of those. I really love it in open water. It’s perfect to paddle in Puerto Rico. This past Saturday I did 21.5 miles without stopping on shore.

[iowaadventures]

I’m looking forward to seeing your upcoming adventures. I have been where you are in this video. It might be hard but I would not trade it for anything. Great video!!!

[davedave]

awesome! enjoyed watching this! great to see some good hearty adversity as well as all the good bits!

[AussieBushKayakersCamping]

wow some brutal log jams there . good effort getting around them !

[raymondsmith]

Thank you ...just awesome to watch...still way too cold home..another week will be doing the same👍

[samstephens]

Looking forward to seeing your trips & I'm starting to plan some of my own weekend long paddling trips

[Thomas-hnh]

Good video title! 😂 I enjoyed it. Appreciate what you do for the sport of kayaking, Ken. 😊

[lysan]

Somehow, it reminded me of the paddling adventure you had with one of the Melker kayaks when you encountered one beaver dam after the other. 😂The PFD looks like the new NRS ninja. I have ordered it, but it will not be available in my area until May. Great adventure! I am looking forward to all your planned adventures! It's always a good day when there is a video from you.

[WildEddieProductions]

Maybe it’s time to build a smaller river kayak with camera mounts! 64lb/29kg touring kayak seems a bit too heavy for that river anyway. A smaller lighter kayak would’ve made it a different story…