When John was able to get out of the river the first time, he was on the opposite side of the river from the truck. If we had to walk out, it was going to add considerable amount of distance to the closest bridge to get back to the truck. It was 28 degrees with 30 mph wind gusts. Even though I had survival gear in my kayak with the ability to make a fire, a tarp, coffee and snacks, time was not in our favor. When he reentered the river on his kayak, we didn't know at the time that his kayak had a hole in the hull. At that point our goal was to simply get him to the other side of the river to shorten the walk out. Surprisingly there was never any real panic. We were able to continually communicate and work out our response and self rescue. Being "Old Jarheads" it wasn't the first time swimming in full clothing and gear. I know it made the difference. For those of you that know John and maybe me personally, it may not shock you but we stopped at the grocery store on the way to camp and bought extra snacks and dry snuff.....apparently someone got his all wet during the swim. I couldn't convince him to stop for pizza and ice cream. "Do some pushups!"
Thanks Ben I appreciate it.. I was lucky to have had my buddy with me. We've been in some hairy situations before and I guess we've learned after all the dangerous years together to not panic and work together. Thanks for watching and the kind words about my grandpa.
First off, I'm very sorry for the loss of your grandfather Southpaw! Been there brother. Your grief will turn to joy as you reflect on all your wonderful memories. I do a lot of things solo in my adventures including fishing alone in the boat. My honey has convinced me to buy one of those self inflating life vests. You hardly know your wearing one. Thank God you have a strong kick and a good buddy that was with you! Like you said, the depth, current and brush underneath you makes for a deadly cocktail on those rivers! So glad your ok friend! As always, the beauty of WV is second to none. Thanks for the vid and have a great week!
As soon as I saw that life jacket sitting by your feet, a bad feeling came over me. I drowned a few years back, and luckily my brother was able to bring me back. Even though this video stirs up a whole bunch of emotions I’m glad you shared it with us. It’s a great reminder and how fragile life is. I am so grateful that angels were watching over you. Sorry to hear about your Grandpa.
Thanks Karl, it definitely put a lot of things into perspective. I got complacent, Borrowed a kayak at last minute upon further examination it was leaking into the hull from a hole underneath, rigged up a seat and didn't have my jacket on and just strapped to the front of the boat and water and weather conditions were poor. I consider myself a above average swimmer and operator in the water, but when those outer clothes and rubber boots filled up it was dicey. I'm glad you came through your ordeal, wow what a story I would like to hear it sometime. Thanks again about my grandpa. Have a great week.
So sorry to hear about your grandfather. That was one heck of a day thanks that you had your buddy with you.look forward to seeing your next video god bless
Hey brother, so sorry to hear about your grandfather, I was one who always thought that grandma and grandpa would be grandma and grandpa forever. Really relieved that y'alls weekend trip didn't turn out worse 🙏. Not too far from where you were back in the early 90's our community lost two brothers almost that same way. The younger one was wading out like ten feet from the bank when he went off into a deep hole, his older brother went in to try and help him, unfortunately he went off into the same deep hole. They both were wearing chest waders so you know what happened, when they filled up with water, very quickly, it's like a lead sinker. Sadly, five hours later they fire rescue brought both brothers out with drag hooks. Certainly God was looking out for you on March 4th my friend. God Bless you and yours 🕊 Jay.
Thanks brother I really appreciate it. Yes I was very fortunate I know it could of been very bad. Thanks for the kind words about my grandpa. I have been down that stream a dozen times with no issues. The poor conditions of the water and the weather was no help. Thanks again for the support. I consider myself lucky. Thanks for watching.
Sorry for the loss buddy, prayers for you and the family. Glad you made it out ok, that cold water rush is tough to mentally get over when you’re struggling. Always a super idea to have a buddy near.
Thanks brother I appreciate it. It definitely got a little squirrely. I wouldn't of even attempted to water trap in those conditions without a partner. I got complacent with my gear. Thanks for watching and the support. Have a great week!
So sorry to hear about your grandfather!! Prayers for you and your family. Man on man, you are one lucky guy!! I could understand the few choice words when that happened. Thank God you weren't alone bud. I have only used my kayak on lakes, never streams or rivers. Call me chicken!! Awe some Rambo!! Great movies!! Hey, these videos are about real life, not scripted like TV. Again, sorry for your loss, and also thankful you are okay from this trip. Take care, look forward to the next video. Juddie - J & J TOA
Thanks Juddie I appreciate the kind words. Yes I was very fortunate and very thankful to have had my buddy with me. We have been in a few life threatening situations together over the years so we knew not to panic. Thanks for the support looking forward to turkey season!
Wow!! Your dam lucking bud holy smokes!! That’s a trip you will never forget thank the man upstairs nothing serious happened glad you made it out ok. Maybe next time for your own safety might put that life jacket on before you head out. Thanks for sharing this with us. Sorry to here about your grandpa I think he was with you the whole time
Thanks I appreciate it. I got complacent and made several mistakes. I had the jacket strapped to my yak instead of on........big mistake, I got lucky and had good help. Thanks again about my grandpa. Have a good week friend, spring is coming.
You can say that again! The water was very cold, but my concern was my clothes filling up with water and the current. Hope all is well Greg, thanks for watching! Have a great weekend.
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. Please, Please wear a lift jacket every time, you don't have time to put on when you flip. I'm so glad your okay, stay safe and have fun.
