Kayaking the Middle Kings River, California. Short Film - "Symphony of the Kings"
Рет қаралды 11,394
6 ай бұрынJoin us on an epic journey down the Middle Fork of the Kings River in California. Known as the "Middle Kings" in the paddling community, this run has everything you could want in a whitewater expedition. A strenuous hike-in with your kayak over 12,000 foot Bishop Pass, countless class V slides, waterfalls, and rapids, all while being surrounded by the stunning beauty of Kings Canyon National Park.
This infamous river has a reputation for being humbling, scary, and difficult. I've always wanted to experience the struggle of the Middle Kings for myself, and this descent delivered a true adventure. After the record setting 2023 California winter, we put in for an early September decent and the river gods were sure to provide plenty of additional challenges. With high winds, cold temperatures, heavy rains, rising water levels, avalanches, landslides, and more wood in the river than normal, we got exactly what we were looking for!
Featuring Sage Donnelly, Drew Barrere, and Andrew Dunning.
Filmed and Edited by Andrew Dunning.
Music:
Fakear - Song For Jo
40 day dream - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Judah & the Lion - Suit and Jacket
Polo G - Through Da Storm
@RobbieGilson 5 ай бұрын
Probably the most comprehensive storytelling I’ve seen of the Middle Kings - I loved the addition of the mapping, b roll shots, group dynamics, and balance of headcam/on-the-bank footage. Really wholesome video that gives this river the respect and documentation she deserves. Well done!!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
I filmed the whole thing on my iPhone and GoPro so the number one focus was just paddling the river, but I was really happy with what we were able to put together. Sometimes even epic river trips don't have so much to report, just fun kayaking in beautiful places, but this trip delivered a little more adventure!
@MCKNEW77 2 ай бұрын
First ww film Ive sat all the way through in a while. Just a genuine adventure captured. Loved it.
@chrismccoy4146 10 күн бұрын
The commentary was so on point.I got the pleasure of doing MFK in 2010.Such an epic journey,glad you guys got the full experience.
@skaaddict2 2 ай бұрын
This video was fantastic. Deserves way more views
@andrewdunning7622 2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@goldsteinster 5 ай бұрын
Fantastic. Way better cinematography than the standard kayak videos-gives us a sense of what kayaking is really like.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you! It was challenging to capture everything considering the focus we were having to put on the water, but I feel like it was enough to tell the story.
@noerighetti367 5 ай бұрын
great video!!! thanks!
@SoundandVibration 4 ай бұрын
Beautiful! Thank you for the incredible emotions watching this video!
@andrewdunning7622 4 ай бұрын
THANKS!
@trwent 3 ай бұрын
Nice runs over Devil’s Washbowl!! The section of the MK between Palisade and Cartridge creeks is the most awesome canyon I have ever been in. In my opinion it is the absolute epitome of the High Sierra for beauty and grandeur. (I am not a kayaker, just a hiker.)
@FPVLeviticus 5 ай бұрын
One of the best Cali vids I’ve seen this year!!!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
It was definitely the trip of the year for us!
@lysan1445 5 ай бұрын
I always admire the stamina of whitewater kayakers to get to their destinations, carrying their boats. The journey down Middle Kings was mesmerizing. It is such a beautiful place. Very well cut and told! I really enjoyed that, and this is one of the few occasions I regret that I never tried whitewater kayaking. I am just a calm water kayaker.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Never to late to try whitewater! But regardless of the rapids, any time in a kayak is rewarding.
@lysan1445 5 ай бұрын
Well, I am in my mid-sixties, but who knows...;.)). @@andrewdunning7622
@JoeSmith-ru9xu 5 ай бұрын
Those of us that paddle difficult whitewater often know that sometimes shit happens. Sage is a world class paddler that made a mistake we have all done or seen. When shit does happen, a lot of times it's "better to be lucky than good"! The gods were shining on your crew. Thanks for sharing the journey. The Sierra Nevada is truly a Whitewater Heaven
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Joe. We definitely got lucky and I'm glad we did, funny how it all works out sometimes.
@creeks-and-peaks 5 ай бұрын
Incredible! And also terrifying. Beautiful.
@priyankarana5181 5 ай бұрын
You guys are awesome ❤.
@jimc3891 5 ай бұрын
Great story.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Jim!
@scottmcinnis8558 5 ай бұрын
maybe the best video of extreme i ever saw with team bringing torch and spare plastic......u gotta be kidding me.......excellant
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
The torch is our camp stove and we cut a piece of plastic from the cockpit rim to use to weld the crack back together. Good tricks to know if you need to do a repair in the field!
@matthewwallace1793 5 ай бұрын
Brought back memories, did that with 2 friends roughly 15 years ago. Well done .
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
I've been wanting to do if for about that long. So glad I finally got in there.
