The best and worst year of my life. With thanks to my friends, family and sponsors for helping me to kayak almost 300 days this year. Huge thanks to everyone that helped film these shots / bren.orton
Saturday, 18 May 2024 Woke up this morning to be informed that the great Bren Orton was lost on the Melezza river in Switzerland doing that which he became so renowned for in the Whitewater kayaking world. It was my joy to meet with Bren briefly in Augsburg 2022. What a profound loss to all his family and friends throughout the world. R.I.P. Bren…never to be forgotten.
Its rough watching this right now. Hits way too hard. Loved his videos, style, and incredibly positive attitude. Great soul and role model taken way to soon. Arguably, one of the best ambassadors of the sport. Rest in Peace.
I have never been and never will be at the skill level to paddle the gnarly stuff that Bren made look easy. But on the 3 occasions I met him he was so encouraging, passionate and caring about every single paddler he met - their paddling ability or experience being completely irrelevant to him. All that mattered was that he was on the water with them sharing his love and energy. RIP Bren Orton.
It's crazy to think he's gone now. I couldn't believe the news when I first heard it, in fact my brain wouldn't accept it was real. I'm still struggling to accept it. The world will sorely miss you Bren, but you'll live on in our memories. Paddle on Bren!
What new adventures? He died. His existence is over. He lived large and bold and brought us great joy and entertainment. That's it. Life is precious and to be protected. It's temporary. We don't just get to move to another life because we lost the only one we have.
Man this one hits home everyone will miss your awesome attitude sick lines but you will live on as a legend and Inspiration. Both on and off the river. Send in peace brotha
Yes to everything this edit Bren. I remember 20 years ago, sitting in that Pyranha office getting a call about one of the team losing their life on a river whilst on an expedition which I was supporting. It took me a long time to get to terms with it, but I realised that the connections you make on a river are unlike any other connections you will make in life. Those other kayakers you get on the water with are saying 'I got you' so much louder than other sports. And as you Send It in 2023 - you got this Bren 🤘
One of the best edits I have seen. Keep sending and keep sharing brother! The world needs the inspiration. In every life, there will come the time when we stare the cruelty of this life directly in the eye. Coming out the other side, you will be a different person. Wiser, more empathetic, more compassionate, and hopefully, more purposeful. Loss and grief are unavoidable parts of this life. Growth in these moments is up to us. In the process sorting through all of this, never forget - You were born for this. Cant wait to continue following your journey. Onward!
WW saved my life 22 years ago. I have not lost friends on the river but to drugs. If I was ever to loose my life, may it be doing doing something I love.
You chose the life of extreme adventure, both thrill and burden. We’re all grateful you’ve documented that journey and inspired so many, not just to the extremes, but more simply, to get OUT. With many years yet to live, we hope you find a path through the challenges that follow. You’ve given so much to those close to you and many more you’ve never met. You owe us nothing, but for yourself… find peace.
Your stoke is infectious. Painful as it is, your loss has matured you. There will come a day when you normally run it but decide to portage. That will be his hand on your shoulder guiding you home. All the best. Great video.
Anyone who has ever lost a loved one on the river knows what you are talking about. I am absolutely amazed at how well you can put it into words. goose bumps everywhere
I am so sorry to hear this, Bren. I've gone though similar emotions, losing my best friend to the river, losing more paddling buddies since. It's heart wrenching to lose someone close, especially on the river. Even though it doesn't make it hurt any less, there is something to be said for dying doing what is a passion. Please don't completely isolate, but keep spending time with your paddling friends, as they will understand better than most non paddlers what it is like to have that bond of trust on the river, that willingness to take great risks to help your fellow paddler in dire need. Those fellow paddlers might have experienced the pain of losing paddling buddies themselves. It has been close to a quarter of a century since my best friend Scott Bristow died kayaking the Great Falls of the Potomac, but what I wrote back then may be of some solace to you now: To meet someone To truly meet someone Is to have a light come on In a room of your mind You did not know was there. That light will not be extinguished That room will not be forgotten!
I share your sentiment Bren. A couple of my river buddies were taken from this world too early. If your friends were anything like mine, they'd definitely want you to keep the flame burning. You are a phenomenal ambassador for the sport and a hugely positive inspiration to thousands. I'm sure I speak for the majority when I say we love your edits and wish for them to continue long into the future. Here's wishing you a very happy 2023 on the water.
I am 70 Bren still kayak but no longer on white water, wild swim, what extreme skilled kayakers do is a calculated risk, I know from your vlogs you guys plan and check the river as best you can but there will always be a risk, more than the average person comes across in life . but there again just walking across a street carries a risk. what you do and show gives me a joy and an appreciation of the skill of you guys and the massive white water you go on, I have nothing but admiration, I have followed the senders, Rush Sturges, The demshitz over the past years keep doing what you love only stop when its not a joy... love and peace mate from a northerner from greater Manc
Great vid! Went through this 8 years ago and still think about it. It does change you like so many things in life and that’s ok. Focus on the positives and if you don’t feel your self then don’t be afraid to talk to someone. You’ve achieved so much over the past few years and it’s ok to celebrate it. Great vid!
