Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Kayaker in world record waterfall plunge

American kayaker Tyler Bradt has set a new world record by plunging 186 feet over a waterfall in Washington State.

The only injury the 22-year-old suffered was a sprained wrist and a broken paddle as he fell for four seconds over Palouse Falls before reaching the bottom. Pictures have emerged showing Mr Bradt as a tiny speck in a red canoe perched on the edge of the falls.



He was then swallowed up by the raging torrent of water which cascades down the side of the mountain. The waterfall is so high, the spray it generates causes its own rainbow.

After landing at the bottom, Mr Bradt sank 20ft under the water and stayed submerged for seven seconds before he resurfaced, triumphant.



Mr Bradt said he visited Palouse Falls four times before plucking up the courage to tackle it. Afterwards, he said: "I have been passionate about running waterfalls for a while now.

"I had come to a good understanding of what I believe I am capable of and what is possible. Palouse was a calculated decision to reach further into the unknown and make a dream a reality."

There are more photos here.

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