Astonishing in “El Salto del Maule”, the descent of a 41-meter waterfall, a feat that was successful last February, the American freestyler kayaker has just tackled, still in Chile, another challenge: the Rio Claro, a tumultuous and above all extremely narrow river, some sections of which are only accessible by kayak. It didn’t take much to titillate the world champion in free canoeing, always looking for new spots. He came back with a 7-minute film of which we will remember less the comments (in English and… very sound!) Than the striking images.
An American childhood on the roads, in a motorhome, a mother who gave him school (a little) and a father, an Olympic paddler, who trained him (a lot): the path was all laid out for Dane Jackson.
In 2011, he won the Whitewater Grand Prix – a competition organized for nearly ten years in Canada bringing together the crème de la crème of extreme kayaking – since then, he has dominated all competitions, holding, among other things, the title of world canoe champion. -free kayaking.
Well driven by dad, founder of the company Jackson Kayaks, the 26-year-old American made an impression in February this year when he descended “El Salto del Maule”, a waterfall of 41 meters, in Chile. A cut clearly above his previous exploits, six waterfalls at least 30 meters high.
Also tackling Rio Claro, still in Chile, might seem like a piece of cake for Dane Jackson. But it is not, as the site is committed, as we discover in his film. “It’s a river whose full power you can only appreciate by kayaking it”, explains the athlete. “Incredibly narrow, you have to go all out. This is one of my favorite courses in the world, and by far one of the most beautiful. Crystal clear water winds between the sheer rocks. It is an absolutely unique place ”. he explains.
Flash back: in February Dane jumps the “Salto del Maule” waterfall, 41 meters high
For four years, he didn’t stop thinking about it. Last February, all the conditions were finally met to attempt the descent of El Salto del Maule, in Chile, a waterfall 41 meters high, the second highest fall ever. Interviewed by Redbull, his sponsor, the pro kayaker tells how he prepared for this event and how he lived it.
Selected extracts.
How did you find this waterfall, and what makes it so special?
Every time you discover a stunt that has not been done, a question arises: is it possible? I have come across this kind of waterfalls several times before, but when I discovered Salto del Maule 4 years ago it was the waterfall that obsessed me the most – I just kept to educate myself, to look at photos and videos to try to get an idea. She looked so perfect and the place is breathtaking. But there were still many points to be clarified, especially on the depth of the water. This is what prevented me from going there at the time. In January, I was told about this fall again and I knew it was time to get there.
How do you mentally prepare for something so scary?
The most important thing is to make sure that you do what is necessary to ensure that everything is considered, even what could go wrong. We have to make sure of the security, and discuss it to see if I’m 100% sure of getting there. By covering it all up, feeling 100% optimal, preparing for what might happen, and embracing it, it allows me to make sure I’m doing it for the right reasons. For the Salto del Maule, it all fit together perfectly, the security was good, and it was a dream fall, so I knew that was what I wanted to do, and nothing else.
What was your feeling on the brink, just before the big jump?
It’s hard to describe because it happens very quickly but, more than anything, this is the moment when everything falls into place. This is the moment when you have to see if everything is going as you imagined, and you have to react correctly if it does not. It is also the most glorious moment when we cross the horizon blindly and when we look at the beast. In most cases, you get water in your face and, in reality, you only get clear vision when you cross the waterfall. This is the moment you remember the most and the Maule is the most intense I have ever experienced.
Did everything go as planned or were there problems?
In the end, the descent went as perfectly as I had imagined. Unfortunately, after the fact, my skirt came off which filled my boat with water. Even though I stayed in it when I emerged from the water, I ended up coming out, which does not prevent the line from being perfect. With a stunt of this power and height, the way things turned out is still a win for me, although the ending could have been a bit better.
Is this the most adrenaline-pumping kayaking experience you’ve ever had?
It was definitely one of my greatest experiences. But I wouldn’t necessarily say it was another level of adrenaline, considering I had to focus on what I had done before. I also didn’t know the height, as I wanted to wait until I was finished to measure it. I wanted to wait until later because, looking at her, I felt like she was the same size as any I had done before. All of this gave me confidence to do the line well, which allowed me to do exactly what I had to do. If I had measured it beforehand and realized it was the biggest fall I had ever taken, maybe I would have been more nervous or hesitant. I still would have done a good line, but I might not have had the same confidence.
Are you chasing Tyler Bradt’s world record at Palouse Falls (58m)?
I wouldn’t call it a chase, although I’m sure there is one somewhere. It’s going to be hard to find a drop as perfect as Palouse. If I find it, and the opportunity presents itself, I might take a look, but I’m not on that quest, because I have a lot of other things to do.
- Themes:
- Adventure
- Chili
- Kayak
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