I Abandoned Everyone During a Kayak Camping Trip on Georgian Bay 🇨🇦 

There is only one rule. Do what you're comfortable with. You did the right thing.

You made the right call. It's one of the main reasons why I prefer to be self sufficient with my own solo boat with my own gear. I can bail anytime I'm not happy with how things are going.

You made the right choice. Being uncomfortable in a kayak in heavy water with high winds is a recipe for disaster - your body tenses up and it effects your balance and paddling. I don't know if your swiss army knife has a toothpick or not, but if I remember correctly there is a company (firefly?) that makes ferro rods which will replace the toothpick. This way you have a firestarter if you have your knife.

You did the right thing Jay. Know your limit, play within it.

I think you made the right decision, I don’t think you abandoned them, they abandoned you.

Having been in a very similar situation in the wilds with a reckless 'leader' I empathise with your situation and admire that you stayed within your own safety boundaries not someone else's.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Without a doubt you made the right decision. Thanks for sharing. Take care and stay safe.

For what it’s worth I think you made a great decision. You are safe and that’s what’s most important. I would’ve done the exact same thing in that same situation. Thank you for sharing this. I know your decision whether or not to share it was difficult and I think you did the right thing because I believe feeling this will empower others to do the same if they are in a similar situation

Good Call Jason. Never take a risk in those conditions if you are uncomfortable. Stay safe out there

Your decision to follow caution and safety was intelligent and sound; you showed the knowledge and experience of how potentially dangerous the back-country can be. Mark's flip in the water could easily have turned into hypothermia or worse. Considering you were also fighting a viral infection, continuing the trip would have added even more stress and uncertainty - no fun at all. We've assisted a young man with a serious laceration (fall on portage) as well as two canoeists ill-prepared for the cold and rain of Temagami - luckily we were well stocked with first aid supplies, hot paws and energy bars. Things can go wrong so quickly. You've got a well-stocked ditch kit (indispensable) and your wits in making a decision based on all the essential factors. We were on Lake Obabika last week and had to curtail much of our route because of winds and weather. Plans need to be adaptable. Safety comes first, always. I hope you've recovered from your virus and that everyone made it back home safely. Whereabouts were you on G.B? Philip Edward Island? Looked gorgeous!

Rumor has it Jeff is still paddling ahead/away from the group to this day:) Edit: this is one of the most honest yt outdoors video I've yet seen

