Aniol Serrasolses, a renowned kayaker, has achieved a monumental feat by navigating the world’s tallest glacier waterfall located in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway. This remarkable accomplishment was not just a test of skill but also an adventurous journey that pushed the limits of human endurance and exploration.

The journey to this extraordinary destination was an expedition in itself. Serrasolses, along with his skilled team, embarked on a 36-hour sea journey, braving the unpredictable oceanic conditions. This was followed by an arduous 11-kilometer trek across the Arctic’s treacherous and icy terrain. This demanding hike was essential to reach the river that would lead them to the ultimate challenge: the glacier waterfall.

Upon successfully descending the glacier waterfall, a feat that set a new world record, Serrasolses was overwhelmed with emotions. He expressed that the experience was surreal, likening it to kayaking on a completely different planet. This statement captures the unique and otherworldly nature of the environment he navigated, highlighting the sheer magnitude and beauty of the natural wonder he conquered. The journey and successful descent stand as a testament to Serrasolses’ unparalleled skill, courage, and the spirit of adventure that defines the essence of extreme kayaking.

“It was an absolutely surreal day that I still can’t believe happened.” –James Shimizu

Wild footage out of Eastern Washington as James Shimizu stepped up to one of the biggest navigable waterfalls in the world. Carved more than 13,000 years ago, the Palouse River runs through a narrow cataract and drops away at Palouse Falls into a churning bowl below (measured 186ft at the day of the run). This is absolutely wild.

About Palouse Falls:

Palouse Falls, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of eastern Washington State, stands as a testament to the raw beauty sculpted by nature over millennia. Cascading from a height of 198 feet, the falls are a focal point in the unique Palouse region, a landscape characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and dramatic canyons.

The falls are framed by rugged basalt cliffs, creating a breathtaking contrast between the turbulent waters and the stoic rocks. A single plunge creates a mesmerizing spectacle, with mist rising from the base and rainbows often dancing in the sunlight. The relentless force of the Palouse River carved through the basalt, leaving behind a canyon that adds to the falls’ allure.

Beyond its visual appeal, Palouse Falls is deeply rooted in local geology and history. The falls are a product of the cataclysmic floods that swept through the region during the last ice age, known as the Missoula Floods. These colossal events, triggered by the breach of glacial ice dams, shaped the landscape and left behind a legacy of captivating formations, with Palouse Falls being one of the most iconic.

A designated state park surrounds Palouse Falls, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness the natural splendor, hike the surrounding trails, and immerse themselves in the geological narrative of the region. Palouse Falls stands as a living testament to the ceaseless power of nature, inviting all who gaze upon it to appreciate the grandeur and resilience of the Earth’s ever-evolving tapestry.

Dane Jackson has a video library stacked with gnarly descents from around the world but this short clip of him dropping into what looks to be a section of falls in the Yosemite in his trademark pink kayak takes the cake. Dude went full on airborne in the middle. Still in disbelief he pulled this off:

*Video courtesy of @danejacksonkayak

When you think of exploring abandoned ship wrecks you mind probably goes towards scuba adventures at the bottom of the sea but if you’re off the coast of Costinesti, Romania all you need is a kayak and a bit of bravery. Ever since the cargo ship The Evangelina ran aground in the shallow waters of the Black Sea back in 1968, tourists have been flocking to see the derelict vessel. There are several tour boats the operate excursion to see the exterior of the ship but the best way to experience site is in a kayak. I recommend making sure your tetanus shot is current before entering but this looks incredible otherwise.

RELATED: Cool base jump venue….shipwreck beach in Zakynthos, Greece

Ride along with freestyle kayak world champion, Dane Jackson as he takes on this vertical inducing section of water in Mexico’s Santa Domingo Canyon. With 4 waterfalls spanning 300 vertical feet in just 1/5 mile, this section of river is the steepest navigable whitewater sequence in the world. The first drop of the series is Angel Wings Falls which stands at 80 feet. Incredible footage, Dane is an absolute savage.

