Christel and Kayaking

Christel had her first juicy taste of kayaking in 2018 when her boyfriend Matt's father, Steve, took them out on Pinchot Lake just south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. And again in 2020 on another Pennsylvania lake. Shortly after covid hit, Christel decided to purchase a kayak of her own; a Perception Manatee who Christel called Boaty McGhee. And in June, 2021, Christel and Boaty McGhee would begin an incredible journey through the wilds of Georgia, exploring a new river or lake location on each trip. Christel has never repeated a trip location. She may have visited a single river multiple times, but never at the same spot. This makes each adventure new and unique! (-UPDATE- July 7, 2023 breaks my no-repeat streak, lol. The Etowah River at Neal's Landing, my 59th kayaking adventure. Wow I couldn't have waiting one more?)

Christel uses a variety of sources to discover new locations to kayak including Google Maps, various paddling websites, and asking fellow kayakers in various Facebook groups. She sticks with mostly flat water and slow-moving rivers during the colder months, but ups the anty a little during the warmer times by seeking locations with faster flows and even some minor rapids. and as of 2023, whitewater kayaking has come into the picture where Christel partakes in down-river class I-III rapids with friends. 

As an often solo kayaker, Christel's method of river kayaking typically involves paddling upstream first, then turning around and floating back to the original put-in.  She typically paddles upriver for anywhere between 3 and 6 hours, has lunch at a chosen awesome spot, then floats back down to Sir Adam Corolla (her car, lol). When the water's flow is too strong to paddle up, that's when the challenge begins! Christel uses a variety of methods to attain up strong river currents including an upriver paddling technique known as "ferrying," or she walks through the water or along banks and rocks dragging ol' Boaty McGhee by a rope. Whitewater kayaking is different, though. Those adventures tend to be quicker downriver runs, and the small kayak disallows for much storage so I have to minimize my cargo. Less luxury and leisure and more action! 

Christel's first 47 videos were recorded using a simple Canadian Android smartphone from 2016. Then she acquired a Motorola Moto G Power, so you'll find better video quality appear at video #48 (Flint River Part 9).  Then she finally got a GoPro starting with video #51 (Flint River Part 10). She edits with Adobe Premiere Pro. 

Christel's Kayaking Adventure Playlist on Youtube