You give us a truer impression of the commitment, skill and dedication that leads to these amazing sequences than any other youtuber. Keep it honest and keep it real. Our time with friends on the river is never lost.
I've lost a couple of people that I paddled with. It certainly occupied my mind for a long time. The way I look at it, when you roll the dice a thousand times, eventually your number comes up. A stupid little class 3 is enough if you get pinned. That air screw off the first in a double cascade totally blew me away, the confidence is mind boggling. Love watching you guys, keep it up.
Damn, Bren, this is so wise and I hope all his friends and family take comfort in the fact that this man was so insightful and also passionate about this sport. Thank you for all the wonderful videos Bren. I will be rewatching forever.
Sound words and great edit bro. Trust me your doing good with sharing your love of the sport. As well the mental challenges that it has brought you. Your keeping it real. Much love.
Unreal edit. Key is you keep it real. Its not all happy times and easy runs, you show it all. Those people lost will forever be with us on the river ❤️
Bren I have been involved in outdoor sports most my life from climbing to skydiving, hang gliding , and now kayaking in all these things there’s risk but we all except it and if we do anything long enough we experience so tough times but I look forward to seeing your videos and the places I will probably never get to paddle so stay safe and hoping you have a blessed 2023
Bren, what an edit! Superb. Just the right balance of remembrance and inspiration. Your work with the ParkJams continues to develop those starting out in the sport and some of those grins - wow - they clearly love it. Your ability to push yourself at the highest level is amazing to watch and a constant beacon for us all to do our bit for the sport we so love. I wish you all the success in the world for 2023 and cannot wait for the next chapter in your adventures.
As an old paddler who’s biggest days on the river may be in my past I can say your video was thought provoking (and amazing, loved the Metallica) I wish I could say those thoughts disappear and only the good memories remain sadly they don’t but in time I’ve learnt to accept the feelings of guilt and the positive memories mean more to me every year and that means everything to me and keeps me going out on my travels with my boat and my friends. Cheers for all your content and may 2023 lead to to all sorts of new adventures!!!
It's so inspiring and impressive to see how far you've come Bren. One thing I've learnt this last year is just how quickly people can get taken away not just in kayaking but even doing everyday life, life is precious and possibly one of the best ways to treasure it is by doing something with passion and love just like you do. I'm proud of you and who you've grown up to become. Care & love Pring ❤️
So many beautiful words of support here. I really can't add to anything that's already been said. So I'll say thank-you for sharing your incredible adventures. I wish you all the best, keep doing what makes that heart of yours happy.
Wooow, what a epic edit. Bren you really deserve to be the 2022 Paddler of the Year. And yes, we should not forget the paddlers who died but also the magic of kayaking. I wish you all the best for 2023 and stay healthy, stay hungry. BR Tom
04:39 on the Teigdalen is just mind blowing. Epic paddling and some mega boofs. Look after that back, you won't be young forever! Death is always difficult to deal with. It gets better in time, you'll see. Have a great 2023.
It was refreshing to hear you share your emotional journey in life this year. Our sport needs more of this conversation. It's easy to focus on the stoke and the excitement of kayaking and ignore the shadow side that's not so glamorous. To make space for emotional honesty as a kayaker, and as a man, is a clear demonstration of leadership! It's been a pleasure to follow your journey Bren.
A poignant and deeply personal video, but such a good one. I hope the scars gradually heal with time and spending time on the river with friends old and new brings you much joy. As for the paddling and editing in that video it’s simply awesome-next level stuff and soooooo good to watch. All the best for 2023 Bren and keep the edits coming🙂
I have never commented on one of your videos, but I’ve watched everything you’ve ever put out… This video is remarkable, inspiring, and literally makes me so pumped up. Keep on sending it brother.
Only love! Your passion for the river and all that flows with it ..the highs, the lows...shines through Inspiring young and old mate. Wow 300 days on rhe water..incredible and inspiring..
Been watching almost videos today and this one is among🙌💯. The art of storytelling makes everything surreal and watcher to reproduce lots of dopamine/adrenaline making him/her have the feel of the kayaker, the urge to keep rewatching more videos and inspiration. Hands up once more🙌🙌
I knew bren well I met him at a kayaking event at trywern being in plastics it was my brothers birthday and we had cake together , most famous people are a bit unkind but bren was different me being a slalom kayaker it shook the community because it was such a loss I’m really sorry to hear what happened. RIP bren
Yes it can take so much from us. But I know I, no you, nor anyone else in the sport, can imagine a life off the river. Every aspect of life as pain, it’s the tightness of the community that makes it this hard. Love ya buddy, keep doing it for the love and the joy ❤