Jason I'm 100 o/o supportive of your decision. Speaking from experience sometimes we experienced paddlers forget we all start at the beginning . I made a decision once while doing an afternoon paddle. I had my four year old daughter with me on a lake I had paddled many times. The wind had been blowing all day 25 plus miles an hour. It had finally stopped blowing and I couldn't wait to get on the water. I had just finished putting a fresh coat of varnish on my cedar strip kayak two days earlier. In the process of loading my gear my daughter wouldn't stop bugging me to go. So I finally gave in. In my rush to get to the lake I left half of my gear at home. The trip started well enough with about a two mile an hour wind. I put my daughters and my life vest on then started loading the boat. That's when I realized I had left the airbag at home, the cushion she sits on, dry close and a towel. At that age I put my daughter in the back storage compartment with the airbag behind her as a back rest. She sat on a close cell foam cushion and she loved it. The trip out went great no issues at all. We talked, sang and I laughed as she talked to the fish making bubble sounds. We had paddled for about forty five minutes and crossed the main channel of the lake. We stopped on the opposite shore and took a break to eat some snacks and rehydrate. While on our brake the wind picked up very quickly. My daughter started getting cold so we packed up and started paddling across the lake with the wind at our side. It felt like I was on the ocean back in Florida. At one point she said she didn't like the waves. I told her to pretend she was riding a horse. She replied but the horse ride is to wet daddy. I second later I noticed the front of my kayak was way out of the water. Then I was hit in the back by a large wave. I turned to see the back of the kayak was under the water. I calmly explained to my daughter what we were going to do. I rolled the kayak on its side and we both got out. She held onto me as I dumped the water out. I then put her in the cockpit and swam beside the kayak back to shore. She was so worried that daddy was going to drown. I told her I would be fine because I had on my PFD. About two minutes later two local fisher men I recognized came by and I flagged them down. They took her on their bass boat and wrapped her in a huge jacket to warm her up. I paddled the kayak across the lake without any issue . With her out of the back I didn't take on any water. She was so tiny and didn't weigh much at all. Without the airbag in the back and her weight we took on water fast. I knew the boat wouldn't sink because the front hatch lid was on and the boat is all wood. I road with the men on the bass boat back to the ramp . I loaded my daughter in the car after taking all but her undershorts off. I turned the heat on high while I was loading the boat and gear. I then stripped my close off to. We both road home like this. She talked my ear off all the way home about how scared she was that her daddy was going to drown. Im happy to say no I'll effects happened do to my bad decision that day. If I had gone on my own I would have been fine but I went against my instincts instead. My daughter and son both paddle to this day. Rivers and lakes are were we kayak most of the time. She is now 24 yrs old and just got married. My son is now 21 yrs old. You see I had almost talked myself out of going because it was still early May here in the Ozarks of Missouri. The temp that day was in the mid 70s but the water was still very cold. I got in a hurry and forgot allot of essential items I always take when I go kayaking. I had never needed any of those items until that day. I was the one who was responsible for her safety and I let my bad choices put her in danger. People tell me I'm two cautious but they have never felt the fear I felt that day. I knew I wasn't going to drown that day. What I didn't tell my daughter was how cold daddy was. I was really concerned about hypothermia. I'm glad the good Lord was looking over us that day in spite of my stupid pride. Don't apologize for your decision and if Jeff I believe you said his name was is a true friend he will understand. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Good on you for making our own decisions, and not letting someone else make them for you.

Jason, you absolutely made the right decision! How many times have we read about and seen stories of adventures gone wrong which ended in having to call out emergency services or God forbid, a serious injury or fatality? And the rest of the group could learn something about going at the pace of the slowest person. That water and where you camped was absolutely stunning. How I wish I could do what you're doing ..... 😞. But as I said previously, I'm doing it through you. Thank you.

As the builder of an identical kayak, I’m glad to see that the Shearwater handed those conditions so well. On the other hand, I’m glad to see that you recognized the challenges weren’t worth the risk, chose to stay within your safety margin instead of forcing to adopt someone else’s Iron Man pace.

I did a solo on Phillip Edward in the beginning of sept this year and spent 4 days there, was supposed to be 5 but 1st day winds were 35kph with wind gust of 65kph. That inlet is no joke especially if you’re in a wooden canoe/kayak, one hard smash into the rocks and it could go bad. Your fellow kayakers had fibreglass and plastic kayaks so they had more confidence per say in their abilities. Also they probably didn’t bring expensive camera gear like you did let alone expensive camping gear as well, there’s paddling with camera gear and there’s paddling without and people don’t understand this concept until they’ve done it. You made a good decision just going solo at your own pace, being comfortable was the most logical thing you’ve could’ve done. Pushing to pull through can be really dangerous and paddling worrying isn’t healthy, hopefully your buddies understand and see their faults and you guys can reconcile.

You made the right call Jason. This was definitely an eye opener. Best of luck in your future travels.

Only you can take care of yourself. Sounds like it's time for new friends

Good call, beautiful place! My paddling buddies have fallen by the wayside over the decades. I'm retired, so now I watch the 10 day forecast and head out solo when the wind and rain forecast looks promising.

Wise decision, been out there, exactly, when the wind came up. Beautiful hybrid, CLC 17? THAT is why I travel solo, with a radio.

Been in your position…totally understand why you stuck out on your own…a beautiful area! Love Georgian Bay! Enjoy, Jason!

Very beautiful locations. I made a similar trip 20 years ago with a group of fellas. We braved rough waters and fortunately did not tip. I think back on how unprepared we were for a capsize/dunk. You may remember me. My wife Darcy and I stayed in the same place in Queretaro and you took our picture. We think your vids are great. Keep up the good work.