RELATED: Kayaker Sends Monster 134ft Chilean Waterfall

About Santa Domingo Canyon:

Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Mexico, Santa Domingo Canyon stands as a testament to the country’s natural wonders, captivating the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This hidden gem, located in the state of San Luis Potosí, invites visitors into a realm of enchantment and awe-inspiring beauty.

As you embark on the journey to Santa Domingo Canyon, the first thing that captures your attention is the sheer grandeur of the canyon walls. Towering cliffs, sculpted by the hands of time, surround you on all sides, creating an awe-inspiring natural amphitheater. The canyon is a haven for geologists, offering a glimpse into the earth’s history through its intricate rock formations and layers.

One of the most striking features of Santa Domingo Canyon is its vibrant palette. The rocks display a mesmerizing array of colors, ranging from rich reds and oranges to subtle yellows and purples. As the sun dances across the canyon walls, the colors come alive, casting a magical glow that changes with the shifting light.

The canyon is also home to a diverse ecosystem, with resilient plant life clinging to the rocky surfaces. Cacti and other desert flora dot the landscape, adapting to the harsh conditions and adding a touch of greenery to the arid surroundings.

For those seeking adventure, Santa Domingo Canyon offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. Traversing the winding paths and discovering hidden alcoves, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of this natural sanctuary.

As the sun sets over Santa Domingo Canyon, the landscape transforms into a canvas of breathtaking hues. The canyon walls, painted with the warm glow of twilight, create a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for reflection and connection with nature.

Santa Domingo Canyon stands as a testament to the raw beauty that Mother Nature can sculpt. It is a destination that beckons explorers to witness the harmonious dance of geology, color, and life, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience its wonders.

“I’ve never seen a kayaker being charged like this. We do have some cases where a black bear or a grizzly bear will bluff charge. In most cases, it’s a defensive behavior. They’re just trying to communicate that you’re not welcome in the area.” –Sgt. Simon Gravel of B.C. Conservation Officer Service

Crazy grizzly encounter for this dude who was working as a safety kayaker for a rafting company on the Elaho River near Squamish, British Columbia. Luckily he saw the bear coming and hauled ass out of there. Are there places where they suggest having bear spray attached to your lifejacket?

Here’s how Dave Hugill, the dude filmed it, described encounter:

“So this happened in my office today… A young Grizzly bear thought my safety kayaker Jono looked like the biggest Salmon he’d ever set eyes on. Moms gonna be so proud of me.”

RELATED: Alaskan Fisherman Run For Their Lives With Grizzly In Hot Pursuit

ABOUT GRIZZLY BEAR SAFETY:

Grizzly bear safety is paramount when venturing into their habitat. Understanding their behavior is crucial to minimizing potential encounters. Hikers should make noise to alert bears to their presence, reducing the chances of surprising them. Carrying bear spray, a potent deterrent, and knowing how to use it effectively can be a lifesaver.

When in grizzly country, it’s advisable to travel in groups, as bears are less likely to approach larger parties. Avoiding areas with fresh bear signs, such as tracks or scat, is essential. Additionally, storing food properly and using bear-resistant containers can prevent attracting bears to campsites. If a grizzly is encountered, it’s crucial to avoid direct eye contact, back away slowly, and refrain from running, which may trigger a pursuit response.

Ultimately, educating oneself on grizzly behavior and practicing responsible outdoor ethics is key to coexisting safely with these majestic but powerful creatures.

Whales are really fantastic creatures. They’re incredibly smart, being able to recognize, remember, reason, and problem solve. They’re also just pretty animals, and it feels like I learn something new about them more often than most other animals.

Tail sailing, for example, is a behavior I’d never heard of until just today. Apparently it’s fairly common among certain species of whales, like the Southern right whale, but it’s very rarely witnessed by humans.

Why they participate in tail sailing is still a but of a mystery. Theories state that it could be an effort to control their body temperature, taking advantage of solar radiation or just the evaporation of the water on the whale’s skin. It could also be a feeding process, allowing them to easily access organisms close to the ocean floor. Alternatively, the whales could just be using their tales as a sail, like the name implies.

