The Thrill of Running Waterfalls: A Professional Kayaker’s Perspective
Summary
In this Q&A article, we interview Rafael Orti, a professional kayaker with over two decades of experience in running steep waterfalls, and Aniol Serrasolses, another kayaker, who talks about his love for the sport and his shift in focus towards environmental projects. Orti discusses the factors that make a good waterfall to run, the techniques used to land safely, and his process of finding waterfalls. Serrasolses discusses the mindset, intuition, and physical aspects involved in kayaking and how his perspective on risk-taking has changed after starting a family.
Table of Contents
- The Factors that Make a Good Waterfall to Kayak
- Techniques Used to Land Safely
- Finding Waterfalls to Run
- Mindset, Intuition, and Physical Aspects Involved in Kayaking
- Shifting Focus towards Environmental Projects
- Conclusion
Introduction
Kayaking is an adventurous sport that requires skill, intuition, and a lot of courage. Running waterfalls is considered the ultimate accomplishment for kayakers, and Rafael Orti, a professional kayaker with over two decades of experience, is no stranger to this. In this Q&A article, we will discuss the factors that make a good waterfall to kayak, the techniques used to land safely, and how to find waterfalls to run. We will also explore the mindset, intuition, and physical aspects involved in the sport, as discussed by Aniol Serrasolses, another kayaker.
The Factors that Make a Good Waterfall to Kayak
Q: What are some of the factors that make a good waterfall to kayak?
A: A good waterfall to kayak must have a certain degree of slope and volume. The steeper the waterfall, the more height it should have to make it runnable. Usually, a minimum height of 15 feet is required. However, some kayakers, including myself, like to run waterfalls as tall as 189 feet. The volume of water must also be taken into consideration, as too little or too much water can make the waterfall unrunnable or unsafe.
Q: Are there any other factors to consider besides slope and volume?
A: Yes, the landing zone is also crucial. A good landing zone must be free of hazards such as rocks, trees, and other obstacles. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall should also be deep enough to absorb the impact of the kayaker. The flow of the water must be checked, as eddies or currents can suck a kayaker under the water, resulting in drowning or other injuries.
Techniques Used to Land Safely
Q: How do you position yourself to land safely?
A: The technique used depends on the height of the waterfall. For smaller waterfalls, I want to land on top of the water at a 45-degree angle. To do this, I approach the lip of the waterfall at an angle, keeping my speed in check. As I go over the edge, I use my paddle strokes to position my kayak in the right angle. For taller waterfalls, I aim to land vertically to reduce the impact. This technique requires a lot of experience and intuition to avoid injury.
Q: Can you explain how intuition plays a role in running waterfalls?
A: Intuition is a key factor in running waterfalls. When you’ve been kayaking for a while, you develop a feel for the water and its flow. This helps you to predict where the water will take you and how to use that to your advantage. For example, when running waterfalls with strong currents, you need to use the momentum of the water to avoid getting pushed into a rock or other hazardous obstacles.
Finding Waterfalls to Run
Q: How do you find waterfalls to run?
A: I use Google Earth and satellite imagery to study the rivers from different angles. This helps me to identify potential waterfalls that have never been run before. I also talk to locals in the area to get their opinions on the river and the waterfalls. Sometimes I’ll even hike into remote areas to find new waterfalls to run.
Q: Do you have any advice for kayakers who want to run waterfalls?
A: Never run a waterfall without scouting it first. Make sure you know the landing zone, the water flow, and any other hazards that may be present. Start with smaller waterfalls and work your way up to taller ones. Focus on technique and safety rather than just the thrill of the run. And always paddle with a group so you can help each other out in case of an emergency.
Mindset, Intuition, and Physical Aspects Involved in Kayaking
Q: Aniol, can you discuss the mindset required for kayaking?
A: Kayaking requires a calm and clear mindset. You need to be focused and present in the moment. Fear is a natural feeling when running waterfalls, but it’s important to keep that fear in check and use it to your advantage. Ultimately, kayaking is all about the process and the experience, not just the end result.
Q: What are some of the physical aspects involved in kayaking?
A: Kayaking requires strength, endurance, and good reflexes. You need to be able to maneuver your kayak quickly and accurately, react to sudden changes in the water flow, and stay balanced at all times. Regular training is important to maintain your physical ability to kayak and avoid injuries.
Shifting Focus towards Environmental Projects
Q: Aniol, how has starting a family changed your perspective on risk-taking?
A: As I am getting older, I realize that the risks involved in kayaking are not just about myself but also about the people I care about. Starting a family has made me more cautious and aware of my surroundings. I still love kayaking and the thrill it brings, but I want to focus more on environmental projects and river cleanups. It’s important to leave a positive impact on the places we kayak through.
Conclusion
Kayaking is an exhilarating sport that requires a lot of skill and experience, especially when it comes to running waterfalls. Rafael Orti and Aniol Serrasolses have provided insights into the factors that make a good waterfall to run, the techniques used to land safely, and the process of finding waterfalls to run. They’ve also discussed the mindset, intuition, and physical aspects involved in kayaking and how their perspective on risk-taking has evolved over time. Overall, kayaking is a sport that requires respect for the water and the environment, and it’s important to approach it with caution and a deep appreciation for nature.