As many have said before you made the right decision, problem with groups of people is that there’s invariably a ‘Jeff’ amongst them! Looking forward to you next trip.

Yeah, I’m with you on this one. Good call.

I don't think they ever take that sign down! We had the exact same experience circumnavigating Philip Edward Island last year...and we were in canoes. It was pretty choppy and we had to choose our route wisely. We ended up wind bound for a day on Big Rock Point because the swell was just too big. No one capsized though!

Your buddy is braver than I am. Third time kayaking on a windy Georgian Bay. Gotta love that area, though. Thanks, Jason. 🙂👍🛶

Good for you for following your own lead. Jeff is probably a good guy, but wasn’t making team decisions and being a bully is just a negative vibe for a trip that was supposed to be unforgettable for positive experiences. Always better to take the high road, less traffic. Take care.

New subscriber here. Thank you for being so honest. You did make the right decision!

Such a shame, you are 100% in the right. You always stay together and move at the slowest persons pace/comfort level. I have had issuse in the past, when people on our trips would push and push and almost look down on the slower or less experienced in the group. I don't get the rush, and I think you loose some of the tranquility and reason to be out there, in end you got an amazing site with a gorgeous view!

That looked ominous and don’t blame you in your decision. Your friend there wanted to be the alpha dog and like sheep the others followed. Good on you and I hope you are feeling much better now.

BRAVO, Jason! You 100% made the best and safest decision. You are the bravest of the bunch, willing to move against the group. I've said before, there are no coincidences. It's very possible that someone will see your video, follow your example and make a difficult and possibly disappointing decision that ends up saving their or someone else's life. Always listen to your gut, those feelings are your Higher Self guiding you. You've come too far to just follow along when others are on the wrong track, especially if members are not considering the safety of the entire group. I admire you for what you did. Excellent video, one of my favorites 😁. ☮️❤️😎

You said it right that you should always travel at the pace of the slowest person. You made the right decision. Me and Erin hope to paddle up that way one day soon. Beauty yak

Although your footage in the big waves was thrilling, I was nervous just watching it. Bravo for making the right choice for you.

Hello. I frequent phillip edward island all the time. I see that you uploaded this in September 2022. That whole year was extremely windy, my friend, brother and I were out there on Canada's day and it was so windy that we couldn't take the boat out and fish. We just talked and chilled on the island with some drinks. You're okay with a north wind, however knowing the prevailing wind, its most likely always coming from the South-west. Chik/Phillip edward island is the best place, and the bay can get bad. All the times coming out of Collins Inlet and when it was wavy we would always be passing canoes. I always said either one of two things. They have balls, or they are crazy. I would recommend an app its called "Windy" I use it all the time. This video makes me miss summer. Cheers

You have to listen to the voice inside; it is there for a reason.

Having been a wilderness guide and trip leader, the points made about pacing around the slowest paddler and taking in consideration the lowest skillsets of the group are what a good leader does. Many of the suggestions you made were solid choices for the conditions. You made the right call by listening to your apprehensions and unease with the situation. There was no plan for rescue in the event of a mishap like the one that occured. I call it the death of a thousand cuts--not one mistake could cause disaster, but a few building on each other could end up being the tragedy that makes the news that day. You sensed that and it disturbed you enough to give you a sense of foreboding. I can tell you struggled with your decision, but your self-awareness helped to pull the plug on a bad situation. I'd like to recommend a book to you "Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why" by Laurence Gonzales. It's a fascinating and easy read. Spoiler: survival isn't about skills, it isn't about being overly cautious either.

I agree with the call. I sympathize with the guy who was pushing because I’ve been there but you were ultimately right. The poor guy dumping, the unnecessary risk from the swimmer (respect for his abilities!), the warning and gut feelings add up. Besides, you’ve already lost one great hat to a dubious decision. 😄

With all the traveling you have been doing,its a physical and emotional roller coaster.you are wearing yourself out.you need rest and alone time. I agree with you on this one,Jeff wasnt right

Safety first! Hoping the serene sunset island time added calm and strength and the fever discontinued in time for a great 2nd day on the blue waters.