Whatever the reason, very few have had the opportunity to witness tail sailing, and even fewer have caught it on camera. Fortunately for us, YBS Youngbloods got some footage in a transparent kayak, providing some of the best footage possible.

He sounds absolutely blown away after the whales leave and, honestly, why shouldn’t he be? Just having that close of an encounter with a whale, let alone multiple, in such a vulnerable setup has to be absolutely mind blowing, let alone witnessing an incredibly rare behavior like tail sailing.

I don’t know which of the theories is correct, no one does, but I really hope it’s just that they’re letting the air do the work. Knowing that whales get lazy and are willing to just sit back while the wind does the work would make me very happy.

Related: Did You Know Killer Whales Are Natural Predators of Moose?

Image Credit: YBS Youngbloods via YouTube

A Canadian fisherman had an astonishing encounter when he found himself battling a massive Great White Shark in open waters, as reported by CTV News.

The heart-pounding moment was captured on video by the fisherman, Rick Austin, as he attempted to reel in what he initially thought was a striped bass. Excitement turned to shock when he realized the creature on his line was no ordinary catch.

“Wow, she’s pretty big. Yeah, she’s pretty big,” Austin exclaimed. “What the f—k was that?”

To his amazement, the video showed the great white shark briefly maneuvering near his boat, leaving him in awe of its sheer size. Despite his efforts, Austin struggled to reel in the powerful predator, thinking it might be a porpoise. Eventually, he had to let the creature break free, stunned by the encounter.

However, biologists from the New England Aquarium and the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph later confirmed that he had indeed caught a great white shark, not a porpoise, as he initially suspected.

According to scientists, the shark measured between six to eight feet in length and weighed an impressive 200 to 250 pounds. Comparatively, porpoises, which are legally protected in Canadian waters, can weigh up to 168 pounds and reach about six feet in length.

Nova Scotia is known for its frequent great white shark sightings, and it’s considered a breeding site for the species. Tagging efforts have increased in the area in recent years, leading to valuable insights into the migration patterns of these majestic creatures.

In 2020, researchers tagged the largest great white shark ever spotted off Nova Scotia, measuring over 17 feet in length. Nicknamed “Nukumi,” this “queen of the ocean” weighed an astonishing 3,541 pounds, making her the biggest recorded in the northwest Atlantic, according to OCEARCH.

The team collected samples from Nukumi and fitted her with tracking tags before releasing her back into the ocean to continue her journey.

Hell of a save. Dig the parkour style monkey vault over the capsized boat. This video comes from a kayak competition in North Carolina…hence the crowd cheering on the rescuer. Sweet reaction time and killer leap. Well played.

ABOUT THE GREEN RACE:

Between the 170+ racers battling it out and 2,000 spectators hiking into the gorge-The Green River Narrows Race is the largest extreme kayak race in the world. This iconic kayak race has drawn spectators and racers from around the world, humbled Olympic medalists, and been featured on major networks such as CNN.  From innovating new boat designs to bringing together one of the largest kayaking communities-this is the super bowl of kayaking.

RELATED: Brilliantly Kooky Kayak Hack

“I’ve never seen a kayaker being charged like this. We do have some cases where a black bear or a grizzly bear will bluff charge. In most cases, it’s a defensive behavior. They’re just trying to communicate that you’re not welcome in the area.” –Sgt. Simon Gravel of B.C. Conservation Officer Service

Crazy grizzly encounter for this dude who was working as a safety kayaker for a rafting company on the Elaho River near Squamish, British Columbia. Luckily he saw the bear coming and hauled ass out of there. Are there places where they suggest having bear spray attached to your lifejacket?

Here’s how Dave Hugill, the dude filmed it, described encounter:

“So this happened in my office today… A young Grizzly bear thought my safety kayaker Jono looked like the biggest Salmon he’d ever set eyes on. Moms gonna be so proud of me.”