Taking the Fall

Definitely worth viewing large.

Back when Mick Hopkinson kayaked Maruia Falls (the first to do so) 30+ years ago, these were the highest falls in the world to be kayaked. That of course has changed and the crazy people are now kayaking falls twice this height.

Today a group of 'professional' kayakers were kayaking Maruia falls for footage for a movie. If you follow the line of the wire above the falls here towards the right of the picture you will see the camera hanging down. They got out there really early this morning to run the line and string the camera and have been busy off and on all day kayaking the falls in as many different styles/approaches etc as they can.

One of our teachers took a group of students out to watch this afternoon and I got myself invivted along as transport so that I could take some photos. I've photographed and blipped these falls plenty of times but I like the fact that the kayaker gives a perspective on the height, width and volume of water for a change.

I'bve put a few more photos from today on my flickr if anyone is interested.