Knowing your own and the most inexperienced person in the groups limits is absolutely basic safety in all outdoor activities. You should always absolutely without any exception take no risks whatsoever. The group leader was irresponsible and full of bravado. Your decision was the only sensible one to do. If it costs you some friendships (I have not watched all the video so far) so be it. They are people you do not need in your life.

Never high pack the deck of your kayak!

The only person who you can really take responsibility for is always yourself. As many other people have already said you made the correct call.👍👍

I watched both videos in this series, and seems to me you made the right call. Safety must always be the priority. Well done. 👍

Always go for common sense and safety..good Jason! Wow so beautiful Canada, Kayak never tried it, hope someday, not scared of water I am a good swimmer.. I believe in San Luis Potosi Mex some Kayak can be practiced...too..

Correct decision, regardless of who says what. Never do anything outside your personal comfort, especially on the water. Cautious is always better than dead. 👍👍

Good call! 👍

You did the right thing.

I'm glad that you stuck to what you know is safe, Jeff sounds like a bully. The area is really pretty. I hope you are feeling better.

Very sensible . Intelligent and experienced . A true leader . Thank you for sharing your thoughts . A pity that the others didn't agree . Your way prevents tragedies

Good call. You need to know your limits and be willing to accept them. From the sounds of it, you are all relatively novice kayakers. A little experience can be dangerous. Previous happy experiences can lead to a false sense of competence. It can take quite a bit of experience before you know what you know and more importantly an ability to recognize what you don’t know. Regarding the assertion that a rescue was not possible and someone had to swim out… Rescuing a capsized sea kayaker is a pretty common and straightforward process. With a bit of training and practice an experienced paddler should be able to get a beginner kayaker back into a sea kayak within a couple minutes even out in the middle of windy bay. But, once such an situation arises, that is a clear sign that the conditions are such that the same thing could easily happen again. Plans should be adjusted accordingly. One of the dangers of kayaking is, its pretty easy. Easy enough that you can trapped into thinking that anyone can do it safely. It is only easy and safe until it isn’t, and then it takes a lot of experience and judgement to understand your limitation. Again, good call on managing your own risk. I do recommend taking some time to learn some sea kayaking safety and handling skills. I’m sure there are some folks in your area who could help you learn the skills to make a windy day like you experienced a very straight forward and fun day to be on the water. Until then, be safe.

100% Agree!

Good call, Jason.

Hello. You made a wise decision staying back and not setting out on that choppy water. Better to be safe than sorry. The direction of the wind also has meaning. Nice little spot you found. Did you find any matches?

You made the right decision. BE SAFE!

I'm curious why Derek and the fella who dumped not stay with you?

you said you are not suppose to camp there? isn't that phillip edward island(crown land) so you can camp anywhere?

Travelling alone is the best

Cool video Jason, what no hammock,? Lol

I'm sure this was the same day we were out there. Friday of the labour day weekend? We went out in a canoe and almost lost our canoe. Just coming out of the river. We had to pull a shore to the left and spend the night there.

Mark dumps and you pull the camera out? Everyone keeps talking about how you prioritize safety and yet you left him out to dry for the drama? I understand you don’t have a lot of experience but I’m pretty sure pulling footage is not more important then helping out in any way you can. By the way the video looks great from your point of view .

It can be difficult to make the right call when your kayak mates want to make the wrong call. That is probably the hardest part. Glad that you "stuck to your guns" and did what was right. You had a great campsite by the looks of it!

Smart move on your part. Sad that someone elses selfish agenda put others at risk. I would not adventure with that person again....can't be trusted.

Testosterone vs common sense.. my opinion. Glad to see you take the high road and live to tell the tale, as they say. Happy trails and until the next video. 👋

Good decision to bail, Jason. That leader was not a leader, he was clearly just a show off, inconsiderate and dismissive of the weaker members of the group. That aside, I recommend you carry always, a means for fire (BIC or matches), a metal container to boil water (try a stainless steel Klean Canteen. You have a water bottle at the same time) whenever you travel outdoors. You had shelter and a signaling device, which did you well. It will be safer, and at least more comfortable next time out if you add these basic essentials, with a knife.

