Kayaker Jesse Coombs Plunges Down 96ft Waterfall (Video)

OMG, Odd Ball, Strange News — By Dave on 2011/09/24 2:13 AM

Kayaker Jesse Coombs became the first person to successfully paddle down Abiqua Falls in Oregon, USA.

The 40-year-old’s death-defying plunge down the 96-foot-high waterfall was caught-on-camera by sports photographer and videographer Lucas Gilman, 34, who hiked with him to the remote waterfall.

For safety reasons, two kayakers were placed in the pool below.

‘Jesse is a good friend of mine and you never want a friend to get hurt,’ said Mr Gilman.

Coombs’s plunge was considered a success even though he suffered both a fractured shoulder socket and a collapsed lung.

Before him, the only other person to attempt the feat was athlete Tim Gross who landed badly and dislocated both knees.

And just one week after Jesse’s successful attempt in April this year, kayak world record holder, Tyler Bradt suffered a broken back after attempting the same waterfall.

There were fears that Bradt, who holds the record for kayaking down the highest waterfall at 180ft, would never walk again but he is now making a full recovery.

Jesse said: “This waterfall comes with heavy consequences so not many people have attempted it.

“Three world class kayakers have attempted Abiqua Falls and all three of us have been injured to some degree.

“It’s not the tallest waterfall but it’s definitely considered one of the most dangerous.

“To fall 96ft takes around three seconds, so there is not much room for error.

“But knowing I’d nailed it gave me a huge feeling of elation.”

Tags: 100 foot kayak plunge over waterfall, 100ft waterfall plunge, 30m Plunge, 96-foot waterfall, Abiqua Falls, daredevil, Jesse Coombs, kayak, kayak down Abiqua Falls, Kayaker, Kayaker Jesse Coombs, Kayaker Jesse Coombs Plunges Down 96ft Waterfall, Kayaker paddles down waterfall, Lucas Gilman, odd ball, Oregon, Tim Gross, Tyler Bradt, video, viral, viral video, waterfalls