Returning to the river
late February 2023
Barron Gorge hillside, 26th January 2023.
After I found out my friend Petr Hanzak passed away from kayaking injuries I have been avoiding the river and photographing the kayakers. The waterfall season started about the same time so I have had something to distract me anyway.
Barron Gorge hillside mid February 2023.
Most of the seasonal waterfalls I visit are high up the hillside in Barron Gorge with no tracks in. I enjoy being alone in the rainforest but recently I have enjoyed it even more.
Learning to ride the river heading for a capsize, late February.
Late February I decided it was time to start visiting the river again. So after a day on the hillside I dropped by The Rooster’s Tail to watch some kayakers paddle the river. The young man above was being guided down the river by a more experienced paddler.
Rescue ropes at the ready.
When a newer paddler is being guided down the river a more experienced paddler will go ahead and exit the river. They then position themselves on the rocks with rescue ropes at hand in the case the novice gets into trouble.
On this day both kayakers exited the river to the rocks to discuss how they were going to take on the Rooster’s Tail. After “blessing himself” with a splash to the face the more experienced paddler went ahead.
The teacher exiting the Rooster’s Tail.
Above is a sequence of photos from the lead paddlers run. My favourite photos at this location are usually of when the Rooster’s Tail spits the kayaker back out.
The student exiting the Rooster’s Tail.
The student on this day made a spectacular exit from the Rooster’s Tail but the river soon reminded him of his place on the water.
A capsize after exiting the Rooster’s tail.
The new comers are generally trying to fight the river and/or failing to read the flow properly. When you fight the river the river usually wins.
An experienced paddler on the river, January 2022.
The more experienced paddlers ride the flow of the river, the more you watch them the more you appreciate their skill.
Taking on an calmer section below the Rooster’s Tail.
After passing the Rooster’s Tail the river gets a bit calmer :) Safe paddling people!