riding the rapids at the sinks
We have a spot called the Sinks here in the Great Smoky Mountains. This place is a drop off from huge boulders (three along side of each other) that is about 30-50 foot deep.
During our photog get together we were shooting the water when this guy comes along and says he is going down the rocks. Of course I had to find a spot that would be just right to capture this presidented moment. No one ever goes down these rocks due to the seriousness of the depth and the rapid water that leads one into a very fast current that could take and keep someone under for awhile causing them to lose their life.
After talking with the guy of which way to go, and either way was very dangerous, he had actually wanted to clear the three boulders and come down the sharpest drop.
He was dealing with coming between three huge boulders and not falling off sideways, or dropping straight down into the current.
He had planned on coming thru the drop off (which is 25ft at least straight down), but with the water raging as it was, it carried him in between the three boulders.
As we all watched, we all held our breath as this guy decended down. I have no doubt his adreneline was going so fast he could hear his heart beat over the raging water.
One thing is for sure, to say he’s got balls is an understatement, and had he allowed his fear to prevent him from going down this he would have missed an opportunity of a lifetime.
We all cheered him on as he made it down safely giving him the “thumbs up”
I can only imagine what was going thru his head as he went down this very serious rapid.
The shot below will give you an idea of what he was going thru, I had shot this a couple of years ago at the same location.
These are shots after he made it down
Shot this using Marianne’s Sony A700 (sweeeeeet camera) in Ss mode (of course)
SS at 1/400
F-stop at F5.6
ISO at 100
Ev set at -0.7
Focal length at 50mm
riding the rapids at the sinks belongs to the following groups:
Smoky Mountain Masterpieces, Untouchables and Waterfall Photography Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
dinghysailor1
eek! it certainly looks tricky and you captured the scene brilliantly in your great capture and description – what a wild challenge… mad or what!!
cheers
:))
Christopher E... replied
mad is an understatement!! it was wild watching him do it, and i sure didnt want shots of him failing. added more shots of him coming down ;) thanks ding :)
PrairieRose
you’ll never get me in that dingy!!!!!
OUTSTANDING action capture dear Christopher…................. :))))))
Christopher E... replied
wouldnt get me in it either rosie!! lol
i will admit tho, have to admire the guy for doing, added s’more shots of him coming down.
and thanks my dear canadian friend :)
AngelPhotozzz
I agree what bravery he had to attempt that feat bravo for him and you as well for a fine capture of this heroic event! Excellent work!
Christopher E... replied
thanks wendy, i couldnt believe what he was going to do, so there was No way I was going to leave!! had to capture that, the sinks are taboo to rafters
Vicki Ferrari
Amazing Chris! I don’t think you could pay me enough to do that! It looks terrifying! But hey, great photography, and this time with a Sony!! Looks like you have some lovely weather over there at the moment! :))
dinghysailor1
wow serious rockiness there…phew! glad he made it ok!!
:))
Wendy Slee
that looks pretty freaky…..what an adrenaline junky! and you have captured some amazing shots here – fascinating to see these!!
barnsis
I once rafted the Arkansas River in Colorado and saw some people doing this, they are crazy!!!! Awesome action images.
Anthony Pierce
That man is either incredibly brave or stupid or both. I like to stop and look at the sinks, but going in them…. no way! The guys who jump from the top into the swimming hole are equally insane to me.
Angel Perry
OH WOW! as much as I would like to shoot this… I would much rather be the one in the yellow :) AWESOME.. love the pickys on the side too!
H M Bascom
Awesome shots Christopher! How thrilling!
Glenda Remaklus
What a thrilling shot Chris and the commentary that goes with it. I cannot imagine someone riding those rapids. I have a feeling that your adreneline was on high too. Your photos are magnificent!!!
Linda Jackson
Great shots, but one word for that guy, CRAZY!!!!!
Take care, Linda
KatsEye
Wow what some amazing captures Chris. I am glad he made it. I would never ever try something like that. Great comintary. Love it all.
Jellybean720
Great Capture :))
budrfli
Oh my gosh!!! Cannot imagine!!! awesome captures!!
Rosalie Dale IPA
Some people must thrive on adrenaline – I fall to pieces! Give me a calm life any day. What a great shot Chris … be proud of this one!
loramae
As one who has a water/phobia..seeing this and then reading your insert literally caused my heart rate to jump lol Excellent shot…the more with your descript:O)
MountainHawk
Excellent shots Chris! Nice narrative too! I have seen these guys before at the sinks but not when the water was like this! WOW!
Joyce Dickens,...
Wow Chris; this is truly amazing – excellent exposure, just like bein there… Bravo XX JD
Al Bourassa
Awesome shots!!
Lisawv
WOW! Awesome action shot! Excellent work. I would have given him a thumbs up also, he has nerves of steel and more guts than most.
Wanda Faircloth
I still think he’s NUTZ!! But I’m glad I was there to witness it. I could not bear shooting the ‘entrance’ but I was snapping after I saw he made it,lol.A great memory to share with my special friend.
bamagirl38
He’s nuts! LOL what a rush!!!
Wooooooo Hoooooo!!!! :)
Lucindawind
fabulous capture .. scary !!!
Brian Carey
The yellow really attracts the eye, nice work!
lucin
My husband is a white water kayaker. I have seen many ww shots. :) This is a terrific one!
Ellen
A beautiful image!
Charlie08
What a fantastic photo opp for you! I was getting nervous reading your description and praying he made it ok..LOL Wonderful action images!
Daniela Weil
Outstanding action shot Chris
Robert Elliott
wonderful shot and description Chris
Steven Sandner
Excellent shots! and awesome story! ...i need to get myself a better camera one of these days.
NatStarr
Perfect capture and WOW what an action shot!
Anthony Pierce
When we came through here with the family on Saturday there were 4 kayaks at the top getting ready to make the plunge down. Way too cold to be in the river let alone going down the sinks!