@Idahorusty 5 ай бұрын
This stretch had been my top goal for years. Injuries, circumstances, and time has it in my rear view mirror now. As bummed as that can make me feel, I am happy to see you and others experience it as I look ahead with the inevitable perspective time hands to us. A seriously fantastic job you did, all the way around. Congrats!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
It had been a goal of mine for years as well. I'm so grateful to finally have the opportunity to experience it. Even without the river, the landscape is spectacular and worth going for. Thanks for watching!
@lancepz5231 5 ай бұрын
What a perfectly told story and cinematography to show the river, the paddlers and the situation. Thank you putting this together. Those self support multi day trips require deep commitment and an incredible skill set. nice to see you work together to live your intentions and achieve your goal.
@FORTRANWW 5 ай бұрын
This is so badass. Hurt to watch that Galasport get snapped. Unbelievably well done video
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you! That was a sad moment breaking up that Galasport, but I'm glad I didn't drop into the bottom 9 with a compromised paddle. It was shocking how easily you can break those carbon shafts.
@charlesshober8840 4 ай бұрын
good times
@MichaelChanslor 5 ай бұрын
Thank you for this amazing, honest and raw video! Sharing your ups and downs, keeping real. #goals
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
It was a struggle for sure, but worth it in every way.
@larrymeisner8968 5 ай бұрын
Sooo sick and very thoughtfully put together, probably the best Middle Kings edit to date. Congrats!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
I also feel like we had one of the hardest Middle Kings trips ever with all the challenges we were presented with haha. Thank you!
@josephmyers64 5 ай бұрын
I really like the way you shared your journey. I've paddled MFK 5 times and every trip is the trip of a lifetime. Like you said at the end, this river leaves you changed for ever. The more you go back the more you change. Thanks for sharing your experience.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Can't wait to go back. Hopefully the next lap has a little better weather :)
@oldkayakdude 5 ай бұрын
Nice job! Been watching Sage's (Grats on being World Champ!) journey since I met her almost 2 decades ago at a slalom race here in Cali. Your team worked well together on a good challenge. Crazy to think how long ago the first descent was (1982), the sport has changed so much since then in many ways, but the reasons why we go is still the same.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Agreed, we will always being drawn to the wilderness experience and the spiritual power of a river journey. I can't imagine being in there with long kayaks! Props to all those guys for leading the way.
@rowyeah456 5 ай бұрын
Stunning in all the senses
@starkpv 5 ай бұрын
Well done! Great footage. Hiking with the kayaks in the wind was crazy!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Peter! The hike sucked haha. Everyone we passed on the trail was trying to convince us to bail because they thought we wouldn't make it over the pass with the wind. I'm glad we stuck to the mission. Next time will feel way easier.
@allro10 5 ай бұрын
Great work, really appreciate seeing people put time into telling the story of kayaking missions instead of just dumping GoPro footage
@DavidHughes-he6hg 5 ай бұрын
Congrats Andrew and team. Well done.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, David! Hope you're having a good season in Pucon.
@HeywoodScott1 5 ай бұрын
Wonderful video. No sugar coating the fear, mistakes and anxiety. Well done!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Scott! Some trips there isn't much to report, but this trip there was plenty.
@shanemurphy35 5 ай бұрын
Fantastic story telling in every sense. The narration adds so much to the story! The relentless tunes and POV only style just doesn't capture a fraction of what you portray here. You even show how kayaking although considered an individual sport is really a team effort for the crew on the water. Very well made!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Shane! It was definitely a team effort every step of the way, couldn't have made it without the support.
@fsquared64 5 ай бұрын
Absolutely incredible! (Don’t tell anyone, but this made me cry for some reason.)
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
That was my goal so thanks for sharing!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
We shed a few tears ourselves
@korsion 5 ай бұрын
Fantastic. ❤
@TruckHouseLife 5 ай бұрын
Best middle kings video I've seen duder, had that one on my list for 20+ years.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Same! I've always wanted to do it. So glad I finally got in there.
@mikeprue2707 5 ай бұрын
Excellent!
@ryanevans90 5 ай бұрын
Epic epic epic!!!
@cbrunner420 5 ай бұрын
Awesome video! Very captivating
@beardawgstudios 5 ай бұрын
I absolutely loved the careful, moment by moment story telling! It’s such a great approach to whitewater cinematography. From the narration to the incredible GoPro shots this film has it all. Thank you for sharing this with the world! Much respect 🤙🏽
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching. I agree the story telling makes the film!
@TheJandyo 5 ай бұрын
Hi, I loved your short movie . What an epic trip and experience , the highs and lows . Thankfully, all turned out safe and OK . Can you tell me what size kayaks where the Dagger Code, please ?
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks guys! I think they were both in the Medium Code.
@waytall9213 5 ай бұрын
I didn’t even know that paddling the Middle Fork was a thing! Epic story, well told.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks! It's only runnable a few weeks a year, and a pretty small number groups paddle it in a season so it's unlikely to see or hear about kayakers in there.
