Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Bring on the big guns.....!!


I should start by saying that yes this is a dangerous race and those adventurous men (and I noticed a few women in there)  take their chances, but the safety rules and regulations set in place are of the tightest level, there are safety vessels at all stages of the race ready to spring into action if needed. From the time the last kayaker comes through the rapids there is a substantial time lapse before the first of the speed boats comes careening through the gap to allow the kayakers to get well ahead onto the straight. There are times when the advantage definitely goes to the kayaker, for instance last year the water levels were so low due to lack of rain that for many parts of the rapids the boats and kayaks had to be carried, have a look here (Avon Descent 2010) to see the most amazing pictures of last years race conditions. I should imagine that it would be a lot harder hauling a speed boat over rocks than it would a kayak, but... I never intend to find out, how about you.....!!

25 comments:

  1. Wow, sure looks a bit on the dangerous side. Great action photos.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow you would think that the motors would get destroyed by the rocks. Super shots!

    ReplyDelete
  3. waouhh j'adore cette serie, une explostion d'eau pour les canoes. Vaiment tres impressionnat

    ReplyDelete
  4. You got really terrific action shots, Grace. It must have been both exciting and fun.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nope...this is not something I would try. I wonder how many of those motors survive this trip. Once again your photos are just great.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Motorboats in these Class 3+ rapids? Insane. There has to be a line between adventurous fun and the imminent risk of destroying yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The condition of the waterway on your link made me wonder why anyone would try it when the water is high because the earlier photos show what lies beneath the watery surface. To me that's scarier than the photos of today's race in the water.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks like fun but not something I could try. I really like that first shot.

    ReplyDelete
  9. it's very dangerous for photografer

    ReplyDelete
  10. Like I said yesterday, I'm a coward!

    I love these action shots though!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Estupendas las fotos que nos has dejado, como siempre un placer haber vuelto por tu espacio.

    Saludos y un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Action shots for sure. I'm amazed that you could capture it so well. Loved them, thanks

    ReplyDelete
  13. There must be a lot of damage too. Sheeeeesh!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I guess they are paid handsomely to do this!

    ReplyDelete
  15. So, Grace, was that you clinging to the rocks taking that shot in the second photo? These are wonderful action shots... I would consider the kayak but not the motorboat!

    Bises,
    Genie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Very scary. Is that a motor on a kayak? Never have seen that.
    V

    ReplyDelete
  17. wow! they are scary to look at,
    i wouldn't dream of doing that.
    but on one hand, it does look fun.
    so, i;m now having second thoughts...^0^

    ReplyDelete
  18. Fantastic action shots Grace. What a great event and great captures.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a challenge !

    Always two hands of water beneath their keel and a good Wednesday for you all.

    daily athens

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great action shots! Like you Perth, I prefer to get my kicks from sitting at a safe distance and doing the photography!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Another fantastic series of these 'crazy' guys adventure! :-)

    ReplyDelete