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I’ve never launched off a big waterfall in a kayak, but I think I have a vague sense of what it feels like: I once jumped off an 80-foot cliff into a pool of water. (It felt like I unplugged my brain. Also, I had a bruise the size and shape of a great-white-shark bite on my ass for three weeks.)
As you can imagine, I have little desire to replicate the experience in a boat. But luckily for the adventure-curious, kayaker and Wend Magazine athlete ambassador Dave Hoffman captured his descent off of the 90-odd-foot Metlako Falls in Oregon. His shots perfectly capture the anticipation, shock, and finally elation (expletives included) associated with the whole endeavor. Check it out above.