@nickmurrayshow 5 ай бұрын
I love the storytelling, you and many others inspire me to pursue expedition kayaking.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you. Kayaking is the best way to travel through the wilderness! Riding the magic carpet.
@felixonwater 5 ай бұрын
What a great movie and way of storytelling, well done!!!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Not every trip is this exciting! The story had to be told.
@23jdizo 5 ай бұрын
Such a sweet video. Epic job. I wish I was a better kayaker. Good kayakers see the coolest parts of planet earth. Then they ride em’
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
There are plenty of world class canyons and wilderness that have easier whitewater! I enjoy them all.
@MrOceanmind 5 ай бұрын
Beautiful filmmaking and adventure kayaking, did not miss any slowmo, immediately has found its place on my best of list!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you, Martin. I'm really happy I kept filming even among the difficulties of the trip.
@forestkan6653 5 ай бұрын
What an incredible story to tell and a great job doing so. I had chills most of the video.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Forest!
@wildcard7799 5 ай бұрын
This was incredible. Nicely edited. Most importantly, congrats on the expedition!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@ryan.scott.youtube 5 ай бұрын
Great Editing!! I've seen many videos that make me appreciate the river. This video made me appreciate the experience and after being there myself it brought back many memories! Well done!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you, Ryan. Such a special place to experience.
@andyinzuerich 5 ай бұрын
I love your videos. I was hooked since the swiss Speedflying video, i am not really into kayaking until now but I really enjoyed your film and storytelling.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and for the feedback. My goal is to keep improving the storytelling!
@brodymcbee5147 5 ай бұрын
so epic andrew!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks dude!!
@big1dog23 5 ай бұрын
Great film. Wow. September no less. I try to picture that at peak flow this year. Yikes.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
The peak flows were absolutely massive this year. There was also a hurricane that hit California 10 days before we put on for this run which brought the levels back up to 10x the runnable flows. It was crazy to see how far above the river we found fresh debris piles of wet wood from the high water.
@Greekandsleek 5 ай бұрын
Truly inspiring! Way to capture It all!!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
I'm grateful for having the opportunity to get in there. Inspired by all those who went before us!
@gleneverett9728 5 ай бұрын
Epic !!
@Ericxnugz 5 ай бұрын
Sick dude
@amosshuman9802 5 ай бұрын
Great video. I think you captured the feeling of the Middle Kings amazingly. It has been 18yr since my trip and there aren’t many times when I get in a kayak where I am not having thoughts of that experience.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
We won't be forgetting this trip and the river definitely lived up to it's reputation!
@robertglennetter 5 ай бұрын
great video and storytelling!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you, Glenn!
@michaelnerby8129 5 ай бұрын
Excellent trip! What a wild ride, nice work
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching, Michael! The ride of a lifetime.
@riverliva792 5 ай бұрын
Hey man just wanted to roll by and say thanks a lot for making this video. Really refreshing to see great paddling and film making in one, not many are going to the effort these days. I'm sure it took a lot of time to make, and of course to actually do. Sick video, rowdy beautiful kayaking and nice to see some candid reflection on the hazards and pitfalls. Drews ferry was sketch as. Cheers from France 🇫🇷
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Hey River, thanks for watching, I appreciate the comment. Definitely took some time to edit this one but it was well worth it! Not every trip has such a memorable impact so it will be a good one to look back on.
@QuailKayaks 5 ай бұрын
That was epic, great film.
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Austin!
@gordmccoll5009 5 ай бұрын
Wow great job guys 😊
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thank you, Gord!
@deborahdunningmft9227 5 ай бұрын
Excellent film!❤
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Trip of a lifetime!
@Trapt311 5 ай бұрын
Awesome video! Great save at 6:35 Carrying a Code for 14 miles must’ve been awful
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
The hike is no fun, but it's worth the struggle. And the views are stunning!
@jehu-kayak 5 ай бұрын
Comprehensive edit! Very engaging! Great mix of povs! Wouldn’t have minded more downstream shots to make for a longer vid, but sick edit nonetheless! I said a quick “yay” when Sage’s boat was found! Haha
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Jehu. I was entering this into a film festival that had a 10 minute limit, but they made an exception for this one at 13min. I originally had a lot more footage in there. It was hard to cut down! And definitely, finding her boat was a miracle. If it had floated a few hundred yards more downstream it would have gone into the biggest drop on the river and been destroyed.
@jehu-kayak 5 ай бұрын
@@andrewdunning7622 I see. Maybe you could make another longer edit with all the shots 🤌🏼 Dang…yeah glad y’all found it for sure!
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
@@jehu-kayak Yeah I've been thinking about doing that.
@rowyeah456 5 ай бұрын
We like this right 😂
@andrewdunning7622 5 ай бұрын
Wait, isn't this supposed to be fun? haha