After a couple of laps of Cataract Gorge the day prior in our hardshell creek boats, John Henry Braid, Sam Beckman and I decided to attempt a full run in our packrafts. Mostly to see what was possible but also to demo just how capable packrafts are. Here is some slow-motion and real-time footage of us on the Sandwhich Press. The intimidating thing about this rapid is not the drop itself but what lies just downstream of the camera position. There is about a ten-metre section of relatively 'quiet but fast water' before it leads straight into a 150 metre long nasty grade 4+ rapid that is notorious for destroying boats and people. John led the charge whilst Sam showed the perfect line. I didn't nail it but managed to still pull it off. I have always wanted to see packrafters run this entire gorge so it was great to finally get the chance to do so and with an incredible team of fellow kayakers who backed us up. By the way, this was Sam's first ever day in a packraft! :)
7 сен 2024