I think you made a good de ision.A good friend would not push another if they didnt want to go.

I used to trip with friends who were combative too much. I just said bye bye. went with my brother , just combative. if they had experience i would maybe say ok i'm learning something but they were zero knowledge. went with another group of guys and smooth sailing the entire time.

the film *Deliverance* shows exactly the group dynamics and how the False matcho man (( Burt Reynolds - caricature - Lewis Madlock ( surname is very clever "MAD" and will not re- avaluate his mindset - "LOCK" . quickly get folks into dangerous environments and situations ...

I’m a new subscriber, so did you change your mind about moving to Mexico? I think your videos are very honest

Jason.. you might have watched.. on RU-vid.. John "lofty" Wiseman ( SAS) PLAN protection location ..... you have the """right""" mindset temperament . 😉👍

are they still your friends?

I've paddled this exact stretch probably a dozen times. If it's windy, wait it out. Georgian Bay is no place especially for a relative beginner. And 500km is a 2-week long trip for a kayak so I doubt he's paddling 5000k a year unless he's out for weeks at a time.

honestly..... this video has really MOVED ME ,, I was in a very similar situation . God I'm feeling for Jason It's absolutely shows how some folks in a Power positions, course assessment leader ,welfare offers, will affect the rest of a group. and not listen to the voice of sense and sensibility.. especially if they could be on a assessment course, which means if they speak out against the course leader, , they could risk getting failed , so stay A ..SILENT AND MOST TERRIFYING B. lie .. I came into the Watersports ( open Canoeing) expecting THE leaders to BE 100000000% honest and professional and take responsibility for their WRONG Behaviours. because the innocent are seen as the bad bad person and excluded from groups / trips.. the victims get to be the fall guys ..to stop opening the can of worms it's COWARDLY ITS WEAK ITS SHAMEFUL AND ITS DANGEROUS To make the victim the FALLGUY and it MAKE THE VICTIM FEEL AWFUL .. YET I CAN LOOK EVERYSINGLE PERSON IN THE EYES AND TELL THE TRUTH. AND STAND TALL WITH A 100000% CLEAR CONSCIENCE.. MJD JA . YOU KNOW... THE TRUTH. YOU CAN LIE BUT YOUR CONSCIOUS WILL HAUNT YOU YOU CANT HIDE FROM IT ESPECIALLY IN THE NIGHT TIME DRIP DRIP DRIP YOU CAN HAVE ME.. EXLCLUED PERSECUTED BUT I WOULD DIE FOR THE TRUTH..

slowest / weakest man goes first sets the group pace.. if at the back .. the group will not know, notice if they fall behind, get cut off, lost. this happened in SAS BRAVO TWO ZERO. Mission. so yes even the BEST make mistakes. what important is A ... LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES B.. LEARN CORRECT METHODS C ..APPLY CORRECT METHOD'S D.. LOSE THE EGO AND "NEGATIVE" PRIDE E .. BE ABLE TO RE - GROUP F.. KNOW YOUR GOING TO BALLS UP AGAIN. G.. TAKE A TALKING TOO H.. BECOME A BETTER STRONGER INDIVIDUAL I..BECOME a BETTER STRONGER TEAM / PLAYER.. J..KNOW THIS WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER EXPERIENCED PERSON K.. GET A BREW ON AND LAUGH ABOUT IT.. L..BE WILLING AND ABLE TO TELL OTHERS.. YOU F@*KED UP. M... KEEP ON FILLING YA GLASS WITH GOOD KNOWLEDGE. 👍💛💗

from a open canoe paddler you did exactly THE RIGHT THING. it's called DROWNING MAN .. you assess the situation. what risk are there if I "go in/ stay" TO...... A ..yourself B.. your team C.. your equipment You knew you were doing the RIGHT THINGS.. don't carry that burden.. I'd paddler any time with you... and we always stop and assess the situations and environments ... we paddle with NO EGO on the waters . 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🏞🏞🛶🛶🌊🌊🌊🌊💗 ps.. a lot of folks should watch and learn a lot from this video..